How Can I Buy a Barrel of Wine?

If you’re looking to elevate an experience, such as a wine group or perhaps a wine auction benefitting a non-profit, then buying a barrel of wine is one of the most exciting and exclusive ways to do so. Owning a barrel allows you to create a personalized wine experience. A barrel typically gets you involved in the winemaking process, and even support a cause if you're interested in charity auctions. But how do you go about buying a barrel of wine? Let’s dive into the process and answer some of the most common questions you may have.

How Much Is a Barrel of Wine? One of the first questions people ask is, “How much is a barrel of wine?” The cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type of wine, the vineyard, and the region where the wine is produced. On average, a barrel of wine can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000. High-end or premium barrels can go beyond that range, particularly if you are purchasing from a renowned winery in Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or other famous wine regions. Keep in mind that this price typically includes not just the wine but also the experience, from tasting, label design, receiving, tasting and enjoying the final blend.

Where to Buy a Barrel of Wine So, where do you go to buy a barrel of wine? We can help you at Personal Wine or you can also reach out to many wineries who offer barrel purchasing programs. These are found in regions like Napa, Sonoma, Bordeaux, and Tuscany, but they are becoming increasingly popular in less traditional wine regions too. Get started researching vineyards that offer these programs or attend wine events where wineries promote their barrel sales. Some vineyards also offer opportunities to purchase a "futures" barrel, which means you buy the wine while it’s still aging. This can be a unique and exciting way to get involved in the winemaking process before the wine is even bottled.

How Many Cases of Wine in a Barrel? One of the most exciting aspects of buying a barrel of wine is figuring out just how much wine you’re getting. A standard wine barrel holds 60 gallons, which translates to roughly 25 cases of wine. If you’re hosting a wedding, stocking your personal cellar, or splitting a barrel with friends, that’s a considerable amount of wine. Each case contains 12 bottles, so you’re looking at 300 bottles of wine per barrel. This makes purchasing a barrel an excellent option for large gatherings or long-term aging. Most wineries will require you to label the entire barrel with one label design but at Personal Wine, we give you more options so you can help sell the deal amongst your friends, business peers or for your charity.

How Much Does a Wine Barrel Cost? While we've already discussed the cost of the wine itself, it's worth mentioning that the barrel itself can be an additional expense if you plan to keep it. Once the wine goes from oak barrels used for aging wine, they go into tank for an amount of time that varies. Once you’re ready for bottling, you can keep the barrel itself for symbolic purposes. The price to keep that barrel will can range depending on whether it can be re-used for a future vintage, or if you negotiate to keep it following your barrel project. If you plan to keep a used barrel that can be reused, it cost you $500-$800 depending on the quality and type of wood. If you’ve been given the barrel as part of the project, it shouldn’t cost you more than $150-$250. The harder part will be how to get it from the winery to its ultimate destination because they are heavy, and they can’t be transported by mail or common carrier. You will need to find a freight company to help you. Again, we at Personal Wine can help you there or the winery should be able to assist you as well.

Can I Personalize the Wine from a Barrel? Yes, one of the most exciting parts of purchasing a barrel of wine is the opportunity for personalization. Many wineries offer options to customize everything from the blend to the bottle labels. Purchasing a barrel and participating the blending is a very time-consuming process and can take 1-3 years to complete the project from start to finish. Few wineries have wine in barrel ready for special projects just like this. Personal Wine always reserves 25-50 barrels each year just for projects like this.

If you want to jump into this from the beginning of the wine production process, then there are some vineyards who will even allow you to work with their winemaker to create a unique blend tailored to your taste preferences. If you’re purchasing wine for a special event such as a wedding or an anniversary, personalizing the wine and its packaging adds a meaningful touch. Custom labels and packaging are also popular for corporate gifts, charity events, or to commemorate a special milestone. Personalized wine also gives any wine auction an excellent reason to up the bids to maximum values if each case of wine can be personalized amongst several buyers. We’ve seen this firsthand!

How Many Bottles Are in a Wine Barrel? We’ve established that a barrel holds about 60 gallons of wine, which translates to 300 bottles. This can vary slightly depending on the type of wine and how it is bottled, but it’s a solid estimate. The size of the bottles you choose will also affect the number of bottles you end up with. For instance, if you opt for magnums (1.5 liters), you will get fewer bottles, but the wine will have an even longer aging potential.

Can a Charity Auction Off a Wine Barrel? Yes, many charities auction off wine barrels, either as part of large fundraising galas or as online auctions. Wineries often donate barrels to charitable causes, and these auctions can raise significant funds. If you’re organizing a charity event, partnering with a vineyard to auction off a barrel of wine can generate excitement and generous bids. Not only do bidders get a large quantity of premium wine, but the experience often comes with added perks like personalized tastings, personalized wine labels, winemaker meet-and-greets, or even a trip to the vineyard. The experience is a good way to support a good cause while enjoying a luxurious and unique product. We’ve seen barrels sell at auction for $30,000 to $100,000 per barrel. The returns to a charitable cause are quite astounding.

Why Buy a Barrel of Wine? You might still be wondering why someone would want to buy an entire barrel of wine. Here are a few reasons:

1. Special Occasions: If you’re hosting a major life event like a wedding, milestone birthday, or corporate retreat, having your own barrel of wine can elevate the celebration. You can even have the wine personalized with custom labels to commemorate the event.

1. Long-Term Investment: Many wine lovers buy a barrel with the intention of aging the wine over time. Purchasing a futures barrel, where the wine is still maturing, allows you to buy at a lower cost and enjoy the wine years later when it has fully developed.

1. Shared Experience: Buying a barrel is a great way to share a wine adventure with friends, family, or colleagues. You can split the cost and the wine among a group, making it an affordable yet exclusive experience. Plus, the memories created during the process are priceless.

1. Supporting a Cause: If you’re passionate about philanthropy, purchasing a barrel of wine to donate for a charity auction can make a significant impact. It’s a way to combine a love for wine with a desire to give back to the community. This is also a fantastic way to obtain a tax write off!

Buying a barrel of wine is an accessible luxury for anyone who wants to deepen their connection to the wine world and create something special. From weddings to charity auctions to personalized wine gifts, owning a barrel of wine offers endless possibilities.

Please contact us if you’re interested in buying a barrel of wine for any special event or charity auction.