Della Toffola presented at Sitevi 2021, a major wine industry trade show, the first fully autonomous press, named Ampelos, which won a silver medal at the Sitevi Innovation Awards 2021. Artificial intelligence has enabled the programming of algorithms to optimize pressing cycles by detecting the type and quantity of product loaded, allowing a drastic reduction in pressing times. This system, which works continuously, also provides a solution to the lack of manpower in the winery.

The Della Toffola Group is a world leader in the wine-making sector, designing and building complete wineries. Della Toffola France markets, among other things, pneumatic wine presses in France. Ampelos is the first pressing center composed of three presses that can work in a continuous cycle, totally autonomous, and equipped with AI. The so-called “intelligent” programs allow to decide automatically on the pressing process, according to programmed algorithms: pressure values and phase passages. They save time, must volume and personnel while ensuring a constant extraction quality.

The fruit of a collaboration with Boisset Effervescence

Boisset Effervescence is a winemaking company specialized in sparkling wines located in Nuits Saint Georges, in the Côte d’Or. Since its creation, 39 years ago, it has entrusted Della Toffola with the filtration. The two companies have collaborated in the implementation of this innovative automatic pressing system, a first in Europe.

Fully automated pressing

Ampelos takes care of all the pressing steps: filling, draining, pressing, emptying, marc management and finishes with a pressure washing. The AI algorithm allows for a continuous, smoother and faster grape flow treatment offering better juices. On the other hand, the installation of an in-line colorimeter offers the possibility to select the juices to obtain the color that the winemaker wants. The AI system makes it possible to adjust the cycle according to the quality of the musts. Gabriel Rochette, sales manager at Della Toffola, explains:

“We measure the speed of flow in relation to the weight of the harvest. The cycle is adjusted according to the pressing yield chosen by the operator, colorimetry and turbidity measured by sensors.”

Addressing the labor shortage

The lack of appreciation of the wine industry, the use of toxic products, the physical work and the wages not exceeding the minimum wage explain in part the lack of manpower in this sector. On the other hand, job offers are for shorter periods, especially in spring and summer, as harvesting is increasingly automated, so seasonal workers are turning to other opportunities. All regions of France are experiencing this problem. Ampelos is a solution to this lack of manpower, its autonomy allows it to ensure the pressing without requiring the presence of a full-time person.