Yanmar Vineyard Solutions, the viticulture technology arm of Yanmar, proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with the prestigious Champagne House, Maison Moët & Chandon.
Together, they are driving innovation in vineyard management through the development of the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot, aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety in viticulture operations.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, reflecting a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable and productive future for vineyard management while preserving terroir integrity. It all began in 2019 when Yanmar introduced its autonomous machine concept to Maison Moët & Chandon, aligning with the industry's growing interest in robotic vineyard assistance.
In 2021, the first prototype of the YV01 was unveiled and subjected to rigorous testing on challenging vineyard plots, ensuring it met Maison Moët & Chandon's specifications. By early 2022, extensive trials were conducted with two YV01 machines on the Champagne House's most demanding plots, marking a pivotal phase in evaluating performance and initiating staff training programs for vineyard workers.
By the end of 2022, Maison Moët & Chandon confirmed their intention to deploy the YV01 in their Aÿ and Cramant vineyard plots, impressed by its ease of use, operator safety enhancements, and adaptability to rugged terrain. Feedback from winegrowers has been overwhelmingly positive, with the YV01 delivering performance on par with traditional tractor-mounted machinery while offering superior safety and terrain adaptability.
Bolstered by this success, Yanmar Vineyard Solutions and Maison Moët & Chandon embarked on developing a new weeder tool in 2023, which has since been made available for purchase, further expanding their innovative offerings to the viticulture industry.
Established in 2021 and headquartered in Epernay, France, Yanmar Vineyard Solutions remains committed to collaborating closely with winegrowers to develop solutions that safeguard individuals and preserve the unique terroirs of vineyard territories. With a focus on innovation and customer-centricity, the company continues to evolve, driving positive change in viticulture practices.