History, Strength and Beauty…how it all begins.
Cooperage, or the art of barrel making, is a time- honored centuries-old craft. Coopers use their skill and knowledge in selecting only the finest quality wood to create their barrels.
The meticulous care in growing oak trees used specifically for wine barrels provides us with a wood synonymous with the word strength. It takes up to 100 years to grow trees large enough to be harvested. In order to provide a product both knot and defect free, less than 20% of these trees are chosen.
Forested in various lengths and shaped into the complex pattern of convex and concave curves, the wood becomes only stronger and ideal for making furniture and artifacts.
Since no two barrels are alike and very few staves are alike each piece that I make might be similar to another but will end up with its own personality. I do try to use the staves from one barrel for each project and I will use the hoops as hardware when it is appropriate. I also leave the winery markings on the wood simply because it adds interest. Each piece is sanded and finished with at least six coats of marine varnish to ensure their durability.
|