When wineries plan upgrades to their crush pad or cellar infrastructure, one of the most common questions we hear is whether it makes more sense to invest in standard equipment or a custom-fabricated solution.
Both approaches have their place. In many cases, the most effective system combines standard equipment with custom fabrication to address the specific workflow and layout of a winery.
At Ogletree’s, we’ve been designing and fabricating winery equipment since 1946, and we work with wineries across the industry to help them determine when customization can deliver the greatest operational benefit.
Cost: Looking Beyond the Initial Price
Standard equipment typically comes with a lower upfront cost and quicker delivery timelines, which makes it a practical option for many applications.
However, wineries often operate within existing buildings where space limitations, tank layouts, and processing workflows vary significantly. In these situations, custom fabrication can sometimes reduce inefficiencies that lead to higher labor costs or operational bottlenecks over time.
When equipment is designed specifically for the facility and the way a winery processes fruit, the long-term value can outweigh the difference in initial investment.
Designing for Unique Winery Layouts
No two wineries are exactly alike. Crush pads, tank farms, and cellar layouts are often shaped by the building itself, especially in facilities that have expanded over time.
Because of this, we frequently work with wineries to design equipment that fits seamlessly into their existing operations. This can include solutions such as:
- Custom grape receiving systems
- Receiving hoppers and hoists
- Fruit conveyors
- Press funnels
- Aluminum catwalks for safe tank access
Designing equipment around the space allows wineries to make better use of their facility while improving overall workflow efficiency.
Improving Workflow During Harvest
Harvest is one of the most demanding periods of the year for winery infrastructure. Equipment used to move fruit—from receiving hoppers to conveyors and hoists—needs to keep fruit flowing efficiently while maintaining safe working conditions for cellar crews.
Custom fabrication can help wineries improve how fruit moves through the crush pad, reduce unnecessary handling, and minimize delays during peak harvest activity.
We often work with wineries to evaluate their current setup and identify opportunities to streamline receiving systems and fruit movement.
Planning for Future Growth
Many wineries are constantly evolving as production grows or processing methods change.
When designing equipment, it’s often helpful to think about how a system will function not just today, but several years down the road. Custom fabrication can allow equipment to be designed with expansion in mind, whether that means accommodating additional tanks, changes in crush pad layout, or increased production capacity.
Planning ahead can help wineries avoid costly redesigns later.
Repairing and Modifying Existing Equipment
Not every improvement requires new equipment. In many cases, existing infrastructure can be repaired or modified to extend its useful life.
At Ogletree’s, we regularly work with wineries to repair or retrofit equipment made from stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel, helping keep critical systems operating reliably while avoiding unnecessary replacement costs.
Finding the Right Approach
Choosing between standard equipment and custom fabrication doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. Most wineries benefit from combining both approaches to create systems that work efficiently within their specific facility.
By understanding how fruit moves through the crush pad and how cellar teams interact with equipment, wineries can make infrastructure decisions that support both efficient harvest operations and long-term growth.