Oak barrels are generally used four times.   Most winemakers use oak barrels for two main reasons: to add complex aromas and flavors, and to add tannin

Waterproofing an oak barrel is done with a water soak.   You can stop an oak barrel leaking by allowing the wood staves to swell which

You can prevent barrels from shrinking by keeping them moist.   A crucial part of wine barrel maintenance is preventing wine barrels from shrinking during storage.

The most common spoilage problems with oak barrels include mold, bacteria and yeast. One of the most important parts of oak barrel care is knowing