In a process to press juice from raw grapes (16), the grapes are introduced into an enclosed press chamber (12) from which air is then expelled by the introduction of an inert gas prior to the press action. The inert gas has a higher specific weight than air. The grape juice is expelled via a tube to an enclosed container (8) also filled with inert gas. Following each press cycle the press chamber is again charged with inert gas. The press chamber and juice tank are linked by the same inert gas system excluding air.
