These beautifully handcrafted art carvings come from wine barrels that have used up their shelf life.  Rather than dumping these old wine vessels in landfills, selling them as firewood, or using them as planters, they are given a new lease on life by turning them into pieces of wine cellar décor that can be a great addition to any wine storage room, winery, tasting room, or restaurant.

A Wine Cellar Tradition Renewed

The art of wine barrel carving originated as a German carving tradition that would have faded with time but was ultimately saved from permanent obscurity by a band of modern artisans.  The need for innovative and eco-friendly wine cellar design ideas has also sparked renewed interest in this fading art form.  Traditional hand carvings of old wine barrels evoke a sense of history and tradition that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a wine cellar space.

How Wine Barrel Carvings are Designed

Although the entirety of wine barrels can be utilized as wine cellar accessories, the tenth barrel head is the most commonly used configuration in wood carving designs.  It comes from quarter-sawn oak with a thickness of more than 1 inch.  Barrelhead carvings are approximately 24 inches in diameter and include a 4-inch depth of surrounding hoops and side staves.

Wine Barrel Head Used in Wine Barrel Carvings

The barrel heads are dismantled, reconditioned, and reassembled by applying polyurethane glue to secure the material against cracking, as well as provide added durability. The plywood backing is also glued into a milled recess located around the inside perimeter of the head to strengthen and improve its structural integrity.

Many Options for Wine Art Color and Finish

A variety of stain and finish options can be applied to the completed carving design, but most wine barrel carvers recommend minimal use of these applications in order to allow the natural beauty of reclaimed oak barrels to shine through.  Wine barrel carvings can be mounted on the wall, hung above a fireplace, or simply placed atop counters or tabletops.

Peter Forbes – Our Recommended Wine Barrel Carving Artisan

As previously mentioned, there are a group of skilled artisans who are committed to preserving the wonderful art of reclaimed wine barrel carving.   Peter Forbes is one of those individuals dedicated to continuing the ancient tradition of hand wood carving.  He is a renowned wine barrel carver whose detailed craftsmanship and heirloom quality carvings are well-received in the industry.

Peter Forbes – A Talented Wine Barrel Carving Artist

Peter Forbes has been creating custom hand carvings on recycled wine barrels for about fifteen years now.  He makes it a point to involve the client during the conceptualization stage of the project, to ensure that the artwork captures their individual characteristics and creativity.

Add a Wine Barrel Carving to Your Project!

Reclaimed wine barrel carvings are exquisite works of art that can be integrated into any wine cellar design.  These eye-catching wine cellar accessories can provide elegance and enhance the interior of private wine rooms or wine-related business establishments.

Contact a wine cellar design specialist to add wine barrel carving to your wine room!