Abstract: A handheld controller for filling wine barrels with wine or other liquid containers with liquid includes a pressure sensor and a removable dip tube. The dip tube is inserted in the wine barrel and a pressure sensor coupled to the dip tube measures a pressure in the dip tube. The measured pressure corresponds to a liquid level in the wine barrel. The handheld controller is also coupled to a pump for filling the wine barrel with wine. The pressure sensor may be calibrated to detect a desired fill level of the wine barrel. A microprocessor in the handheld controller monitors the measured pressure of the dip tube and shuts off the pump when the measured pressure reaches the calibrated pressure. The handheld controller improves throughput of filling wine barrels and reduces or eliminates overfill of wine barrels, thereby reducing unsanitary or hazardous conditions.