One of the biggest tasks in setting up a winery or expanding one is the decisions on the wine tanks. Much time, thought and effort should go into planning what the winery wants to accomplish with the tanks. If these decisions are made properly and well in advance dollar savings and better functionality can be achieved.
1.What will these wine tanks be used for?
Wine tanks serve various purposes in the winemaking process:
Fermentation: During primary fermentation, where sugars convert to alcohol, wine tanks accommodate this process. The controlled environment within the tank ensures yeast can thrive and ferment the grape juice.
Storage: After fermentation, wine needs storage to mature and develop its flavor. These tanks provide a stable environment, protecting the wine from external influences like air and temperature fluctuations.
Blending: Winemakers often blend different batches of wine to achieve desired characteristics. Tanks allow for controlled blending of wines before bottling.
Aging: Some wines benefit from additional aging after fermentation. Tanks can provide the necessary conditions for this phase, allowing the wine to develop complexity and depth.
Clarification and Settling: Tanks facilitate processes like clarification and settling, where solids settle at the bottom, and clear wine can be drawn off the top.
Temperature Control: Some tanks offer temperature control features, allowing winemakers to regulate temperatures for specific stages of fermentation or aging, which can impact the wine’s quality.
Transportation: In some cases, wine tanks are also used for transportation of wine from the vineyard or winery to bottling facilities or distributors
In essence, wine tanks are versatile vessels crucial at various stages of winemaking, providing a controlled environment for fermentation, storage, aging, and other processes that contribute to the quality and characteristics of the final product.
2.Wine tanks with cooling jacket or spiral channel cooling?
The choice between cooling jacket and spiral channel cooling in wine tanks often depends on specific winemaking needs and preferences. Both methods serve to regulate and control the temperature within the tanks, crucial for different stages of winemaking. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Cooling Jackets:
Design: Cooling jackets are integrated into the tank’s structure, typically as a double-walled layer. Coolant, like glycol, circulates through these jacketed walls, helping to regulate the tank’s temperature.
Advantages: They provide even cooling throughout the tank, maintaining consistent temperatures for fermentation, storage, or other processes. They’re relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Spiral Channel Cooling:
Design: Spiral channels are attached inside the tank. These channels act as conduits for coolant, usually glycol, which flows through the spiral-shaped tubing, dispersing cold temperatures into the wine.
Advantages: Spiral channel cooling allows for more precise temperature control in different parts of the tank. It can be more efficient in cooling smaller batches or specific areas within the tank.
Choosing between the two methods can depend on factors like:
Size of Batches: For larger batches or tanks, cooling jackets might provide more uniform cooling. Spiral channels could be advantageous for smaller batches or tanks where precision in temperature control is essential.
Flexibility and Control: Spiral channels offer more localized control, allowing different sections of the tank to have varied temperatures. This can be beneficial for nuanced winemaking techniques or when handling different types of wine.
Cost and Maintenance: Cooling jackets are typically part of the tank’s structure, while spiral channels might require additional installation. Maintenance and repair considerations might influence the decision.
Ultimately, the choice between cooling jacket and spiral channel cooling methods should align with your winemaking goals, batch sizes, temperature control requirements, and budget considerations. Winemakers often assess these factors and select the cooling system that best suits their specific needs.
3.Will solenoids valve will be used to help control the temperature of the wine tank?
Yes, solenoid valves can be used as part of a temperature control system for wine tanks. These valves are electromechanical devices that control the flow of fluids (such as glycol or coolant) by opening or closing in response to an electrical signal.
In temperature-controlled wine tanks with cooling jackets or spiral channel cooling systems, solenoid valves are often integrated into the cooling system to regulate the flow of the cooling medium (such as cold water or glycol) that helps manage the tank’s temperature.
4.What material should the wine tanks be made out of?
Stainless steel is a common choice due to its durability, cleanliness, and resistance to corrosion. Other materials like concrete or wood might offer specific characteristics, but stainless steel is versatile.
5.Will the wine tanks be placed on adjustable legs or Plinth Mounted?
The placement of wine tanks, whether on adjustable legs or plinth mounted, depends on several factors, including winery infrastructure, space availability, and operational preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Adjustable Legs:
Flexibility: Tanks mounted on adjustable legs offer flexibility in terms of height adjustment. This can be advantageous when dealing with uneven floors or when wineries need to adjust the tank’s height for specific processes or maintenance.
Ease of Cleaning: Elevated tanks make cleaning underneath and around the tanks more accessible, contributing to better hygiene.
Accessibility: Working with tanks at an ergonomic height can improve accessibility for winemaking tasks like punch-downs or sampling.
Plinth Mounted:
Stability: Plinth mounting provides a stable base for the tanks, often making them less prone to movement or vibration during winemaking processes
Space Efficiency: Tanks mounted on plinths might require less floor space than those on adjustable legs since they don’t need additional room for height adjustments.
Aesthetic Appeal: Some wineries prefer the uniform appearance and neatness of tanks mounted on plinths.
The choice between adjustable legs and plinth mounting depends on factors such as:
Space and Floor Conditions: Adjustable legs are beneficial when dealing with uneven or sloped floors. Plinth mounting might be preferred for space optimization in smaller areas or when floor conditions are even.
Maintenance Requirements: Consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning. Adjustable legs may offer better accessibility for cleaning purposes.
Operational Preferences: Some winemakers may prefer the stability of plinth-mounted tanks for certain winemaking processes, while others might value the flexibility of adjustable legs.
Ultimately, the decision between adjustable legs and plinth mounting should align with the winery’s specific needs, space considerations, operational workflows, and the winemaker’s preferences for functionality and aesthetics. Some wineries may even use a combination of both, choosing different mounting options based on the specific requirements of each tank.
6.Warranty and Support for the wine tank provided by supplier
Warranty and support provided by a supplier for wine tanks are crucial considerations when making a purchase. Here’s what you should look for regarding warranty and support:
Warranty Coverage: A reputable supplier should offer a warranty for their wine tanks. This warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions for a specified period after purchase. The duration can vary but often ranges from one to several years.
Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the warranty terms. Understand what is covered (e.g., materials, workmanship) and what might void the warranty (e.g., improper use, modifications). Clarity on these terms is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Support Services: Inquire about the support services provided by the supplier. This includes technical assistance, troubleshooting, and customer service. A supplier offering responsive support can be invaluable in addressing issues that may arise during installation or use.
Availability of Spare Parts: Check if the supplier provides spare parts and their availability. Having access to replacement parts can be crucial for maintenance and repairs, ensuring the longevity of your investment.
Installation and Training: Some suppliers offer installation services and training for your staff on using and maintaining the wine tanks. This can be beneficial, especially if your team is unfamiliar with specific tank models or features.
Reputation and Reviews: Research the supplier’s reputation in the industry. Look for reviews and feedback from other winemakers who have purchased tanks from the same supplier. Positive experiences and reliable support are indicators of a reputable supplier.
After-Sales Support: Consider the supplier’s commitment to after-sales support. This involves their responsiveness to inquiries, willingness to assist with issues, and their overall dedication to customer satisfaction.
In review – a wine tank is not just a wine tank! Many factors go into each winery specific needs for these tanks. The above are just some of the starter issues one will want to review. In no way have all issues been covered. The more the winemaking team thinks through their operational and winemaking needs related to the wine tanks, both immediate and for the future, the more cost effective this purchase will become.
