How to Make a Barrel for Wine

Barrel Making at Martell's Cooperage

Barrels for wine are made at a cooperage and are used for storing the wine (or cognac). Selection of the wood is important, as the type of wood that is used will have a direct effect on the flavor of the beverage. A fine-grain wood, for example, will give a more dense drink. Oak is most often used, but there are many types and grains of oak that can give the wine its unique flavor.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Metal strips, formed into hoops
• Mallet
• Fire pit
• Hole puncher
• Sander
• White Flour
• Hose connected to a water source

1. The wood is cut into strips

   Prepare the wood by leaving it outside to wash naturally in the rain. Then keep it outside until it has dried in the sun. Once the wood has dried, cut it into strips, with the length to match the length of the barrel desired. Also cut circular pieces of wood for lids. Set lids aside.

2. Connecting the wood

   Hold the metal hoop (as shown in the photo below) and pound the wood strips into the metal hoops using a mallet. Once the strips have filled the circle, place the barrel in a fire to char the edges (the amount of char can also affect the flavor of the beverage). Also place the top and bottom pieces into the fire.

3. 

   Punch a hole in the side of a barrel (to be used as a spout once it is delivered to the wine-maker). Place the barrel in a sander (or sand by hand). Mix flour with a little water until it forms a paste. Put the paste along the top and bottom edges of the barrel and place metal hoops on each side, pressing to seal into place.

4. Use the mallet to pound the lids into the barrel. Put barrel in sander to finish. Place water in the barrel to test that it does not have any leaks. Then fill with wine.

Tips & Warnings

• A fine grain wood will make a dense drink

• The machinery used for making barrels can be dangerous if not used with care.

Resources

• Cooperage - Making Of A Wine Barrel