Purfresh Wine uses pre-crush O3/ozone technology to improve fermentation and wine quality in addition to rescuing grape harvests from smoke taint. The system also enhances the value of grapes.
Current Status
Purfresh Wine deployed across Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, and British Colombia in 2020-2021. Wineries include Constellation Brands, E&J Gallo Winery, Hall Napa Valley, Quintessa, Gundlach Bundschu, Jackson Family Wines, Rombauer Vineyards, Porter Family Vineyards, and Shea Wine Cellars. There are also 2 patents issued: 1. Apparatus for powering an accessory device in a refrigerated container (US) and 2. Shipping container ozonation system (China, Argentina, Turkey). 2 patents pending: 1. System and method for smoke taint elimination in fruits, O3 CT, and 2. internal wine grape harvest bin O3 sensor
Problem or Opportunity
Purfresh Wine solves the problem of smoke taint from wildfires ruining wine grapes. It also improves wine quality and fermentation, enhancing taste, color, ripening, and stability.
Solution (product or service)
Patented O3 technology removes smoke taint molecules pre-crush. It also removes contaminants including mold, bacteria, sulfur, pesticides, and fungicides. Grapes are places in a sealed, temperature controlled, self-powered TITAN unit. On-demand O3 generation with high air flow results in decontamination of grapes via a 24-hour treatment. O3 then degrades back to oxygen, leaving no residue or chemicals.
Business model
Two seasons per year. The first half of the year (Feb, Mar, Apr) Purfresh Wine works in the Southern Hemisphere. The second half of the year (Aug, Sept, Oct), Purfresh Wine works in the Northern Hemisphere. One TITAN unit processes 400 tons of grapes per month. The cost of Purfresh Wine is 10 cents per bottle, and total benefits to the winery are an average of $480,000 per harvest.
