A fermenter for fermenting a solution, comprising: a vat (2) predisposed for containing a solution (3) to be fermented, and provided with an inlet opening (4, 33) and an outlet opening (5, 25); a pumping-over conduit (100) provided with a first connection (101), which is placed in communication with a lower zone of the vat (2), and a dispensing opening (103), disposed in an upper zone of the vat (2) so as to be capable of dispensing a liquid above the upper level of the solution (3). The pumping-over conduit (100) comprises a second connection (102), disposed in an intermediate position between the first connection (101) and the dispensing opening (103), which dispensing opening (103) is so arranged as to allow the gas to be introduced into the pumping-over conduit (100).

An automatic apparatus for regulating and controlling the level of a liquid (1) in a tank (2) includes a liquid level detector (8). A vessel (3) associated with the tank (2) has a predetermined volume and is equipped with an upper closure (6) and with an open bottom (5) in communication with the interior of the tank (2) at a height below the level of the liquid (1). The automatic apparatus increases/decreases a liquid-free portion of the volume inside the vessel (3) and consequently transfers part of the liquid to/from the tank (2) through the bottom (5) in response to changes in the liquid level inside the tank (2) as detected by the liquid level detector (8).

A fermenter for fermenting a solution, comprising: a vat (2) predisposed for containing a solution (3) to be fermented, and provided with an inlet opening (4, 33) and an outlet opening (5, 25); a pumping-over conduit (100) provided with a first connection (101), which is placed in communication with a lower zone of the vat (2), and a dispensing opening (103), disposed in an upper zone of the vat (2) so as to be capable of dispensing a liquid above the upper level of the solution (3). The pumping-over conduit (100) comprises a second connection (102), disposed in an intermediate position between the first connection (101) and the dispensing opening (103), which dispensing opening (103) is so arranged as to allow the gas to be introduced into the pumping-over conduit (100).

A punch down apparatus for punching a wine cap of a wine residing inside a fermentation bin is disclosed. The punch down apparatus includes a frame assembly having a frame coupled to a plurality of legs supporting the frame on a ground surface, a track assembly supported on the frame and adapted to slide relative to the frame in a first direction. In addition, the punch down apparatus includes a carriage assembly mounted on the track assembly and adapted to slide relative to the track assembly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an actuator assembly attached to the carriage assembly and adapted to move along with the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes a punch plate arranged downwardly of the frame and adapted to contact and punch the wine cap, and a linear actuator adapted to reciprocally move the punch plate in a vertical direction.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the multidimensional movement of solid, gas and liquid components during fermentation according to a customized schedule to produce alcoholic beverages.

A device for distributing a fermented liquid uniformly over a fermented cap includes a joint member, an impeller, a shaft and a flow conditioner. The joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a central-through-opening. The shaft extends through the through-opening of the joint member and through the central-through-opening of the impeller. The flow conditioner extends from the bottom of the joint member and surrounds the shaft. The bottom of the flow conditioner is shaped to match the shape of the fermentation tank.

A disposable winemaking apparatus for fermenting wine containing skins, seeds, and stems that form a cap includes a single-use, dual chamber plastic bag that incorporates a mechanism to agitate and disperse the cap in order to maximize extraction of color and flavor. It also includes an integral press mechanism to squeeze out the fermented juice through a strainer, retaining the pomace in the disposable bag. The device may also be used for racking and transfer of wine during aging.

A device for distributing wine uniformly over a wine cap includes a T-joint member, an impeller and a shaft. The T-joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a circular base, a cylindrical center, a conical-shaped outer surface, a central-through-opening extending through the cylindrical center, and a plurality of curved blades extending from the top of the cylindrical center along the inclined outer surface. The T-joint member is configured to allow wine to be pumped into the through-opening through the side opening and to exit through the bottom opening and then to flow onto the impeller. The impeller is configured to allow the wine to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller.

A method and a device for air injection into a vinification tank (1) use air injection nozzles (2) installed therein. A rule is applied for automatic variation of injections with time, by a coordinated and combined action of the nozzles, so that for each of the installed nozzles the delivered air jets may be modulated in duration and frequency and combined with the jets delivered by the other nozzles according to a programmable sequence.