Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gravity-assisted winemaking and other fermentation processes. In one example, a method may include using gravity to process grapes or a fermentate from a first upper location to a lower location and using a bridge crane to transfer the grapes or the fermentate to a second upper location to be further processed. In certain examples, the lower location may be located on a lower level of a building and the first and second upper locations may be located on an upper level of the building. In an additional or alternative example, the method may include using the bridge crane to translate a punch down device along orthogonal axes, including lowering the punch down device into a vessel containing a liquid on which a cap of solids floats. In certain examples, the vessel may be transferred between the upper and lower levels using the bridge crane.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gravity-assisted winemaking and other fermentation processes. In one example, a method may include using gravity to process grapes or a fermentate from a first upper location to a lower location and using a bridge crane to transfer the grapes or the fermentate to a second upper location to be further processed. In certain examples, the lower location may be located on a lower level of a building and the first and second upper locations may be located on an upper level of the building. In an additional or alternative example, the method may include using the bridge crane to translate a punch down device along orthogonal axes, including lowering the punch down device into a vessel containing a liquid on which a cap of solids floats. In certain examples, the vessel may be transferred between the upper and lower levels using the bridge crane.