MOG Removal Technology: Retrofit Solutions for Improved Harvest Quality and Winery Efficiency
Liz Waters, from Wine Australia, presents innovative solutions for removing Matter Other than Grapes (MOG) during mechanical harvesting, examining a bolt-on vision system that enhances existing harvester capabilities without requiring complete equipment replacement.
This short video clip was taken from the presentation given at the 25th edition of Enoforum (Verona, 21–23 May 2025) entitled “New tools for winegrowers and winemakers from Australian research: sensors, breeding, grapevine trunk diseases and MOG”.
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Technical Contents:
The presentation addresses the challenge faced by growers who cannot afford expensive new harvesters with integrated vision systems or lack personnel for manual MOG removal. Analysis of a bolt-on removal unit developed by an Australian engineering company: vision system mountable on existing harvesters, bins, or harvester booms for real-time grape separation from unwanted material.
System Operation:
Demonstration of the retrofit technology showing material sorting during harvest: grapes directed to harvester bins or accompanying gondolas while stalks, leaves, and debris are left in the vineyard. Integration with existing functional harvesters eliminates need for complete equipment replacement.
Industry Trials:
Results from winery trials reveal dual benefits: expected wine quality improvement through MOG elimination, and unexpectedly significant processing time reduction in wineries due to cleaner fruit arrival. The processing efficiency gains proved more valuable to participating wineries than initially anticipated quality improvements.
Technology Transfer Insights:
Analysis of the importance of comprehensive value proposition understanding for high-TRL technologies not yet commercialized. Emphasis on industry-researcher collaboration for identifying all technology benefits and successful market bridge-building.
About the Speaker:
Liz Waters – Wine Australia. Specialist in wine industry innovation and technology transfer.
This short video clip was taken from the presentation given at the 25th edition of Enoforum (Verona, 21–23 May 2025) entitled “New tools for winegrowers and winemakers from Australian research: sensors, breeding, grapevine trunk diseases and MOG”.
If you are an Infowine Premium subscriber, click here to access the full video recording.
