A little history....

Wine barrels were not originally used to transport nor store wine. Clay vessels and animal skins were used at first. But with transportation, clay vessels would break and animal skins would deteriorate. Wooden vessels slowly become the transportation of choice. By 300AD, wooden barrels were widely used for wine transportation. Not only did they figure out the barrels were great transporters but also that the oak imparts unique flavors into the wine. Cooperages today are the only ones making barrels. For more detailed information, click on the barrel.