Wine hoses are essential equipment without which a cellar cannot function. The correct handling of wine hoses is critical, because it can affect the quality of wine. Here are some practical tips for cellar staff on how to care for hoses.
Individual hose identification
Decide on a system that will work best in the basement and stick to it. For example, give each hose a number using an engraver or mark each hose with a different colour (Photo 1). It is then easy to instruct the rest of the cellar team not to use ‘hose number 5’, for example, because it has a hole in it, or that ‘the yellow hose’ should be taken to the workshop. Without a clear way to distinguish the hoses from each other, intact and damaged hoses can get mixed, leading to wine spoilage or loss.
PHOTO 1. Hoses can be marked with silicone safety protectors in different colours.
Regular inspection
The cellar team is responsible for regularly checking the condition of all hoses used. Management does not necessarily see the condition of the hoses and relies on the cellar team to look after them.
An easy method to classify hoses is as follows:
- good condition,
- medium condition, and
- throw away.
If hoses are damaged, they can act as breeding grounds for spoilage microorganisms. The cost of saving wine after spoilage caused by microorganisms is much higher than that of a new hose.
Proper cleaning
Hose suppliers recommend using the following:
- Caustic (between 1.5% and 2.5% concentration).
- Citric acid (between 3% and 5% concentration).
- Steriliser such as hydrogen peroxide (between 2% and 3% concentration).
By optimising the cleaning process, we not only ensure that the hoses are in good condition, but also save costs. With a slightly warmer water temperature, the recommended cleaning solutions can be used at lower concentrations to save money. Every cent saved contributes to the cellar’s economic sustainability.
However, before the hoses are chemically cleaned, it is advisable to clean them twice a month with a rubber sponge ball (Photo 2). It is incredible how many solids still emerge when this action is performed.
It is vital to remember that chemical cleaning of any equipment in the cellar requires PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
PHOTO 2. A typical rubber sponge ball.
Neat storage
Wine hoses should preferably be stored on special hose racks. It is sometimes easier said than done, but leaving hoses on the floor is not ideal. Where the hoses lie, they can become slimy if no one picks them up to wash under them.
Ensure that water can drain out while the hoses are stored and not remain in the middle of the hose. Hoses should preferably be stored on sloping shelves (Photo 3).
Keep the hose ends off the ground. This prevents insects and pests from crawling into the hoses.
PHOTO 3. Wine hoses on a sloping shelve.
Prioritise hose usage
The hoses in the best condition should be used for actions as close as possible to the wine’s final filtration or directly before bottling. Preferably, there should be no hoses in the cellar that give off small pieces inside, which can cause ‘floaters’ in bottling tanks.
Avoid bends and cracks
If long and heavy hoses must be moved, three people are best to perform this action. This is better for everyone’s backs and helps keep the hose from getting caught and bending. This is where they usually crack, and the hose is never the same (Photo 4).
Do not drive forklifts over any hoses, including water hoses.
PHOTO 4. A bent hose.
Dragging hose ends
Do not drag hose ends. Dragging damages the ends and makes them difficult to tighten, resulting in leakage. Silicone protectors for ends are available, but even then, the ends can still catch on something while being moved.
Strap the ends securely
If one of the ends pops off because it is not strapped correctly, the wine can end up on the floor. Ensure the time and effort to perform this critical action correctly. Obtain the right equipment and let the more experienced team members teach the less experienced team members how to do it properly. Do not take any chances, especially if caustic is used to clean the hoses.
In conclusion
Spend a few minutes during the week looking at all the hoses in and around the cellar. Just as the veins in a person’s body transport all the blood, wine hoses transport every litre of wine in the cellar. If things go wrong, it can negatively affect the quality of wine and lead to huge losses.
For more information, contact Pieter Badenhorst at pieterb@fortheloveofwine.co.za.
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