Developed through a German research initiative with Fraunhofer IOSB, Armbruster Kelterei Technology and Geisenheim University, GrapeSort brings advanced sensor-based sorting into the winery processing line.
Exceptional wine quality starts with the fruit. During harvest, wineries have only a limited time window to remove leaves, insects, stems, mold-affected berries, damaged fruit or berries outside the desired degree of ripeness - without slowing down production or losing valuable grapes.
Developed in partnership with Germany’s renowned research institutions Fraunhofer IOSB and Geisenheim University, Armbruster Kelterei Technology pioneered optical grape sorting based on quality and ripeness parameters. The resulting GrapeSort system seamlessly integrates into the processing line, using fully automated optical sorting technology to ensure that only grapes of the desired quality proceed to the next stage of production rather than relying solely on manual inspection.
After destemming and feeding, berries accelerated on a conveyor and pass through the sorting zone individually and in free flight. This separation is essential: each berry can be detected and evaluated on its own before the ejection system acts.
At the heart of GrapeSort is a high-speed line-scan camera system capturing up to 18,000 images per second. The image data is analyzed in milliseconds according to trained quality criteria such as color, shape, visible defects, foreign material and degree of ripeness. Operators can adjust sorting parameters through an intuitive touchscreen interface, allowing the system to be adapted to different grape varieties, harvest conditions and winery quality goals.
To further improve sorting performance, GrapeSort combines optical inspection with Near Infrared (NIR) technology. By extending inspection beyond visible color, the system can detect dried, damaged or otherwise unsuitable berries that may be difficult to identify through color alone. This combination of visual inspection and NIR-based analysis supports more consistent decisions, especially when grape condition varies during harvest.
Unwanted berries and foreign material - including leaves, stems, insects, mold-affected fruit or berries outside the desired ripeness profile - are removed through 128 precisely controlled high-speed air valves. Because detection and ejection occur while the berries are in free flight, the system removes only selected material and keeps suitable fruit moving smoothly through the process.
For wineries, the impact is both technical and practical. GrapeSort reduces the need for labor-intensive hand sorting, improves product purity, supports repeatable fruit selection and helps cellar teams maintain processing speed during the short harvest window. Most importantly, it gives winemakers greater control over the quality profile of the incoming fruit - one of the most decisive factors for premium wine production.
Key Features
Fully automated optical grape sorting for winery processing lines
Individual berry recognition in free flight
High-speed line-scan camera scanning with up to 18,000 images per second
Sorting by color, shape, visual characteristics, defects and degree of ripeness
Near Infrared (NIR) detection for dried or otherwise unsuitable berries
Precise removal of selected material through 128 high-speed air valves
Intuitive touchscreen operation and adjustable sorting parameters
Reduced manual sorting effort and improved processing consistency
More about Willmes & Armbruster U.S.
Willmes & Armbruster U.S. delivers integrated grape processing solutions from vineyard to cellar, combining leadership in gentle grape pressing with advanced technologies for grape reception, destemming and sorting. Through customized, high-quality systems, we help wineries achieve optimal grape quality, maximum efficiency and superior juice results at every step of their winemaking journey.
ROTOVIB sets a new standard in gentle grape destemming. Its innovative rotary-vibration technology delicately separates berries from stems, preserving fruit integrity and minimizing mechanical stress. The result is maximum grape quality, enabling winemakers to unlock the full potential of every harvest. https://willmes-armbruster.us/products/rotovib
Willmes and Armbruster are strengthening their global partnership with the launch of Willmes Armbruster U.S. – Grape Processing Solutions, a new venture dedicated to the direct representation and support of both product lines. Headquartered in Petaluma, California, the company will support wineries with new projects while providing ongoing service for all existing installations through a dedicated U.S. based sales and service team.
Both brands had been proudly represented throughout North America by Scott Laboratories for more than forty years.
"It has been an honor to represent Willmes and Armbruster and collaborate with their teams for the past four decades. We will continue to champion their brands, having seen firsthand their dedication to quality and innovation. Our customers are in excellent hands with this new investment in the North American market.”
— Steve Clattenburg, President, Scott Laboratories
Willmes Armbruster U.S. will launch operations under the leadership of industry veteran Damon Dudley, previously General Manager of Scott Laboratories’ Equipment Division.
"This strategic investment underscores our long-term commitment to the U.S. market. Building on decades of trusted partnership, we gratefully acknowledge Scott Laboratories and will continue delivering exceptional service and innovative technology to wineries across North America.
— Ulrich Willmes & Christian Armbruster, President and CEO
More about Willmes and Armbruster
Willmes Armbruster deliver integrated grape processing solutions from vineyard-to-cellar, combining leadership in gentle grape pressing with expertise in grape reception, destemming and sorting. Through customized, high-quality systems, we help wineries achieve optimal grape quality, maximum efficiency, and superior juice results at every step.