Wineries are thrilled because sorting grapes in the field makes processing faster and easier

As the harvest season continues, trucks deliver grapes to wineries, but loads carry more than just grapes, which is why field grape sorters are growing in popularity.

Key Points: High at 7% of what is delivered to wineries is non-grape materialDuxton Vineyards in the Murray Valley is using field grape sorting machines for the first time this season to help eliminate this problemThe company is taking part in an Australian wine research industry trial to see if sorting grapes in the field improves wine quality

Between 5 and 7% of what is delivered to wineries are leaves, vine canes, stems and other materials that have been picked up by mechanical grape pickers.

Duxton Vineyards, based in South West New South Wales , just across the border from Mildura, is using field graders for the first time this vintage.

"We" I'm really thrilled and the winery loves it ", Duxton's head of viticulture said Chris Nye.

The vineyard has five field sorting machines in operation and will be part of a trial of the Australian Wine Research Institute to see if sorting grapes in the field improves wine quality.

The sorter was installed on the side arm of the self-propelled grape harvester.

< p class="_39n3n">Non-grape material (MOG) is separated and returned to the vineyard, while fruit falls into the wine bin.

Wineries of South Australia were the first to use the equipment.

But for adoption in warmer growing regions with higher yields, comm n south-west New South Wales, a field sorter with greater capacity had to be developed, otherwise the harvester would have had to go slower.

"This one is capable of 30 tonnes per hour and initially, in the Barossa you're looking at 5-10 tonnes per hour they were very small machines," Mr. Nye said. says.

Less wear and tear on equipment

The invention helps wineries be more sustainable by transporting less waste to wineries for processing.

< p class="_39n3n">Duxton Vineyards Grape and Wine Business Manager Tony Allen says it also makes processing in the winery faster and easier, especially for red grapes.

"It increases the throughput Although the grinders a lot - there is less waste coming out of the end of the destemmer," he said.

Duxton Vineyards comme...