Mechanical Harvesting System for Wine and Raisin Grapes

A new system has been developed for growing and harvesting wine and raisin grapes. Special trellising improves fruit yield and quality and permits mechanical pruning techniques. The harvesting machine, designed to operate in conjunction with this trellis system, is successful in detaching the fruit largely in whole-cluster form for wine use. A new technique permits harvest of raisin grapes as single undamaged berries. This method offers the possibility of eliminating adverse weather as a factor in raisin production.