“When you apply UV-C at night it actually disrupts the DNA of the mildew itself, and if there’s a two hour period of darkness that follows that light application, the mildew cannot repair itself in time to recover, so the mildew dies. So this is a way to get really amazing control of powdery mildew and some of these other diseases, using light instead of chemistry,” explains Caine Thompson, General Manager, US, Saga Robotics in the interview about Saga Robotics’ WINnovation Award winning technology.
By combining autonomous robotics with UV light treatment, Saga Robotics is helping winegrowers tackle labor constraints, reduce chemical inputs, and protect grape quality. It offers a forward-thinking approach to vineyard management with tangible benefits for both sustainability and wine production.
Saga Robotics’ autonomous robots treat grapevines with ultraviolet (UV) light at night to help control powdery mildew. By automating vineyard treatments, growers reduce dependence on manual labor and use an effective alternative to conventional chemical fungicides, which is especially useful for protecting the grapes close to harvest. The technology offers a compelling combination of operational efficiency and more sustainable disease management helping wineries rethink crop protection without compromising their commitment to quality.
Meet Saga Robotics at the North Coast Wine Industry Expo – WIN Expo at booth N on Dec. 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa.
About WINnovation Awards
WINnovation Awards recognize the technologies, products, and services transforming the way the wine industry grows, produces, and brings exceptional wine to market. Wine Industry Network’s have been celebrating excellence and recognizing wine industry innovators with WINnovation Awards since 2013.
