Alien Lands at Alpha Omega
RUTHERFORD, Calif. — October 11, 2018
Only two wineries in the world currently operate it. One is Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux, France. The other is Alpha Omega on the Rutherford Bench of Napa Valley.
Its name is Alien. It is a patented, optical grape sorting robot that uses delta robotic technology and high-precision cameras to ensure only the finest berries make it into the winemaking process. And for the 2018 harvest, it is already at work.
What Alien Actually Does
Every harvest, grape sorting is one of the most critical and labor-intensive steps in the winery. The goal is simple: keep the good berries, remove everything else. Stems, leaves, green berries, material other than grapes (MOG), anything that does not belong has to go before fermentation begins.
Alien handles that job with a level of precision and consistency that no human sorting line can match.
The machine consists of three-armed delta robots that move rapidly up, down, left and right, each equipped with a suction gripper. High-resolution cameras scan the conveyor belt in real time, identifying and removing unwanted material at a rate of up to 400 MOG per minute. At full capacity, Alien can sort up to eight tons of grapes per hour.
At Alpha Omega, Alien operates as the second optical sorter in the process, coming after a Pellenc Selectiv’ Process destemmer and berry sorter. The winery currently runs it at three tons per hour, which already doubles the throughput of the six-person hand sorting team it works alongside in the process.
The varieties processed so far during the 2018 harvest include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Syrah. More than 200 tons have passed through Alien already.
Why Precision Matters at This Level
Winemaker Jean Hoefliger has been direct about why Alien is not just a nice addition but a meaningful upgrade to the winery’s quality standard.
“This machine will make my life easier and work on choosing the grapes more consistent and precise. So far, I am really happy to see how reliable it is.”
— Jean Hoefliger, Winemaker, Alpha Omega
The limitations of human sorting are real and well understood in the industry. Fatigue sets in quickly on a fast-moving sorting line.
“A human sorter, after two or three hours on the line, their eyes get tired. They are talking and get distracted. Alien achieves the same level of accuracy and consistency from the first second to the very last second.”
— Jean Hoefliger, Winemaker, Alpha Omega
Hoefliger’s summary of the difference Alien makes is characteristically blunt and memorable: “It is the difference between Versace and J.C. Penney.”
The human sorters previously on the sorting line have taken on other responsibilities at the winery.
How Alpha Omega and Alien Found Each Other
Alien was developed by CITF (Conception Industrielle and Technologies Futures), a French engineering company based between Bordeaux and Cognac with deep expertise in the wine industry. The machine debuted publicly at the Innovation and Quality 2018 trade show in Napa Valley in May 2018 and went on to win a silver medal in the Vine and Wine category at the 21st Trophees de l’Innovation Vinitech-Sifel competition in Bordeaux in September.
When CITF began exploring bringing Alien to California, Alpha Omega came highly recommended. CITF Group CEO Francois Lalut visited the winery, tasted the wines and met with Hoefliger. What he found confirmed the fit.
“After visiting Alpha Omega, seeing where production takes place, tasting the wines and meeting with Jean, it became obvious to me that Alien had to be here. Alpha Omega had everything we were looking for: the perfect size and premises, the most beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon and the team shared the idea that technology can serve the winemaking process. Today we are glad and thankful to have Alien showing its skills at Alpha Omega in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley.”
— Francois Lalut, CEO, CITF Group
The machine retails for $170,000. Alpha Omega is currently operating Alien on a complimentary trial basis, with CITF approaching Hoefliger directly about the opportunity.
Alpha Omega and Technology: A Consistent Pattern
The arrival of Alien is not a departure from Alpha Omega’s identity. It is entirely consistent with it.
In 2016, the winery installed the largest commercial solar microgrid system of any winery in Napa Valley, slashing its monthly energy bill by 93 percent. The philosophy at Alpha Omega has always been that innovation and tradition are not in conflict. Technology in service of the wine, not the other way around. Alien is the latest expression of that belief applied directly to the harvest process.
About Alpha Omega
Founded in 2006 by Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega began as a direct-to-consumer pioneer and now sells 95% of its wine through this channel. Located on Highway 29 in the legendary Rutherford Bench of Napa Valley, Alpha Omega produces world-class, Bordeaux-style, handcrafted wines made with grapes from prized, historic vineyards. Winemaker Jean Hoefliger and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland craft each vintage with meticulous care.
With its landmark fountains, tranquil pond and stunning views of the Mayacamas Mountains and vineyards, the winery exudes a sense of place and offers hospitality reflective of the farming community. Alpha Omega’s land and winery are Napa Green certified.
