Wine and Moon

The link between the moon and wine is ancient, and indeed there is more than one scientific study demonstrating its validity, particularly regarding certain grape varieties and ageing processes, in which factors such as cultivation methods, processing, pruning, racking or bottling, and ageing are aligned with the phases of the moon. At this point, there is one key question: just how much truth is there in the idea that the moon influences wine?

How does this practice work?

In Italian culture, we can already see how important the favour of the stars – with which deities were associated – was for agriculture. For example, autumn was characterised by the sowing of wheat, which had to be done strictly during the hottest hours of the day so that the sun’s rays would then warm the dormant wheat throughout the winter. Whereas for lentils and chickpeas, people would wait until spring and sow them first thing in the morning. It is therefore not surprising that this ‘structure’ of cultivation also applies to the production of wine.

After all, if the moon influences the tides, the growth of plants and hair, and even affects certain heavy fluids within plants, why shouldn’t it influence grapes? There is a proper calendar for grapes, namely: 

-    During the waxing moon, the sap rises towards the branches and bunches; this is an excellent time to fertilise and nourish the plant

-    During the waning moon, energy is concentrated in the roots, making this the ideal time for pruning

-    A full moon encourages more ‘vigorous’ activity in the plant, such as fruit set, and this is when it needs water

-    A new moon is a time of rest, making it perfect for aerating the roots by loosening the soil around the mother vine

This is an ideal farming method for producing high-quality grapes and is based on the phases of the moon, which guide the key stages of wine production.

Grape harvesting and the phases of the moon: what the producers say

According to some producers, the belief that the moon’s influence on wine brings various benefits is evident from three main factors: the abundance of grapes, the flavour, and bottling or drawing off.

Take grape yield, for example. In the areas of Tuscany between Chianti and Siena, winemakers prefer to follow the lunar calendar when fertilising, pruning and nurturing the vines. This enables a high wine yield; however, it is important to note that this information cannot be scientifically verified, but is based on data provided by local producers.

Many winegrowers do not take a firm stance either for or against it. Some follow the lunar phases as a practical guide, others as a cultural tradition handed down through the ages.

In some biodynamic wineries, the lunar calendar is still a daily point of reference. In others, it is used more as an organisational tool to schedule work; it is therefore clear that, in any case, many people are convinced that the moon does indeed influence the wine.

One of the most hotly debated aspects is, of course, harvesting in accordance with the phases of the moon. Picking grapes at specific points in the lunar cycle influences the quality of the must.