The effects of drought stress on changes in the relative water content, in levels of photochemical efficiency and chlorophyll content and in activities of antioxidative enzymes of second leaves of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Mironovská and Estica were compared. In one set, control plants were regularly watered, the other set of plant was subjected to water deficit period since 11th day to 18th day of plants life-span. The activity of all antioxidative enzymes and content of β-carotene increased, relative water content, total chlorophyll content and photochemical efficiency decreased after treatment in both cultivars. In the case of Estica the values of antioxidative enzymes activity was higher than in the case of Mironovská. It is therefore possible to assume that Estika is capable of dealing with higher levels of active oxygen species created during drought stress.This might enabled it compensate the effects of drought stres more effectively.