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

Importance of the Topic

In modern winemaking, reliable and high-throughput analytical testing is crucial for quality control and process optimization. Seasonal harvest peaks create significant bottlenecks in laboratories that rely on manual methods, leading to delays and increased labor costs. Automating key assays enables winemakers to monitor fermentation parameters in real time, reduce errors, and focus on critical production decisions.

Objectives and Study Overview

This case study examines how Starmont Winery and Vineyards, part of Merryvale Family of Wines in Napa Valley, implemented a Thermo Scientific Gallery Plus discrete analyzer. It outlines the motivations for automation, the transition from an outdated plate reader, and the impact on lab efficiency during harvest and production stages.

Methodology

Starmont’s lab follows a discrete analysis workflow: samples are loaded into reagent trays, and the analyzer performs automated mixing, incubation, and absorbance measurements. Key assays include:

• Combined and individual measurements of D-glucose and D-fructose
• Organic acids (L-malic acid, acetic acid)
• Acetaldehyde
• Free and total sulfur dioxide
• Potassium concentration
• Color intensity

During peak harvest, the lab processes 50–100 samples per day, scaling up to 300 barrel tests for sugar and acetic acid when required.

Instrumentation Used

The Discrete Analyzer: Thermo Scientific Gallery Plus discrete analyzer, chosen for its robustness, modular repairability, and ease of method customization. This platform replaced an older plate reader hampered by mechanical issues and manual rinsing steps.

Main Results and Discussion

Adoption of the Gallery Plus system delivered:

• Substantial time savings through hands-off operation and parallel processing.
• Improved sample throughput, allowing multitasking and better resource allocation.
• Enhanced data consistency with fewer manual interventions.
• Reduced downtime due to a modular design that simplifies maintenance and repairs.

Technicians can be trained rapidly, and additional line staff serve as backup operators during labor-intensive periods.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Automating routine analyses has enabled Starmont to:

• Maintain tight quality control during critical harvest windows.
• Free skilled staff to focus on experimental winemaking and quality assurance tasks.
• Quickly detect fermentation issues (e.g., fructose-dominant musts or microbial acetic acid production).
• Scale operations to meet growing production volumes (from 200,000 to 300,000 cases annually).

Future Trends and Applications

Starmont plans to expand assay capabilities by adding tests for total polyphenols, copper, and iron. Further innovations may include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), remote monitoring features, and predictive analytics to forecast fermentation trajectories and ensure consistent wine quality.

Conclusion

The implementation of an automated discrete analyzer transformed Starmont’s laboratory workflow, delivering reliable, high-throughput testing with minimal manual effort. This case demonstrates how robust automation supports scalable winemaking operations, enhances data integrity, and empowers lab personnel to focus on value-added activities.