Insights from a bottling manager and how Clevertech’s team backed him at every step When wineries invest in automation - whether to reduce manual labor, boost performance, or keep production running smoothly - another question becomes just as important: Will the supplier be there to support us when we need them? At Oak Ridge Winery, Bottling Manager Steven Uline recently oversaw the installation of a Clevertech bulk depalletizer, case erector, and partition inserter into their existing bottling line. For him, the decision wasn’t only about the capabilities of the machinery. It was also about having confidence that the level of after-sales service and support would remain dependable over the long term. “Clevertech’s quality of support is great,” Uline says. “They were very responsive to our specific challenges and committed to finding solutions that worked for us. During installation, we kept a punch list of open items and worked through it together.&

Small Steps, Big Gains: Affordable Efficiency with Winery Automation The wine industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Changing consumer preferences, generational taste evolution, and a surge of lower-cost grapes and bulk wine from global markets are reshaping the competitive terrain.  To stay ahead, wineries are rethinking their operations, streamlining workflows, expanding outreach, and embracing automation as a strategic lever for growth. Companies facing financial constraints often turn to automation, a proven strategy that can help reduce labor costs and increase production efficiency in packaging and bottling lines. Among these innovations, packaging automation stands out, delivering measurable cost savings, production agility, and scalable infrastructure, empowering wineries to protect margins and adapt swiftly to market demands. When financial constraints tighten, automation becomes more than a luxury; it’s a lifeline. For wineries, automating packaging and bottling

Maximizing Efficiency in Minimal Space With limited floor space, Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, CA needed a compact depalletizing solution — and turned to Clevertech. In this video, Oak Ridge's Bottling Manager walks us through the line and explains why Clevertech’s space-saving system was the ideal choice: ✅ Small Footprint Depalletizer – up to 250 bpm ✅ Case Erector & Partition Inserter – up to 25 cpm 🔧 A real-world example of smart engineering solving real production challenges.

More Than 220,000 Acres in California are Enrolled in FFF Program  NAPA, Calif. (November 25, 2024) – Thirty-two winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties have been recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for achieving and maintaining certification for more than 20 years. In 1999, the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program was created to protect and enhance the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. Soon, it was expanded with a specific program tailored for Napa County and other regions. Today, more than 220,000 acres located in thirteen counties in California are enrolled in the innovative program that improves water quality and wildlife habitat. “The Fish Friendly Farming certification has become very popular among winegrowers as a sustainable certification program because it is highly effective in improving water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,&rd

Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling Takes Top Honors November 15, 2024 — Winners have been announced in the 2024 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging,Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Sparkling Wine. Coming in at 97 points, judges praised the wine for its “Mouth watering citrus and honeysuckle”; “Lingering tropical finish”; and “Perfect bubbles.” They also called it “Well balanced.” With a record number of entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine. In other competitions, terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challenge, judges taste wines alongside other wines of the same appellation. W

Afternoon Brief, June 19th

Point Fire Update: Ag Pass Activated, Poor Air Quality Expected: Sonoma County officials have activated the county's Agricultural Pass system. The Ag Pass program allows workers to access areas under mandatory evacuation orders...

Afternoon Brief, September 19th

WHO Shifts Its Alcohol Narratives and the Wine Industry Faces New Challenges: The World Health Organisation has alcohol in its crosshairs. One industry expert tells Felicity Carter that the wine industry needs to pay attention...

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h