[Vineyard & Winery Elf EN](https://help.vineyardelf.com/index.md) / [VineyardElf](https://help.vineyardelf.com/vineyardelf.md)

# [BBCH growth stages - tracking grapevine phenology](https://help.vineyardelf.com/bbch-growth-stages-tracking-grapevine-phenology.md)

## Why monitor your winery?

Fermentation is a delicate process. Too high a temperature can stall the yeast; too low a temperature slows fermentation down. With monitoring you can:

- Track tank temperatures 24/7
- Get an alert the moment something goes wrong
- Keep full documentation of every batch
- Avoid running down to the cellar in the middle of the night!

## What can you monitor?

### Fermentation tanks
- **Must temperature** - the single most important parameter!
- **Density (Brix)** - fermentation progress
- **pH** - acidity

### Cellar / Production hall
- **Air temperature**
- **Humidity** - important for barrels
- **CO2 level** - safety during fermentation

### Barrique barrels
- **Temperature** in different parts of the cellar
- **Storage conditions**

## How to connect sensors

### Step 1: Choose your sensors

We support several types:
- **DS18B20 temperature probes** - inexpensive and accurate
- **Ecowitt stations** with add-on sensors
- **ESP32/ESP8266 sensors** - for the DIY crowd

### Step 2: Add them in the system

1. Go to **Settings > Winery > Sensors**
2. Click "Add sensor"
3. Choose the type and enter the connection details
4. Name the sensor (e.g. "Tank 1 - Riesling 2024")
5. Save

### Step 3: Assign it to a tank

1. Go to **Winery > Tanks**
2. Add a tank or pick an existing one
3. Assign the temperature sensor
4. Done!

## What do I see on the dashboard?

The "Winery" widget shows:
- **A list of tanks** with their current temperatures
- **Colour coding:**
  - Green - temperature OK
  - Yellow - close to the limit
  - Red - limit exceeded!
- **Mini charts** of temperature

Click a tank to see details and history.

## How to set up alerts

Don't want to miss a problem? Set up alerts:

1. Go to **Settings > Alerts > Winery**
2. For each tank, set:
   - Maximum temperature (e.g. 20°C for white)
   - Minimum temperature (e.g. 15°C)
3. Choose how you want to be notified (SMS/email)
4. Save

**Typical thresholds:**
- White wine fermentation: 15-18°C
- Red wine fermentation: 25-30°C
- Barrel cellar: 12-15°C

## Fermentation chart

Go to **Winery > Tank > Chart** to see:
- **The temperature curve** across the whole fermentation period
- **The drop in density** (if you measure Brix)
- **A comparison with previous batches**

Export the data to PDF - handy for documentation and certification.

## Tips

- **Calibrate your sensors** at the start of the season - compare them against a reference thermometer
- **Set alerts with a margin** - it's better to get an alert at 19°C than at 22°C when the limit is 20°C
- **Check the batteries regularly** in wireless sensors

## Troubleshooting

**No readings from a sensor?**
- Check the power supply / batteries
- Verify the WiFi connection
- Make sure the sensor was added correctly

**Odd temperature spikes?**
- The sensor may be poorly placed
- Check whether the cable is damaged
- Compare it against another thermometer

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## Related articles

- [SMS and Email Alerts](/kb/vineyard-elf/alerty-sms-i-email-powiadomienia-w-czasie-rzeczywistym-aEXxifXi)
- [Work Calendar](/kb/vineyard-elf/kalendarz-prac-winiarskich-planowanie-i-dokumentacja-SExVXQLi)
- [Integrations and API](/kb/vineyard-elf/integracje-i-api-laczenie-z-zewnetrznymi-systemami-7i5rMRxQ)