Grape quality mapping for vineyard differential harvesting

an experiment was carried out from 2005 to 2008, to calibrated nir-based instrumentation and explore within field grape quality variability and map potential grape quality descriptors along vineyards, as a subsidy for differential harvesting,. the quality indicators (anthocyanin content, ph, titratable acidity and soluble solids) were subject to geo-spatial modeling. subsequently, the data set was utilized to delineate "within-field" grape quality zone and to determine the timing of the harvest. differential machine harvesting was implemented and segregation of wine grapes was done "on-the-go". the approach for field prediction of grape quality parameters and zone delineation allowed for separated fermentation for at least two wine styles.