For new winemakers just starting their winery, selecting the right crush pad equipment is crucial. This article, the first in a four-part series, focuses on the essential equipment for new wineries: destemmers, crushers, and must pumps. We’ll explore various options tailored to help you make informed decisions for your winemaking journey. At Prospero Equipment Corp, we offer a wide range of products to suit various winery sizes and wine styles.

The Heart of the Crush Pad: Destemmers and Crushers

For wineries processing their own grapes, a reliable destemmer and crusher is indispensable. The type you choose will depend on your operation’s size and the wines you plan to produce. There are two popular models that suit most commercial wineries: the Lugana 1R and the Lugana 2R. The Lugana 1R processes 4 to 6 tons per hour, making it ideal for small to medium-sized wineries. For larger operations, the Lugana 2R offers a higher processing speed of 7 to 9 tons per hour. For more information on the Lugana series, please jump to 2:15.

How Do Destemmers and Crushers Work

To watch how these units operate, begin watching at 2:43.

The grape processing begins as the fruit is fed into the feeding auger hopper at the top of the machine. An auger ensures a uniform flow of grapes into the unit. From there, the grapes pass into the destemmer cage, where food-grade solid rubber-tipped paddles gently beat the grapes off the stems without damaging the fruit. The stems are then expelled from the back of the unit.

After destemming, the grapes fall through the destemmer cage holes and into the crushing rollers. These rollers are adjustable, allowing winemakers to control the intensity of grape crushing. Some winemakers prefer to slightly crack the grape without causing too much damage to the skin or seeds. For those who desire whole-berry processing, there’s an option to bypass the rollers entirely.

Destemmer and Crusher Customizations

Destemmer cages are available in various hole sizes, ranging from 18mm to 26mm in diameter. The standard size is 24mm, but custom sizes can be ordered to accommodate different grape varieties. For even gentler processing, food-grade plastic cages are available as an alternative to stainless steel.

Speed control is another important feature. Base models include a mechanical speed adjustment, but an optional frequency drive speed variator is available for more precise control. This feature is particularly recommended for wineries planning to use sorting systems, as it allows for greater flexibility in processing speeds.

To learn more about customizations, jump to 4:29.

Destemmer and Crusher Maintenance and Cleaning

One of the advantages of these destemmers/crushers is their easy-to-maintain design. The units are designed for quick access to components, with easily removable destemmer cages, paddles, and crushing rollers. This user-friendly design means that cleaning and reassembly can typically be completed in about 15-20 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime during busy harvest periods.

Must Pumps for Small Wineries

To dive into a detailed guide on must pumps, start watching at 6:01.

For many wineries, must pumps are essential. If gravity flow isn’t an option, 2″ or 3″ impeller pumps can be used. An economical solution is the sump attachment, which collects must from the crushing rollers and directs it to a 3″ tri-clover outlet port. The VFN 60 (2″) and VFN 80 (3″) pumps are popular choices, featuring frequency drives with remote control for speed adjustment. While these pumps are versatile, they may struggle with very dry must and can be harsh on the fruit. For gentler processing, rotor-style pumps with food-grade plastic lobes offer a more delicate approach to must transfer.

Choosing the right destemmer/crusher is crucial for new winemakers. When selecting equipment, it’s important to consider your production volume, grape varieties, and desired wine styles. The versatility and customization options of modern destemmer/crushers allow winemakers to fine-tune their grape processing to achieve their specific winemaking goals. In our next post, we’ll explore additional crush pad equipment to help you build a complete and efficient winemaking setup.