Grapevines can survive and perform well in 3 macroclimate types:
Continental Climate
Climates with a wide annual range are called continental; they tend to be in the interiors of a large continent. They are characterized by short and very dry summers with a large, rapid temperature drop in autumn. They are divided into two categories. The first is the cool continental climate (Burgundy, France) with long cold winters and a very short growing season. The second is a moderate continental climate, where the summer is dry and very hot and often irrigation is required (Castilla La Mancha in Toledo, Spain). In general, in vineyards located in a continental climate zone, a well-managed canopy is very important to physiological grape ripeness.
Maritime Climate
It is characterized by cool to moderate temperature and low annual difference between the hottest and the coldest months. Usually, in this climate type, you will find an ocean or large body of water nearby. Rainfall is intense and tends to be evenly spread out throughout the year; this can help to moderate the temperature and the sunlight level. Wines from maritime climates tend to be fuller but still very balanced and complex (Bordeaux, France; Napa, California; Bio Bio Valley, Chile).
Mediterranean Climate
Low annual difference between the hottest and the coldest months, but unlike in maritime climates, in Mediterranean climates, we have drier and longer summers, with warm to hot temperatures. In this macroclimate, sun exposure is higher and wines tend to be stronger with soft tannins, high alcohol, and a big body. Even though we refer to this macroclimate as "Mediterranean," it is also present on California's central coast, North Chile and South-Eastern Australia.
Generally speaking, grapevines can only survive up to a certain latitude, above the equator, where multiple factors match the perfect growth conditions for grapes. Specifically, I am talking about humidity, rainfall, sunlight, and, of course, temperature, and diurnal range (temperature variation). We summarize all these factors in one word: CLIMATE.
Climatic/ocean currents are also a key factor because they are responsible for temperature variations around the world. For instance, thanks to the Gulf stream, Portugal and Bordeaux have perfect climates for vine cultivation. This current generates the North Atlantic drift that mitigates the cold air from the North pole. Equally, when we talk about California, it is the North Pacific current that makes Oregon suitable for pinot noir and Napa for cabernet sauvignon.