Fruit wine is no longer a niche beverage. From berry wineries and orchard-based cider houses to tropical fruit wineries and sparkling fruit beverage brands, more producers are entering this rapidly growing market. But one of the biggest questions entrepreneurs and winery founders ask at the beginning is:
How much does a fruit wine production line cost?
The answer depends on production scale, equipment quality, automation level, and packaging needs. In this guide, we break down typical budget ranges, equipment categories, and cost factors—so you can plan confidently and make smart investment decisions.vist: Micet Craft Brewing Equipment Manufacturers
Why Cost Planning Matters in Fruit Wine Manufacturing
Fruit wines require specialized handling due to:
- High pectin content and pulp
- Soft, delicate aromas
- Higher acidity in many fruits
- Need for precise temperature control
- Strict hygiene requirements
A proper production line ensures:
✅ Stable and controlled fermentation
✅ High-quality flavor retention
✅ Efficient juice extraction
✅ Safe sanitation & cleaning
✅ Consistent clarity and stability
✅ Higher yield and reduced waste
Choosing the right budget strategy ensures winemakers can scale sustainably without over-investing too early or under-investing and risking product quality.
Core Components of a Fruit Wine Production Line
A complete fruit wine system includes:
- Fruit receiving & sorting system
- Fruit crusher or pulper
- Pressing system
- Fermentation tanks with cooling
- Filtration and stabilization setup
- Transfer pumps and hoses
- Glycol cooling system
- CIP sanitation system
- Bottling/packaging line
- Laboratory equipment
- Storage tanks / cold room
Each component influences overall investment.
Cost Breakdown by Winery Scale
🍇 Small / Boutique Fruit Winery
Production capacity: 5,000 – 20,000 liters/year
Typical budget: $30,000 – $120,000
Equipment Budget Range Fruit crusher & prep tools $2,000 – $8,000 Small bladder press $5,000 – $18,000 Two to four SS fermenters (300–1,000 L) $10,000 – $40,000 Small glycol chiller $2,500 – $10,000 Filtration system (pad filter) $2,000 – $8,000 Basic pumps & fittings $3,000 – $10,000 Semi-automatic bottling line $5,000 – $30,000
Best for: new wineries, farm operations, micro-batch production, tasting room brands
🍎 Growing Commercial Fruit Wine Factory
Production capacity: 20,000 – 100,000 liters/year
Typical budget: $120,000 – $450,000
Equipment Budget Range Industrial crusher & fruit mill $5,000 – $20,000 Bladder press (1,000+ L drum) $15,000 – $50,000 Six+ stainless steel fermenters (1,000–2,500 L) $40,000 – $180,000 Glycol cooling system $10,000 – $40,000 Plate & frame filtration $8,000 – $25,000 Transfer pumps & hoses $6,000 – $20,000 Semi-auto or compact auto packaging line $20,000 – $120,000
Best for: commercial producers, export operations, regional brands
🍍 Industrial Fruit Wine Production Facility
Production capacity: 100,000+ liters/year
Typical budget: $450,000 – $2,000,000+
Equipment Budget Range Large-capacity fruit processing line $50,000 – $150,000 High-capacity bladder or membrane press $40,000 – $120,000 Large conical or cylindrical tanks $100,000 – $500,000 Central glycol system with automation $50,000 – $200,000 Crossflow filtration system $80,000 – $300,000 Automated bottling & labeling line $100,000 – $500,000+ CIP automation & utilities $30,000 – $100,000
Best for: national beverage companies, canned sparkling fruit wine producers, export enterprises
Cost Factors That Affect Total Investment
1️⃣ Tank Material and Capacity
- Plastic = cheaper, not commercial grade
- Stainless steel = long-term professional standard
304 SS vs 316 SS:
316 is more acid-resistant (for citrus or tropical fruit) and costs ~20–40% more.
2️⃣ Cooling System Requirements
Fruit wine demands strict temperature control.
- Integrated glycol jackets cost more but are essential for quality.
- Larger systems require automated manifold controls.
3️⃣ Automation Level
Type Adds To Cost Manual valves & pumps Lowest budget Semi-automatic cooling & filling +15%–30% Fully automated control +30%–60%
Choose automation aligned with labor costs and output goals.
4️⃣ Filtration Technology
Type Cost Best For Pad filter Low Small wineries Lenticular Moderate Growing producers Crossflow filtration High High-volume operations
5️⃣ Packaging Type
Package Type Cost Impact Glass bottles Most common Cork vs screw cap Depends on market Cans for sparkling fruit wine Requires special line Bag-in-box Low equipment cost, excellent for bulk
6️⃣ Country & Freight
Import & freight costs may add 5%–25% depending on region and duty structure.
Additional Budget Items
Category Approx. Cost Site preparation $5,000 – $100,000+ Floor drainage $3,000 – $50,000 Cold room or chilling area $5,000 – $30,000 Lab equipment $2,000 – $20,000 Startup ingredients (yeast, enzymes, SO₂, fining) $500 – $5,000 Training & SOP development $1,000 – $10,000
Tip: Build a phased investment plan to avoid overspending initially.
Sample Budget Templates
Stage Budget Recommendation Pilot stage (test market) $30k – $80k Launch stage $80k – $200k Growth stage $200k – $600k Industrial build-out $600k – $2M+
FAQs
Q1: What is the most expensive part of a fruit wine production line?
Stainless steel tanks and the cooling system are typically the largest investment, followed by automated bottling equipment. These components directly affect production quality and long-term efficiency.
Q2: Can I start fruit wine production with small-scale equipment and upgrade later?
Yes. Many successful wineries begin with semi-automatic presses, a few jacketed tanks, and a manual bottling setup—then scale as demand grows. Start professional, even if small.
Q3: Are cheaper used tanks or home-brew gear a good idea?
Used stainless tanks can be smart if inspected properly, but hobby-grade equipment and plastic fermenters often lead to:
- Contamination issues
- Inconsistent fermentation
- Poor temperature control
- Lower product quality
Commercial production is best served with professional stainless-steel systems.
Recommended Fruit Wine Equipment Provider — Micet
When building a fruit wine production line, quality stainless-steel equipment and proper cooling control make all the difference. Micet specializes in turnkey winery equipment designed for fruit wine fermentation and processing.
Why Choose Micet?
- 304/316 stainless steel tanks
- Jacketed fermenters with precision temperature control
- Gentle, high-efficiency bladder presses
- Glycol cooling and automation systems
- CIP systems, pumps, hoses & tri-clamp fittings
- Semi-automatic & automatic bottling lines
- Custom layouts for small and large facilities
- Durable engineering backed by strong support
Micet provides scalable solutions—from boutique fruit wineries to industrial production facilities—helping producers achieve consistent quality and high yield.
