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The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor family plays critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation, but the biological functions in response to various stress of the WOX gene family have not been extensively researched in grapevine (Vitis vinifera). In this study, 12 grapevine WOXs were identified from the grapevine genome. Quantitative PCR and microarray expression profiling found that the expression of WOXs had an obvious tissue-specific pattern. Conjoint analysis between various tissues and treated materials indicated VvWUS1 expression is associated with expression of genes from grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus; and VvWOX3 with grapevine fanleaf virus. The gene expression patterns of the WOXs in grape were different under salt stress, with VvWOX8/9 , VvWUS1 , and VvWOX3 responding more strongly to salt stress than control by 18.20-, 9.50-, and 9.19-fold. This study further improves understanding of the evolution and function of the WOX gene family, and offers a theoretical framework and reference for breeding grapevine to better tolerate adversity and permit cultivation of seedlings free of viruses. WOX is a family of genes that help regulate how plants develop and also respond to stress. In this study, 12 WOX genes were identified in grapes and analysed by bioinformatic methods. Coanalysis of different expression patterns in grapes showed that two of these genes respond to specific viruses and effectively block virus replication and infestation. Another gene was the most sensitive to salt stress. This study provides preliminary evidence that these three genes are key to resistance to salt and to viruses in grape, providing vital candidate genes for grapevine breeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]