Introducing the NEW FlexStaves Program! Created in partnership with one of the world's leading cooperage companies, FlexStaves are bundles of a proprietary blend of 7-14 staves in various profiles designed specifically for use in Flextanks. How To Incorporate FlexStaves into Your Winemaking for a True Oak Barrel Replacement Setup: Each stave bundle pack is tied together with a stainless steel strap. Each bundle has the same level of oak to wine contact as compared to using a new 59 gallon barrel. The number of bundles used is a function of tank size and the percentage of new barrel equivalent the winemaker desires. As the staves absorb the wine, they sink into the tank over time. Bloom during extraction is normal, mixing prior to sampling is essential. Cellar Recommendations: Preform all normal barrel operations for the Flextank system. Leave no headspace. Perform regular chemical tests. So2 as needed. Strictly monitor of microbiological conditions. Rack as needed. Recommended T

Each season brings new and exciting happenings for our World Cooperage Account Managers around the globe as they work with our partner winemakers. We checked in on a few of them recently to see what was shaking in their part of the world. Come take a peek with us! Today we bring you updates from Napa, Sonoma, Israel, Australia, and South Africa. Stay tuned for our next update where we will hear from France, South America, Mexico, Canada and possibly more. NAPA Yuri DeLeon, Account Manager Hi, from sunny Napa Valley! Outwardly, everything seems to be quiet and still, but it is a critical time of year for the vines. Bud break has occurred, and crews are pruning the vines. In cooperage news, I've been busy partnering with wineries on barrel trials for their different programs - including one with Rombauer to see how extended wood aging effects wine maturation. Exciting stuff for sure! In the cellar, it is bottling time for many wineries. White wine barrels are being emptied then