Choose The Right Winery Tanks

Choosing the right  tank for your winery is a very important thing, it is related to the quality of the wine.

The market is flooded with a variety of wine tanks that all serve different purposes, are made from different materials, and come in a variety of sizes, which can be overwhelming or confusing.

In that spirit, Pretank provides an overview of tank varieties and their most significant differences to guide winemakers in making the best product decisions.

Types and uses of wine tanks

Common uses for winery tanks are storage, fermentation, and blending.

Some breweries may use tanks for other reasons, which is where specialty tanks come into play. For example, specialty tanks can be smaller, portable forklift tanks that can be easily moved without damage. 

Winery tanks vary because of their materials, shapes, and unique features.

Stainless steel tanks are most common in wineries; however, concrete is making a comeback in the industry. wineries may also use containers made of plastic and oak.

The main factors to consider when purchasing a wine tank are capacity and cost.

When considering the size of the wine tank to purchase, several factors should be taken into account:

1）Expected Production Volume: Firstly, consider the anticipated production volume of your wine. Determine the amount of wine you plan to produce per batch based on your brewing plans and sales goals.

2）Fermentation Period: Take into consideration the fermentation period of the wine. Different types of wine may require varying durations for fermentation. Based on your brewing schedule, determine the required tank capacity.

3）Storage Needs: Consider whether you need to store the wine during the brewing process. If you plan for long-term aging or batch brewing, you'll need tanks large enough to accommodate and store the wine.

4）Equipment Space: Assess the available space in your winery or cellar. Ensure that the selected tank sizes fit your working environment and can be conveniently moved and operated.

Another major consideration is the cost of the tanks. When calculating costs, winemakers should consider the pricing of fermentation tanks, tank racks and tank washers used for fermentation and storage. Some breweries make the mistake of not considering the cost of tank fittings and end up going way over budget.

Differences in Winery Tanks

While winery tanks may seem similar at first glance, there are differences between different models and brands. Some tanks have better temperature control, while others have better ability to regulate oxygen levels. Tanking may also affect tannins and flavor. In the end, it comes down to what type of wine is in the tanks. 

If you are fermenting red grape juice, you will want to choose a tank with a manhole in the bottom of the tank for easy discharging, while white wine can be fermented in any type of container with a closure. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with tops and cooling jackets. If you don’t know how to choose the right tank, please contact our experts.

How to choose the best tank for your winery

An effective way to learn about the best tank options is to ask other wineries what they use and what works best for them. The tank industry is becoming more innovative over time, so stay tuned to industry news for new tank developments.

Pretank recommends that start-up wineries purchase multiple tanks of different sizes. When purchasing multiple tanks at the same time, look for package deals from manufacturers and retailers. He also recommends clean welds, CIP settings and leveling feet to achieve accurate DIPS.

As a general recommendation, Pretank recommends that winery owners purchase the highest quality equipment they can afford, which is the most cost-effective option for long-term use.