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Under Pressure: Cut Costs with Certified Used Barrels

As the wine industry reels following a string of economic setbacks, it has been hoping for a rebound. Conversations swirl around whether the sales decline is slowing or if a portfolio realignment to focus on premium wines could reposition the brand for success among consumers who are drinking less. Cure-alls for capturing the Gen Z and Millennial consumer abound, along with Instagrammable images of happy young women in hats. Technological innovation thrives, bringing solutions and automating processes from weeding to bottling and streamlining online direct-to-consumer sales.

Almost all the worries are real, and experimentation is essential. But, in the end, wine is a nuts and bolts business. Winery owners tally up the costs and the sales revenue at the end of the harvest season and set about readjusting as necessary. Lately, the costs have been outstripping the profits at a greater rate than ever. It’s why we see dead vines and bare earth where vineyards were thriving yesterday and long-time tasting rooms of successful wineries closing.

Wineries that are focused on the practicalities of growing, making and selling wine continue their search for ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. They are also holding their breath as they wait to see just how much tariffs will increase prices for imported glass bottles, cork, aluminum closures and French oak barrels. The question they’re asking is, “Where can we save money without sacrificing what matters?”

The Cost-Saving Power of Quality Used Barrels


One increasingly strategic answer to cost-cutting is to buy used barrels that are already in the US.

“French oak is the gold standard in wine production,” says Luke Brewer, co-owner and general manager of Quality Wine Barrels, a leading supplier of refill-ready barrels for more than two decades. “Some cooperages ship ready-made barrels, while others ship oak staves and assemble barrels here. Either way, costs are climbing.”

A single new French oak barrel runs $1,000 or more. Brewer recently calculated the cost of shipping six of these barrels from California to Texas and found the price topped $8,000. In contrast, that same shipment of French oak barrels used for just one vintage would cost under $3,000, and shipping high-quality neutral red wine barrels instead would cost a third of that.

“That’s a $5,000‒$7,000 savings,” Brewer explains. “And that’s our premium barrel with the most oak life left. We source from top-tier wineries and sanitize, leak test and guarantee each barrel. Our solid guarantee reassures the first time buyer.”

Sustainability Adds Value

It takes 80-120  years to grow an oak tree, and each yields only one and a half to two barrels. Reusing barrels saves thousands of trees and lowers CO₂ emissions generated from international shipping and cooperage processes.

It is estimated that if only 10% of American wineries bought 12 used barrels per year it would amount to taking 600 – 1,100 cars off the road for a whole year.

Switching to used barrels supports the environmental stewardship goals wineries are increasingly setting. It also meets the transparency expectations of the growing ranks of eco-conscious consumers.


Easing the Stress of Harvest

Many wineries only think about used barrels and racks in the middle of the busy harvest season—typically because they suddenly discover they’ve underestimated the yield.

“Every year, for about two months during harvest, everyone is calling me in a panic,” laughs Brewer, “They may underestimate yield or unexpectedly source extra grapes. We often work through the night during harvest.”

Whatever the reason wineries need used barrels, Quality Wine Barrels' mission is simple: “To save you money and take the stress out of harvest season while giving great barrels a second life.

That commitment keeps wineries coming back. "I’m extremely pleased,” says Weston McCoury, General Manager of Fiesta Winery. “We always get exactly what Luke promises and never have any issues. Quality takes real good care of us.”

With tariffs adding to economic pressures, wineries are reevaluating every budget item—from vines to oak. For many, switching to used barrels from Quality Wine Barrels isn’t just a smart option - it’s a cost-effective and sustainable business model.


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About

We Buy Barrels

We Sell Barrels


Our mission is to be your first choice every single time you need a high-quality used oak wine barrel for wine or spirit making. From the time you plan your harvest and through harvest season, being your first choice for barrels is our priority. 

It’s the reason we exist.

With 20 plus years of experience, and over a half million barrels sold, we know the ins and outs of the barrel business. 

That’s why our 5-point inspection certification process and quality guarantee are the cornerstone of Quality Wine Barrels.


     In our vast warehouse:

Red barrels

  White Barrels

          Recoopered Barrels

            Large Format Barrels

 Barrel Racks


We look forward to working with you!

Luke, Mike & Justin

Quality Wine Barrels




Contact

Contact List

Title Name Email Phone Extension
General Manager Luke Brewer sales@qualitybarrels.com 805-481-4737

Location List

Locations Address State Country Zip Code
Quality Wine Barrels 800 W Boone St, Santa Maria CA United States of America 93458

List of Locations