Destemming Best Practices: How to Choose the Right Machine and Optimize Performance for Your Winery

Destemmers are essential machines used in the wine industry to remove the grape stems from the grapes before they are crushed. This process is known as destemming or stemming, and it is a crucial step in wine production.

What is a Destemmer?

A destemmer, also known as a grape stemmer, is a machine that separates the grape berries from their stems. The destemmer consists of a rotating drum with holes that allow the grapes to pass through while retaining the stems.

The grape stems are removed because they contain high levels of tannins and can impart a bitter taste to the wine. Additionally, stems can damage the wine press during the crushing process, leading to a lower yield.

Types of Destemmers

There are two types of destemmers: the crusher-destemmer and the destemmer-only.

Crusher-Destemmer: This machine not only removes the stems but also crushes the grapes, which is useful for red wine production, where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. The crusher-destemmer combines the destemming and crushing process in one machine.

Destemmer-Only: This machine is used for white wine production, where the grapes are pressed immediately after destemming. The destemmer-only machine removes the stems and leaves the grapes intact, ready for pressing.

Destemmer Parts

A destemmer consists of several parts, including:

1. Hopper: The hopper is where the grapes are loaded into the machine.

2. Drum: The drum contains the holes through which the grapes pass while retaining the stems.

3. Paddles: The paddles inside the drum rotate and help to separate the grapes from the stems.

4. Cage: The cage holds the drum and the paddles and helps to prevent the stems from passing through.

5. Destemming Shaft: The destemming shaft is a rotating shaft with rubber paddles that remove the grapes from the stems.

6. Stems Discharge Chute: The stems discharge chute is where the stems are removed from the machine.

7. Grape Discharge Chute: The grape discharge chute is where the destemmed grapes exit the machine.

Uses of a Destemmer

A destemmer is an essential machine in the wine industry because it removes the stems from the grapes, which can improve the quality of the wine. Additionally, the destemmer ensures that the wine press is not damaged during the crushing process, leading to a higher yield.

Destemmers are also useful in reducing the workload for winemakers. By automating the destemming process, winemakers can focus on other tasks, such as monitoring the fermentation process.

Conclusion

Destemmers are critical machines in the wine industry, used to remove the stems from the grapes before they are crushed. By removing the stems, winemakers can improve the quality of their wine and increase their yield. Whether producing red or white wine, a destemmer is an essential piece of equipment for any winery.