Unidirectional Flow: From grape receipt to bottled wine dispatch, design a linear workflow to prevent cross-contamination.
Gravity-Feed Utilization: Where possible, use multi-level design to move materials (grapes, juice, wine) downward by gravity, reducing pumping and energy use.
Clear Functional Zoning: Separate areas for dirty (grape receiving) and clean (bottling) processes.
Hygiene & Safety Compliance: Floor drainage, wall materials, and ventilation must meet food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP)
| Zone | Function | Key Design Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Grape Receiving & Processing | Weighing, destemming, crushing | Located near entrance; excellent drainage; easy cleaning. |
| Fermentation Hall | Primary/alcoholic fermentation | Wide spacing between tanks for access; integrated piping for flexible transfer; temperature control system. |
| Aging Cellar & Storage | Barrel aging & tank storage | Strict temperature/humidity control (10-16°C, 70-80% RH); heavy-duty flooring for barrel stacking. |
| Bottling & Packaging | Sterile filtration, filling, labeling | Cleanroom environment (positive pressure); separate entry/exit for bottles and finished cases. |
| Finished Goods Warehouse | Palletized storage | Climate-controlled; close to loading docks; high-density racking possible. |
| Support Areas | CIP systems, utilities, lab | Centralized CIP stations; utilities (chillers, boilers) placed near high-demand zones. |
A pre-engineered steel structure building offers unique advantages for winery layout:
Large, Column-Free Spaces: Maximize flexibility in fermentation halls and warehouses for easy reconfiguration.
Integrated Utility Routing: Use roof truss spaces for organized piping, electrical conduits, and HVAC ducts.
Mezzanine Options: Create overhead spaces for piping, equipment, or visitor galleries above bottling lines.
Natural Light & Ventilation: Roof skylights and high windows improve working conditions in aging cellars.
Define Parameters: Annual capacity, wine types (red/white/sparkling), oak program, visitor flow expectations.
Create Process Flow Diagrams (PFD): Map each step from grape to bottle.
Equipment Listing & Sizing: Determine tank sizes, bottling line speed, storage capacity.
Develop Block Layout: Arrange zones based on workflow and gravity flow.
3D Detailed Design (BIM): Use Building Information Modeling to validate spacing, pipe routing, and structural integration.
Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Collaborate with structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers early.
