We have also been working with a company that uses AI algorithms to assess satellite imagery, weather data, soil samples and more. The possibilities here are incredible. Using an app, we can glance at a colour-graded map which predicts canopy growth, soil nutrients or even grape ripeness. This has great potential to decrease spending. If, for example, a Vineyard block has a nutrient deficiency in one area, this can be targeted for treatment, decreasing our Vineyard inputs compared to a blanket treatment covering the entire block.
While the examples above show great promise, there’s no perfect solution to all our problems yet. Vineyard processes are complex and often difficult to understand, even with access to a wealth of information. Take the UK’s complex and unpredictable climate for example. Even if we could predict the weather a little more accurately, how does this impact our soil and vine health? Do we need to create different algorithms to understand each grape variety? Will there be different outcomes for vines at higher or lower altitudes? These are just a few of the variables to consider.
In attempting to cover all variables, we could end up with so many numbers that decision paralysis is a problem. I think new and emerging tech needs to not only collect the data, but provide recommendations on a level that we, as humans, can understand and interpret.
While these are my thoughts so far, there’s so much more to discuss with AI driven technology. A vineyard is, in comparison to most agricultural practices, human intensive work. If an AI or robot is able to complete tasks previously completed by a human, will that cause a shift in our professions? At Rathfinny we place great value on our workforce and consider our people part of our character. That is not something we’d want to lose.
What about the winemaking process? Some wineries have started to use AI to monitor and modulate fermentation conditions. Perhaps the future might see wineries using AI to blend wines. Can they be trained to understand taste and smell?
An ominous future could be upon us in wine marketing also. What if AI is trained to understand market trends, guiding producers towards meeting widespread consumer preference? Could we end up with a market devoid of diverse styles and approaches to winemaking? Will there be an underground, human winemaking resistance to the evolution of wine versed AI?
I’m going to stop there before this becomes a science fiction novel.
Here’s some suggestions for further reading:
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics in Vineyards: A Review
AI and wine: A taste of the future?
Tradition Meets Algorithm: How AI Affects The Future Of Wine And Beverage
