Spanish Wine Industry Sees Surge in Patents With Coffee Bean Aging and New Barrel Technologies

A new method for aging wine using coffee beans has been patented in Spain, marking a novel approach in the country’s wine industry. The patent was granted in July and details a process where natural roasted coffee beans are submerged directly into the wine. The recommended ratio is between three and seven grams of coffee per liter of wine. According to documents reviewed by Efeagro, this technique shortens the traditional aging or maturation period for wines, reduces investment costs, and increases both production and commercialization capacity.

The Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism has published several patents in recent months, reflecting ongoing innovation in the agricultural sector. In the last three months alone, at least ten inventions related to food and beverage production have received official approval, with many more applications under review by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office.

The coffee bean aging method is not the only recent development in Spanish winemaking. Another invention involves a hermetically sealed barrel designed for maturing wines or spirits. This barrel prevents evaporation through its surface, a common issue with traditional wooden barrels. The inventors also highlight that it is easy to remove tartrate and tannin deposits from the interior walls, allowing for almost indefinite reuse. Importantly, the barrel does not use materials that could contaminate the wine, such as heavy metals like zinc.

Beyond winemaking, other patent applications are also under consideration. One notable example is an autonomous system designed to deter wild animals from damaging crops. Traditional solutions often require constant human intervention or rely on invasive methods that are not sustainable. Animals can also become accustomed to repetitive deterrents, reducing their effectiveness over time. The new system uses a device that emits random sensory stimuli—such as unpleasant smells, sounds, and lights—and operates independently using self-sufficient energy sources. The goal is to keep animals away from crops without causing them harm.

These recent patents demonstrate ongoing creativity among Spanish companies and individuals working in agriculture and food production. The sector continues to see improvements in both established techniques and entirely new inventions aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability. As more patents are filed and approved, Spain’s agricultural landscape is likely to see further changes driven by technological innovation.