The team also tours family-owned stave mills like the historic mill managed by Nathalie Gauthier and her family, to view first-hand the process of seasoning and sorting.

Other unforgettable experiences include dining “en famille” with their hosts and stopping in to some of the region’s finest wineries and restaurants.

Back in our California cooperage, winemakers follow the barrel making process from beginning to end, determining their own custom formats and barrel toasting. The first participant in our Master Cooper Program was Bob Cabral of Three Sticks Wines.

The Master Cooper Selections program is limited to twelve participating wineries per year, and requires a minimum purchase of twelve barrels.