On June 12, Winegrowers and Washington State University co-hosted an dynamic half-day classroom and hands-on training designed to inform selection and management of barrels for intentional winemaking.  Held at the WSU Wine Science Center, attendees left with practical skills, fresh insights, and plenty of inspiration to apply back at the winery.

Led by Dr. Tom Collins, Associate Professor in WSU’s Viticulture & Enology Program, the workshop covered a wide range of critical topics and participants were able to get hands-on in the barrel room as Dr. Collins demonstrated the process of dismantling and reassembling a barrel, offering an up-close look at what makes (and keeps) a barrel in working shape.

With both industry veterans and newer cellar staff in attendance, the event offered real-time Q&A, actionable takeaways, and a welcoming environment for skill-building.

Special thanks to everyone who joined us—and to WSU for their continued partnership in delivering high-quality educational programming to the industry.