Robust and reliable, an automated analyzer increases efficiency at a Napa Valley winery

Significance of the Topic

The adoption of automated discrete analyzers in winery laboratories addresses critical challenges in throughput, reliability and labor efficiency during key production phases. By streamlining routine measurements of sugars, acids, minerals and sulfur dioxide, wineries can make timely decisions that impact fermentation control, wine stability and overall product quality.

Objectives and Overview of the Case Study

This case study examines the implementation of a Thermo Scientific Gallery Plus discrete analyzer at the Starmont Winery and Vineyards, part of the Merryvale Family of Wines in Napa Valley. Objectives included reducing manual labor and downtime, increasing sample throughput during harvest, and improving analytical robustness compared to legacy plate reader methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The laboratory workflow was reconfigured to integrate the Gallery Plus analyzer for the following routine assays:

• Glucose and fructose (individual and combined)
• L-malic acid, acetic acid, acetaldehyde
• Free and total sulfur dioxide
• Potassium and color

Calibration curves were established for key analytes (glucose, potassium) demonstrating linear absorbance responses across relevant concentration ranges. Manual sample handling steps—rinsing, mixing, stirring—were replaced by automated pipetting and incubation cycles.

Main Results and Discussion

Implementation of the discrete analyzer yielded:

• 70 % reduction in hands-on time per sample batch
• Capacity to analyze up to 300 barrel samples in a single busy day
• Consistent calibration performance with R² > 0.99 for sugars and minerals
• Reduced instrument downtime due to robust design and easy maintenance

During harvest, personnel previously dedicated full-time to testing could now multitask, supporting both laboratory and production needs. Automated workflows improved data turnaround, enabling rapid detection of sluggish fermentations (high fructose ratios) and microbial spoilage (elevated acetic acid).

Benefits and Practical Applications

The discrete analyzer has provided:

• Enhanced laboratory throughput, crucial during peak harvest periods
• Greater analytical reliability in complex wine matrices containing proteins, tartrates and phenolics
• Scalable training for production staff to perform routine analyses
• Timely monitoring of fermentation and stabilization parameters to safeguard wine quality

Future Trends and Opportunities

Potential advances and extensions include:

• Adding assays for total polyphenols, copper and iron to expand quality control scope
• Integration with LIMS and production databases for real-time data tracking
• Application of discrete analysis in other beverage and food industries
• Adoption of remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance for further uptime improvements

Conclusion

The deployment of the Thermo Scientific Gallery Plus discrete analyzer at Starmont Winery has significantly improved analytical efficiency, data accuracy and operational flexibility. This case demonstrates how targeted automation can optimize quality control processes, reduce personnel strain during harvest and support proactive decision-making in modern wineries.

Reference

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Robust and reliable, an automated analyzer increases efficiency at a Napa Valley winery. Application note, 2018.