Wines & Vines

March 2014 Vineyard Equipment & Technology Issue

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W i n e s & V i n e s M A R C H 2 0 1 4 77 WineEast Consider stainless steel surfaces, as in a restaurant. Formica is another choice, but it is not as chemical-resistant as stain- less steel and can be stained by spills of strong chemicals or darkly colored red wine. Install a floor drain in the laboratory to take care of the accident that is wait- ing to happen. Lighting is another important consid- eration. Not only is it necessary to have good light, it must be the correct quality of light. Daylight quality is the standard— not fluorescent or warm light tones. A sufficient amount of countertop and table area should be available that has a white surface in order to evaluate wines against an appropriate background. From a safety standpoint, a lab should have either an eyewash emergency kit mounted on the wall near an exit door or, if funds are available, an emergency shower stand. This device allows a full-flow shower to drench strong acid or base compounds that have been accidently spilled, so a chemical burn would not penetrate clothing and burn skin. Minimum analytical equipment requirements Any reference book will give a long list of analyses done in the wine and grape industry. This article will be a discussion of the cost benefit of different methods of analysis, not a review of how to perform these analyses. With the understanding of the various ways an analysis can be performed, a reasoned decision can be made about whether to spend more for one method over another and the return that the choice will provide. When starting a wine laboratory, an initial response is often to buy specific equipment for a given analysis. It is better to identify the necessary sup- port equipment and then purchase that equipment as part of the basic setup. If you have a working laboratory, review the status of your equipment. In reviewing your laboratory procedures, look at the number of any tests that you would typi- cally perform in a day or session. That number should be no less than three for any test (because you can draw a straight line through any two points) but should always be an odd number. Learn more at www.PLANTRA.com to Jump Start your new planting 800-951-3806 ©2013 Plantra, Inc. "Paper or Plantra®" The choice is yours! Cover with a carton or Jump Start the whole planting! New Vine or Orchard Tree Checklist Jump Start Grow Tubes Paper Cartons Mini-greenhouse blocks wind without blocking optimal sunlight P NO Uniform growth and full height reduce training trips P NO Multi-year weed spray protection P NO

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