Enhance the quality of your wine, speed up fermentation, and maximise the extraction of valuable compounds — Revolutionising wine-making with Elea PEF Advantage systems.
PEF is an advanced, energy-efficient food processing technology that optimises the extraction of valuable compounds from grapes.
Mashed grapes are pumped through the Elea PEF Advantage system, where rapid, targeted electrical pulses are applied. This process opens pores in grape cell membranes, significantly enhancing the release of polyphenols, anthocyanins, sugars, and other essential compounds.
PEF treatment elevates wine quality, resulting in richer flavours, deeper colours, and superior overall characteristics.
The Elea PEF Advantage for wine
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![Close-up of dark purple grapes with a glossy surface, clustered together, with a blurred green and orange background.]()
Greater Value
PEF speeds up wine processing by making fermentation faster and boosting yields, leading to greater efficiency and productivity. It works by using Pulsed Electric Fields to gently open up cell membranes in the grapes. This allows important compounds like enzymes and nutrients to be released more easily. With these compounds more accessible, the fermentation process becomes quicker and more effective, resulting in higher-quality wines and better overall production.
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![Three wine glasses with white, rosé, and red wine on a barrel, surrounded by grapes and leaves, in a vineyard setting.]()
Improved quality
PEF technology enhances the sensory appeal of wine by improving its flavour and giving it a richer, more vibrant colour. In red and rosé wines, PEF enhances deeper, more vibrant hues, while white wines appear fresher and less yellow, particularly in young, unaged varieties. The improvement in flavour and aroma comes from PEF opening up cell membranes, allowing aromatic compounds to be released more effectively, resulting in wines with better taste and fragrance.
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![Industrial food processing machine with metal tanks, hoses, and electrical warning sign, used in food or beverage production.]()
Take control
PEF technology gives you full control over your winemaking production in any situation. Its versatility allows process parameters to be adjusted for different grape varieties and winemaking goals. In years with adverse weather conditions, PEF can help prevent reduced production and improve wine quality, even from grapes grown in less-than-ideal conditions.
PEF Benefits for White Wine
PEF technology is transforming white wine production, reducing fermentation time by an impressive 8 days. By applying Pulsed Electric Fields to destemmed and crushed grapes, this innovative process enhances the release of sugars, enzymes, and essential compounds, allowing yeast to work more efficiently. The result is faster fermentation while preserving the fresh, delicate flavours that define quality white wines.
Process faster and increase capacity
PEF Accelerates fermentation
for white wine
250%
and increases glutathione
by up to
The increase in glutathione is likely due to improved extraction, as PEF treatment breaks down cellular structures, enhancing its release into the must before fermentation. Glutathione plays a crucial role in protecting the wine from oxidation and preserving its freshness and aromatic qualities during the shelf life or ageing process.
The Elea Flow Meter provides a consistent flow of grape juice into the PEF chamber
Concentration (µg/L)
Higher Glutathione concentration
Days of fermentation
-8 days
Faster Fermentation
Fermentation progress at 13 °C
3805
13444
PEF Benefits for Red Wine
PEF technology has enhanced red wine production by increasing diacetyl content by 24%—a key compound that shapes the wine’s aroma and flavour profile. Known for its buttery, creamy notes, diacetyl contributes to the richness and complexity of high-quality red wines. By boosting its concentration, PEF intensifies the wine’s sensory depth, resulting in a more aromatic, flavourful wine with a fuller mouthfeel and a refined, well-rounded taste.
Gain more valuable compounds and improve wine quality
23.8%
Increase diacetyl content
by up to
57%
Increase polyphenol content
by up to
An increase of 57% in polyphenol content is highly important in red wines, as polyphenols are essential compounds responsible for the wine’s colour, taste, and antioxidant properties. Polyphenols, such as tannins and anthocyanins, contribute to the wine’s structure, ageing potential, and mouthfeel, providing complexity and balance. The higher polyphenol content also helps protect the wine from oxidation, preserving its freshness and stability over time. Furthermore, polyphenols are known to offer health benefits, acting as antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Crushed grapes being PEF treated by the Elea PEF Advantage P 100 e chamber
Concentration (mg/L)
+43.27 %
Increased Anthocyanin content
Concentration (µg//L)
+24 %
Increased Diacetyl content
Concentration (mg/L)
+57 %
Increased Polyphenol content
PEF Benefits for Rosè
PEF-treated wine boasts a richer body, a sweeter taste, and an aroma and flavour that linger more persistently over time.
This image showcases two glasses of unfiltered rosé wine, captured at the end of fermentation before filtration and stabilisation. The glass on the right, treated with PEF technology, displays a noticeably more intense and brilliant colour compared to the untreated sample on the left. This striking vibrancy results from PEF’s ability to enhance the extraction of pigments and aromatic compounds, giving the wine a richer, more luminous appearance. Additionally, the brighter hue may be linked to reduced oxidation, as PEF helps minimise air exposure during fermentation, preserving the wine’s freshness and vitality.
Monitoring PEF treatment level on the Elea PEF Advantage P 100 e generator
Quality, efficiency, value
and sustainability
Why I think PEF is the
Future of Winemaking
Over a decade ago, we at Elea identified the significant potential of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology in winemaking. Today, we offer scalable solutions designed to enhance efficiency, optimise extraction, and support sustainable production for wineries of all sizes.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Toepfl
Managing Director
PEF improves the release of pigments, tannins, and aromatic compounds, resulting in deeper colours, enhanced flavours, and a smoother mouthfeel while also accelerating the fermentation process. This allows for a more controlled and efficient vinification, maintaining the integrity of the wine’s sensory characteristics.
Beyond improving wine quality, PEF contributes to more sustainable and cost-effective production. It reduces energy and water consumption, optimises fermentation and pressing, and increases grape yield—minimising waste while improving overall resource efficiency.
Whether for a small boutique winery or a large-scale operation, PEF technology represents a significant advancement in modern winemaking. By integrating this approach, producers can achieve higher efficiency, improved quality, and a more sustainable production process.
Discover the ideal Elea PEF Advantage P e system for your wine.
Elea PEF Advantage Pipe systems treat both liquid and semi-liquid food. All Elea PEF Advantage Pipe extraction systems comply with HACCP requirements and are CIP and SIP ready.
PEF Advantage P 1 e
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Our most compact PEF extraction solution, easy to integrate, operate and maintain.
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The P 1 e offers full control over your processing capacity, handling up to 11 t/h, depending on the process parameters.
PEF Advantage P 10-100 e
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The PEF Advantage P 10 e & 100 e are designed to be easily and fully integrated into your existing production line with minimal disruption.
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The PEF Advantage P 10 e can process up to 15 t/h, while the PEF Advantage P 100 e handles up to 24 t/h, both depending on the process parameters.
PEF Advantage P 1000 e
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The PEF Advantage P 1000 e, Elea’s highest-capacity extraction system, is designed for large-scale production and offers easy installation and maintenance.
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The PEF Advantage P 1000 e can handle capacities of up to 35 t/h, depending on the process parameters.
Every Elea PEF Advantage systems share the same 24/7 production capability and are built to operate under extreme conditions.
PEF solutions, customer care and support
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![Person in a lab coat examining a lab instrument]()
Application support
Our experts can help you optimise PEF for your product, either at our state-of-the-art PEF pilot hall or directly on-site at your production line.
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![Four men standing in a factory or industrial setting engaged in conversation. One man in a yellow shirt is looking at a paper or object in his hands.]()
Technical care & support
We offer 24/7 global support, ensuring assistance is always available when you need it. Our specialist installation and training teams work closely with clients to guarantee our systems' smooth, efficient, and successful commissioning.
Meet the Elea wine team
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Sveva Cesari
Food Technologist
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Oleksii Parniakov
Principal Scientist / Special Projects
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Johannes Pfeiffer
Sales Manager
Prof.-von-Klitzing-Str. 9, D-49610 Quakenbrück, Germany
Hours
Monday–Friday
8.00–17.00
Phone
+49 (0) 5431 92629 70