Abstract: Continuous fermentation of solutions such as grape juice with wine yeast is carried out in a tower under sterile conditions. In the process, a tower with an enlarged upper end section is sterilized with steam followed by introducing sterile gas into the tower to maintain a positive pressure of sterilized gas therein, then continuously introducing a fermentable solution into the lower end of the tower, fermenting the solution while introducing a stream of bubbles of sterile gas to agitate the solution, continuously removing fermentation products from the upper end section of the tower, separating yeast from the products and reintroducing the yeast into the lower end of the tower. Before fermentation of the solution, yeast may be cultured under aerobic conditions and when the desired yeast concentration is reached, the solution to be fermented is introduced and fermented under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: Fermentation of solutions such as grape juice is carried out in an apparatus that permits continuously fermenting under sterile conditions. The apparatus is a closed slender upright hollow tower having connected thereto inlet and outlet means, sterile gas inlet means fitted with membrane filters, sintered candle means to introduce sterile gas, steam inlet means connected via sampling means for sterilizing with steam and pressure regulating means for maintaining excess pressure in the tower.