In the production of wine, wineries can employ many different types of wine vessels: from reinforced concrete to ceramic, from wood to stainless steel (inox). As we will see later, stainless steel wine tanks are a real wild card and are used by most wineries in their production processes.

In this article, we will discover how they are used in the processes that transform grapes into the wine enjoyed by so many consumers. We will understand some of the main differences, the types, and also make some mention of their prices.

THE FUNCTIONS OF STAINLESS STEEL TANKS

A first distinction we must make regarding wine tanks, sometimes also called containers, concerns its function.
In wine cellars, tanks perform two main functions:

Wine storage: in these cases the tank used may contain the wine during one of the wine-making stages, such as stabilisation.
Fermentation: in this case the wine is pumped into the tank precisely to allow its alcoholic or malolactic fermentation.

As becomes clear, tanks provide fundamental support for wine production. While its format may vary, its importance remains the same.

TYPES OF TANKS

Stainless steel tanks are the most popular on the market because they are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean and maintain and come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and finishes.
As written above, stainless steel wine tanks can come in different formats, depending on the specific need of the winemaking and cellar process of which they are a part. Let’s look at the main ones:

Horizontal tanks

Usually, this method of tanks allows the must to be processed more gently, with reduced quantities of wine lees. Wine waves or air bubbles are thus avoided.
Different versions may offer devices such as an auger for processing grape seeds, or an inverter that allows more precise variations in tank speed.

Verticals

This is a classic example of a vertical wine tank:

Serbatoio inox verticale per il ivno

Upright tanks are the most versatile and frequent stainless steel tanks in wine production. Among other advantages, its circular shape facilitates its positioning within the cellar. It usually allows access to the interior via a front door:

Portella del serbatoio inox per il vino

They can have variations in many parts, such as a conical or sloping bottom. The base of the tank can also vary: stainless steel base or with height-adjustable feet.

Other optional extras such as external flowered type finishes are frequently appreciated by wineries.

Rectangular

Rectangular wine tanks have many similarities with upright tanks, but with one distinct advantage: they can be palletised. This possibility is particularly suitable for handling inside the wine cellar.
As an optional extra, wine cellars often require rectangular or elliptical doors, or piping for internal cleaning.

In this photo, a 1,000 litre rectangular tank:

Serbatoio inox rettangolare per il vino

STAINLESS STEEL WINE TANKS: PRICES

The prices of stainless steel wine tanks have a very wide range given the different shapes, sizes and optional extras included.

The cheapest stainless steel tanks for professional use can be priced in the tens of thousands of euros.

For offers, contact us with the information you require and we will be happy to help you.

TANKS USED FOR WINE: THERE ARE?

Wineries usually increase their production capacity through the purchase of new stainless steel tanks. In recent years, however, there has been a marked growth in the market for used stainless steel tanks.

These tanks make it possible to maximise the return on investment, as they are cheaper than new, usually overhauled and in excellent condition.

Another advantage of used wine tanks is of course being able to rely on existing products available on the market. This incomparable agility is of great help to wineries that need to increase production capacity.

Stainless steel tanks for wine: types, uses and prices

THE FUNCTIONS OF STAINLESS STEEL TANKS