Mapping vineyard quality using remote and proximal sensing

The quest for optimal wine quality has led to the rise of precision viticulture, which aims to address spatial variability in vineyards, particularly for selective harvesting and determining the optimal harvest date. Traditional methods for assessing vineyard quality are often invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. Non-destructive technologies, such as spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, multispectral imaging, computer vision, and fluorescence, offer efficient alternatives. These technologies can be deployed on various platforms, including handheld devices, drones, and satellites, to map spatial variability and optimize vineyard management. This study proposes an innovative approach that integrates proximal and remote sensing techniques to monitor grape quality. The Multiplex sensor, a portable LED-based fluorescence sensor, is used as the proximal sensor to assess the phenolic maturity of grapes. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based imaging complements this by providing valuable spatial information. The study evaluates vineyard vigor using both UAV and Sentinel-2 spectral data and demonstrates the potential of these integrated technologies to differentiate vineyard zones and produce wines of distinct quality. The findings suggest that this methodology can effectively zone vineyards and forecast phenolic content, supporting agronomic decisions and optimizing the winemaking process.