WINE-PRO: Digital Twin for Wine Fermentation Process Optimisation

Challenges addressed

The WINE-PRO project seeks to build on this foundation by introducing automatic refractometers and digitalized temperature monitoring, coupled with a Digital Twin, to predict and enhance wine quality. The project aims to:

• Develop advanced model-based monitoring and predictive control techniques, eliminating time wastage and empowering winemakers to optimize the fermentation process based on real-time data.
• Identify and integrate additional digital solutions for fermentation process management, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and technology in winemaking.

Solution

• Incorporate new digital refractometers in wine tanks for precise monitoring, feeding data into the Digital Twin for comprehensive analysis.
• Introduce a user-friendly dashboard for real-time monitoring of the fermentation process, facilitating immediate adjustments and interventions.
• Digitize the entire process of wine monitoring, encompassing critical parameter measurements for unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.

Implement a centralized data storage and analysis module to enable long-term predictions and optimizations of the fermentation process, ensuring consistent 

Impacts 

• Improved fermentation process control resulted in higher product quality and market competitiveness.
• Achieved a 3% reduction in energy consumption through optimized temperature management.
• Minimized additive usage due to enhanced fermentation monitoring.
• The reduced need for manual sampling and the implementation of the analytics in the laboratories, results in a reduction in the need for human physical resources and, thus, the rationalisation of the workforce

Project results were recognised by biggest Slovenian wine producers and Chinese companies. Together with Puklavec we have already prepared plans for further digitalisation steps towards complete centralised digital twin of the wine-making process.