Smart Winery
We’re still yet to find a setting in which Loxone cannot be used to automate and improve everyday life – this smart winery and guesthouse is just another example of this. The owner has integrated practically the entire wine production process with Loxone, allowing more of the steps to be handled automatically. For instance, Loxone now controls their chiller to help with the fermentation process.
We’re still yet to find a setting in which Loxone cannot be used to automate and improve everyday life – this smart winery and guesthouse is just another example of this. The owner has integrated practically the entire wine production process with Loxone, allowing more of the steps to be handled automatically. For instance, Loxone now controls their chiller to help with the fermentation process.
Automated check-in
An NFC Code Touch is located just outside the main entrance to the guesthouse. As soon as a guest enters their assigned code, the owner will be notified that they have checked in safely – meaning that he no longer has to travel to the guesthouse every time someone is checking in.
However, this is just the start when it comes to convenience. The entire building is equipped with a Loxone system from the accommodation through to the wine cellar.
Facts at a Glance
Where:
Hustopece, Czech Republic
Sector:
Hospitality & Production
Business Name:
U Harmáčků Winery & Guesthouse
Loxone Partner:
Jiří Harmáček
Rooms revert to basic settings
In the guest rooms, smart lighting, audio, temperature control and adjustable motorised blinds all help to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Not only does this provide the guest with an increased level of comfort and convenience, but it also ensures that each room is highly energy efficient. Lights are automatically switched off when they are no longer needed and the underfloor heating is turned down if a window is left open. When no guests are staying in the room, the heat pump is automatically switched off. All of these steps ensure that energy is not wasted.
The blinds in the rooms work automatically, but guests can adjust them whenever they want with a tap on a Touch switch. Then, when their stay is over, the rooms revert to ‘basic settings’ – lights are turned off, air conditioning is stopped, room temperature is set to a lower value, and the blinds go back to automatic. This means that staff no longer have to worry about manually preparing all of this in the rooms.
Fermentation control
The owner, Mr Harmáček, is a Loxone Partner and offers intelligent home automation to many customers. However, he initially found Loxone while looking to improve his wine production process and, more specifically, the fermentation process.
Mr Harmáček and his cooling supplier came up with the fermentation control method that led him to Loxone. “It was innovative even then. It consists of automatically controlling the cooling of the tanks in which fermentation occurs. The grape must produces heat during fermentation and needs to be regulated to make the process continuous and slow. Loxone constantly monitors the must’s temperature with sensors and automatically controls the cooling in the double jacketed tanks accordingly. A set of valves as well as the drive control of the small pumps that send out water for cooling work automatically,” explains Jiří Harmáček.
3 advantages of this solution
Jiří loves this solution so much that he now wants to offer it to other winemakers in the region. So what does he see as the main benefits of having this system in place?
1. An overview of the fermentation system
Regardless of where he is, Jiří can check the temperature in the fermentation tank – he has remote access to the system and does not have to come to the winery several times a day to check the status and changes. In addition, he can check the openness of the valves and the fermentation process directly from the app – meaning he can monitor it from home or anywhere else. He also can adjust the temperature of the cooling water based on the temperature of the grape must – this allows the must to be cooled gently without any sudden changes as this harms the yeast.
2. Competitive price
There are other solutions on the market that provide remote monitoring. However, these are unaffordable to most smaller winemakers. Of course, the price depends on the specific system and the production layout. Still, in most cases, a solution based on Loxone normally comes out significantly cheaper and brings extra features.
3. Instant notifications
If there were any issues with the cooling system, Jiří would immediately be notified via the app – allowing him to react immediately and prevent any damage to the equipment or the wine.
Elevator & air conditioning control
Loxone automates far more than fermentation control on this project. The room temperature in the cooling room where the wine vats are stored is also automated and can be controlled remotely. The elevator which transports the wine from the production area to the cellar is also controlled with Loxone.
Furthermore, the extractor fan in the kitchen is also automatically controlled and tied into the air conditioning system. This switches on when the outside air temperature falls below a certain value. The air conditioning system also helps reduce air humidity in the wine cellar.
Guests are not allowed to enter the wine cellar unattended for the tasting. Therefore, the lock on the glass door can only be opened in the presence of a member of staff. In addition to the air conditioning, Loxone also controls the lighting circuits directly in the cellar.
Interested in Loxone?
Whether you want Loxone installed or you want to start offering your customers Loxone, speak to us about making that happen.