Food Engineering logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • MEDIA
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest Headlines
  • Manufacturing News
  • People & Industry News
  • Plant Openings
  • Recalls
  • Regulatory Watch
  • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
  • New Plant Products
  • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
  • Alternative Protein
  • Automation
  • Cannabis
  • Cleaning | Sanitation
  • Fabulous Food Plants
  • Food Safety
  • Maintenance Strategies
  • OEE
  • Packaging
  • Sustainability
  • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • Plant Construction Survey
  • Plant of the Year
  • Sustainable Plant of the Year
  • State of Food Manufacturing
  • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • White Papers
  • EVENTS
  • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
  • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
  • eNewsletter
  • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • FE Store
  • Government Links
  • Industry Associations
  • Market Research
  • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issue
  • Advertise
Food Engineering logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Engineering logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest Headlines
    • Manufacturing News
    • People & Industry News
    • Plant Openings
    • Recalls
    • Regulatory Watch
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Plant Products
    • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
    • Alternative Protein
    • Automation
    • Cannabis
    • Cleaning | Sanitation
    • Fabulous Food Plants
    • Food Safety
    • Maintenance Strategies
    • OEE
    • Packaging
    • Sustainability
    • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Plant Construction Survey
    • Plant of the Year
    • Sustainable Plant of the Year
    • State of Food Manufacturing
    • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
    • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
    • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
    • eNewsletter
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • FE Store
    • Government Links
    • Industry Associations
    • Market Research
    • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issue
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Engineering R&D

Engineering R&D

AI/ML-based real-time sensing techniques turn art of winemaking into exact science

Based on online and inline real-time sampling developed by the FDA, a specialized process control system prevents waste and minimizes injuries

By Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Co-Founder & CEO Jacob Manning

Co-Founder & CEO Jacob Manning. All photos courtesy of Winely

July 12, 2022

Fermentation is one of the trickiest processes to control since it’s all about guiding a living organism. Prior to today’s technology for continuous sampling—and artificial intelligence to make real-time process decisions—making a fine wine needed an expert who could evaluate samples of juice from grapes and from the wine fermentation process, take them to the lab and check the status of key process variables. Based on years of experience, the vintner would make decisions that would, hopefully, make the perfect wine. 

Today, thanks to the U.S. FDA—which helped develop the concept of in-line/on-line (aka in-situ) real-time process analytical technology (PAT), and software developers who employed AI and machine learning (AI/ML) to control processes—winemaking is not only an “art” but becoming an exact science—a system that learns what makes a perfect batch of wine and can act accordingly should any variable drift out of limits.

About a year ago, we looked at obtaining better control of fermentation in beer through machine learning and continuous monitoring of process variables in a brew tank, like dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, etc. This time, we look at a real-time, AI-based fermentation system developed solely for winemaking called Winely. 

Winely helps vintners save time, space and costs compared to traditional sampling methods. With this innovation, Co-Founder & CEO Jacob Manning has helped to turn winemaking into a more exact science. We spoke with Manning to learn more about the system, and how it can result in a more sustainable environment. 


FE: Where is Winely located and what motivated you to start the company?

Jacob Manning: Winely has research sites in both California and throughout Australia and New Zealand. Our software is currently servicing wine regions in these areas. My co-founder, Abbe Hyde, and I first started Winely about five years ago, out of our shared desire to make a measurable impact through biotechnology. 

Five years ago, Abbe and I talked to numerous bio-scientists and were first drawn to the wine industry, after learning it has the most complex fermentation bio-cultures. Quickly, we realized that winemaking is a deeply reactive, and frankly, a dangerous process. We knew there had to be a better way. We discovered the best solution was to capture the right data in real-time; to empower winemakers with choice, visibility and remarkable control. 

From there, we developed an AI-powered solution that can extract vast, actionable insights into the fermentation process in real-time, which is an essential task for future alternative protein scaling and development. But we also did the hard work to really dig into the research before launching Winely. We went into this wanting to truly understand fermentation. Now that we have such remarkable insights into the process, we want to help demystify this whole process for those whose businesses center around it. 


Winely’s Predictive analysisWinely’s Predictive analysis

Winely’s Predictive analysis visualizes how a winemaker’s fermentation will behave over time, plus other winemaking details in real time. 



FE: Who makes up your staff?

Manning: Our team is made up of biotechnology experts, software and sensor engineers and machine learning experts.


FE: How are the large commercial wineries today controlling their batches? 

Manning: Currently, most commercial wineries still perform manual sampling of their wine batches throughout the fermentation process. This involves sampling a product in the midst of fermentation to gauge whether it has met the winemaker’s standards. The results can still be variable because the inputs—grapes and yeast—change year-on-year. This is why it is so critical for winemakers to keep such a close eye on their ferments. Ensuring it is tracking how they want it to, and they are getting their desired end result.


FE: What’s wrong with how samples and process variable data are taken and recorded?

Manning: Unfortunately, the highly manual method we just outlined above leaves the winemaker as a reactive participant in the process, and candidly, it can be quite dangerous. For example, hydrogen sulfide produced by yeast during fermentation is toxic and people can die from inhaling it. Not to mention the fact that, once a tank of wine has gone bad, a shocking amount of really harsh chemicals are added to it just to make it drinkable. 


FE: What are the key process variables in winemaking?

Manning: While there are key attributes that winemakers keep a watch on daily, really what a winemaker is looking for is a holistic understanding of how the ferment is tracking. To get this, there is consideration of biological and chemical attributes. We consider all of these things and how they contribute to overall measures such as fermentation kinetics and yeast vitality.


Winely’s sensorsWinely’s sensors

Winely’s sensors capture data in a tank and measure attributes such as pH, temperature and Brix. In most cases, sensors can be installed by winery personnel.



FE: What defines a perfect batch? 

Manning: We’ve seen great wines be produced from the most unlikely data points. This is why real-time monitoring is so critical in this industry, because it gives a winemaker control without needing to follow a prescriptive recipe, which lowers the risk of winemaking but may not yield the most end-quality results. With Winely, they can see what is happening in real-time, and make the decisions that enhance their craft accordingly.


FE: What instrumentation is required for Winely?

Manning: We supply our own instrumentation in the form of Winely’s proprietary, IoT and AI-powered sensors that can be fitted into the tank itself. These sensors have been designed and iterated over the past four years with customers. Our technology system captures data every minute, which equates to millions of data points, and is then shipped to our customers in real-time. The sensors measure attributes such as pH, temperature and Brix, which is sugar and potential alcohol content. As such, we’re measuring and delivering upon areas of the fermentation process, which we call TrueBrix, that the wine industry has never seen before.


FE: How did you develop the software/controls for Winely? 

Manning: The software dashboard is cloud based and wineries can access it anywhere they have an internet connection. Wake up in the morning and check it on your phone—whatever you fancy! We give winemakers total control to set the alerts and parameters based on what they care about and how they want their ferments to behave. Many do this by grape varietal or even yeast type.


FE: How have you embedded AI/ML into Winely?

Manning: We’ve trained the fermentation algorithms with millions of data points and years of research to enhance the winemaker’s control of their fermentation process. Using these algorithms, we’ve developed Winely’s “Predictive Analysis” and “Scenario Planning” features. Predictive Analysis visualizes how a winemaker’s fermentation will behave over time, in the future—which will help them track if their fermentation is on schedule. Scenario Planning is an excellent companion tool that can prevent costly mistakes, as it allows the winemaker to add hypothetical actions to their batch and see the results that it will produce.


FE: Have any wineries been using Winely? 

Manning: Absolutely. Many of the most advanced wineries worldwide have been benefiting from our solution, such as Maori Point Wines in New Zealand. When a winery uses our technology even once, they understand it. Their eyes light up, and they ask if we can put one in every single tank. This is because they know that the ability to sense one problem in one tank with one alert can enable them to react 12 hours earlier and offers enormous savings potential as a consequence. However, when you also factor in the safety protections, the peace of mind, the less frantic atmosphere, the real-time choice and the richer vintages, this technology can produce for deeper control, innovation and creativity. The values and applications are almost endless.

KEYWORDS: AI/ML artificial intelligence (AI) IoT machine learning winemaking

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Wayne labs 200px
Wayne Labs has more than 30 years of editorial experience in industrial automation. He served as senior technical editor for I&CS/Control Solutions magazine for 18 years where he covered software, control system hardware and sensors/transmitters. Labs ran his own consulting business and contributed feature articles to Electronic Design, Control, Control Design, Industrial Networking and Food Engineering magazines. Before joining Food Engineering, he served as a senior technical editor for Omega Engineering Inc. Labs also worked in wireless systems and served as a field engineer for GE’s Mobile Communications Division and as a systems engineer for Bucks County Emergency Services. In addition to writing technical feature articles, Wayne covers FE’s Engineering R&D section.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Global Organic Food & Beverage Market to Grow

    Global Organic Food & Beverage Market to Grow

    With a CAGR of 12.07%, Bonafide Research estimates this...
    Latest headlines
  • skilled MEP worker

    Predicting Food and Beverage Manufacturing Trends for 2024

    The two words that should be kept in mind are labor and...
    Automation
    By: Derrick Teal
  • cleaning and sanitation

    The basics of cleaning and sanitation in food plants

    Sanitation maintains or restores a state of cleanliness...
    Food Safety
    By: Richard F. Stier
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Customer Service

OT Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Food Manufacturing Facilities

OT Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Food Manufacturing Facilities

Understanding Impacts of OT Cybersecurity Events in Food Manufacturing

Understanding Impacts of OT Cybersecurity Events in Food Manufacturing

Food Plant Openings and Expansions April 2025

Food Plant Openings and Expansions April 2025

FA&M 2025 in Rewind

FA&M 2025 in Rewind

More Videos

Popular Stories

Conagra Logo

Conagra Brands to Sell Chef Boyardee Brand to Hometown Food Company

Salt

FDA to Amend Standards of Identity to Include Salt Substitutes

Butterfly pea flower

FDA Approves Three Food Colors from Natural Sources

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ESSENTIAL TOPICS

Alternative ProteinAutomationCleaning/SanitationFabulous Food Plants

Food SafetyMaintenance StrategiesOEE

PackagingSustainability

Events

June 5, 2025

Mass Customization Driving Innovation in the Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry is at the nexus of transformative global manufacturing trends, driving a shift toward personalized, customer-centric solutions. 

June 5, 2025

How Cafe Spice Uses Automation to Propel Private Label

Learn about Cafe Spice’s new, state-of-the-art, highly automated manufacturing facility in Beacon, New York. 

View All Submit An Event

Products

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

See More Products

Plant of the Year

Related Articles

  • Yokogawa OEE

    OEE Plus AI/ML Add Up to a Future of Autonomous Manufacturing

    See More
  • food-testing equipment

    Cannabis testing is an exact science - regulations are not

    See More
  • ERP systems can give everyone access to key data.

    Forecasting Production: Real-Time ERPs Keep Processors In the Know

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • handbookfoodscience.jpg

    Handbook of Food Science and Technology 2: Food Process Engineering and Packaging

  • nanotechnology.jpg

    Food Applications of Nanotechnology

  • Food-Authentication-Flyer-(.gif

    Food Authentication Using Bioorganic Molecules

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • September 24, 2024

    AI and PLM: The Future of Recipe Optimization

    On Demand Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your recipe management processes and stay ahead in the competitive food and beverage market.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Elevate your expertise in food engineering with unparalleled insights and connections.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Food Master
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Food Engineering logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Engineering logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest Headlines
    • Manufacturing News
    • People & Industry News
    • Plant Openings
    • Recalls
    • Regulatory Watch
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Plant Products
    • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
    • Alternative Protein
    • Automation
    • Cannabis
    • Cleaning | Sanitation
    • Fabulous Food Plants
    • Food Safety
    • Maintenance Strategies
    • OEE
    • Packaging
    • Sustainability
    • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Plant Construction Survey
    • Plant of the Year
    • Sustainable Plant of the Year
    • State of Food Manufacturing
    • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
    • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
    • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
    • eNewsletter
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • FE Store
    • Government Links
    • Industry Associations
    • Market Research
    • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issue
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!