The process of making barrels is complex and lengthy. Barrels for aging wine must be water tight without the use of any nails, glue, or sealant.

Steps in Making Barrels
Lumber From the Forest

Precision Quartersawn Lumber

Creating the staves

   1-cutting the length

   2-tapering the stave

   3-creating the inside curve

Selecting the staves for the barrel

Tightening the staves to form the barrel

   1-over the fire

   2-steam to soften

   3-smelling the quality

Firming the staves and pulling them together

Drilling the bung

Making the heads

   1-milling the wood

   2-joining with reeds

   3-forming the head

The Finishing Process

   1-First the hand grinder

   2-Next the belt sander

Placing the rims

Roll them out

Cauterizing the bung hole

Tasting the difference oak makes in wine

Its just so much work!