Lunar & cosmic calendar for demeter certification
The contribution, measured
Time horizon: Ongoing
How it contributes
Working by the calendar is part of the biodynamic practice valued and documented under Demeter.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this goal matters
Demeter is the leading biodynamic certification. It requires the organic base plus the use of the biodynamic preparations, managing the farm as an organism, biodiversity quotas and its own cellar rules.
In practice, gaining and keeping Demeter is mostly a matter of doing — and proving. Every preparation application, operation and input has to be logged and traceable for the annual audit.
Goal indicators
Market & certification: The Demeter seal is a strong market differentiator and the formal goal of most biodynamic projects.
How to apply the practice
- 1Check the calendar for the day type and sap phase.
- 2Align preparations and work with the appropriate day.
- 3Favour fruit days for tastings and certain operations.
- 4Log the dates to evaluate over time.
Frequently asked
Does the biodynamic calendar have a scientific basis?
The effects attributed to lunar/cosmic rhythms are debated and not scientifically settled. Many growers use it as a planning discipline and associate it with better tastings; Demeter certification values working the calendar.
Do I need to follow the calendar for everything?
In practice you prioritise applying the preparations and certain operations and tastings; weather and agronomic conditions always come first.
Same practice, other goals
Same goal, other practices — Demeter
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof Demeter certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Biodynamic calendar
Root, leaf, flower and fruit days and the lunar phases in GrapeFlow, to plan preparation applications and work in step with the calendar.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — compost, cover, animals, dynamisation — logged by plot, ready for certification.
Tasting notes & analyses
Per-lot tastings and analyses over time, to relate the biodynamic programme to how the wine evolves.