Your Go-To Pump Supplier for Efficient Winemaking Processes | Tapflo UK

Wine Pumps are integral to several stages of the winemaking process. Some common applications include:

• Transferring wine between fermentation tanks
• Filling and emptying tanker trucks
• Pumping grape must during blending

Selecting the right pump for each stage will help maintain the integrity of the wine and optimise operational efficiency.

When selecting a pump for your winery, it’s essential to keep several key factors in mind:

• Food-Grade Compliance: Always ensure that your pump is FDA-approved and suitable for food-grade applications. Wine Pumps should be constructed from high-quality stainless steel and feature food-safe seals to prevent contamination
• Shear-Sensitive Handling: Wine and must are delicate products. Choose a pump that can move the liquid without causing agitation or damage to the product. Excessive shear can alter the flavour and quality of the wine
• Ability to Handle Solids: Must, the residue of crushed grapes, contains solids such as skins and seeds. Your pump must have strong suction lift and be capable of transferring solids without clogging or losing efficiency
• Pulsation-Free Operation: Air introduction during the wine transfer process can negatively affect both the alcohol content and taste. Look for pumps that offer smooth, pulse-free flow to minimise froth and oxidation

Contact our experts today and discover your wine pump solution!

While Centrifugal Pumps are common in beverage production, they are not recommended for winemaking due to their potential to introduce oxygen during transfer, leading to oxidation and altering the taste of the wine. For delicate fluids like wine, it’s better to use pumps that minimise agitation and exposure to air.

In addition to choosing the right pump type, keep these factors in mind:

• Portability: Pumps that are easily portable allow for flexibility in operations across different areas of the winery
• Ease of Operation: The pump should be user-friendly and easy for winery personnel to operate and maintain
• Cost Effectiveness: While quality is critical, it’s essential to choose a pump that offers value for money and reduces long-term maintenance costs

What is Grape Must?

Grape must is a combination of freshly crushed grape juice, skins, seeds, and stems (pomace) that forms during the initial stages of winemaking. It is a thick, viscous liquid, typically around 2000 CPS on the viscosity scale, compared to the low viscosity of fermented wine (1 CPS). The ability to handle both must and wine requires pumps with specialised design and capacity.

Must Pump vs. Wine Pump: Which One Do You Need?

The distinction between a Must Pump and a Wine Pump comes down to the type of liquid being moved and the pump’s design.

• Must Pumps: These pumps are designed for handling fluids with solids, like grape must. They require wider tubing, larger pump heads, and heavy-duty motors to handle the high viscosity and solid content of must
• Wine Pumps: These pumps are better suited for low-viscosity fluids such as fermented wine. They are often used for processes like filtration and bottling, where gentle, pulse-free transfer is critical to maintaining product integrity

For more information on Wine Pumps and how our systems and solutions can assist with your Oenological needs, contact us today.