The fashioning of oak timbers into barrels for wine and spirit maturation is a proud tradition upheld at Seppeltsfield. With a Cooperage history dating back to the 1800s, the artisan trade began on-site at Seppeltsfield and grew rapidly as the Australian wine industry emerged into the 20th century. We are privileged to see this tradition continue on site through resident Master Cooper, Andrew Young.
Andrew specialises in the careful dismantling of retired Seppeltsfield fortified barrels, where the individual oak staves are then cut, re-shaven, re-toasted and reassembled.
This process involves traditional hand-tool techniques and allows for the crafting of various sized barrels – from 10L to 150L – for home fortified and spirit maturing.
Now you have an opportunity to go behind the scenes and work side by side with Andrew himself in the Seppeltsfield Cooperage. Be inspired as you partake in the Cooper for a day experience. Learn the craft of barrel making as you’re guided through the cooperage process, whilst hand crafting your very own 10L fortified or spirit barrel – complete with personalised engraving.