Mendocino Cooperage barrels are being re-introduced to the U.S. market and will be available through Oakasion, LLC of Healdsburg, California. The “Mendocino Cooperage” brand is to be produced by Okanagan Barrel Works of Oliver British Columbia. Mendocino Cooperage barrels are available in both 36 month aged Northern oak and 24 month aged Appalachian oak. Both Bordeaux and Burgundy styles are available. The cooperage’s northern oak comes from the northwestern edge of the species’ natural range, where Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa converge- the Northern Heartland. According to the company, “Forests in this region are subjected to harsh winters with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Growing seasons are short. Mature, well-drained, limestone-based soils, that predate the last ice age, anchor this area’s oak forest on cool, moist ravine slopes. These slopes create ideal aspects that protect the trees from harsh sun and dry westerly winds. All this contributes to the slow growth of uniform, undisturbed, high-quality timber.”

The wine is made in stainless steel vats. This prevents O2 from getting inside & they're easier to clean. The red wines will be transfered to oak barrels when it is time.