A basket press is a type of wine press used primarily in the production of wine. It consists of a cylindrical basket that holds the grapes, which are then pressed to extract juice. The design allows for gentle pressing, minimizing the extraction of bitter compounds from the grape skins and seeds. These presses can be made from various materials, including wood and stainless steel, and are often used in small-scale or artisanal winemaking. The process is typically manual or semi-automatic, allowing winemakers to control the pressure applied to the grapes, ensuring high-quality juice for fermentation.