The Story Behind the Bordeaux-Style French Oak Wine Barrel For Hire

When you see a French oak wine barrel styled as a bar table, cake stand or rustic drinks station at a wedding or special event, you’re not just looking at a beautiful piece of décor — you're looking at a story that began thousands of kilometres away, in the heart of a French forest.

It starts with the oak

The journey begins in the centuries-old oak forests of central and southwest France — regions like Limousin and Allier — where the climate, soil and slow-growing trees produce some of the finest oak in the world. These trees are typically over 100 years old before they’re carefully harvested to ensure both quality timber and long-term sustainability of the forest.

French oak is prized in winemaking for its tight grain and elegant flavour contribution, making it the top choice for high-end wineries in regions like Bordeaux — which gives the barrel its name.

Crafted for wine, built to last

Once harvested, the oak is seasoned outdoors, shaped into staves, and assembled by hand using traditional coopering techniques that have been passed down for generations. No glue or nails — just craftsmanship, fire, and precision.

Bordeaux-style barrels typically hold 225 litres of wine and are used by winemakers to add character and complexity to the wine as it ages. Each barrel may be used for a few vintages before being retired from winemaking — but that’s not the end of the line.

Why they work so well for events

French oak wine barrels are solid, striking and naturally beautiful. Use them as:

Bar tables for cocktails and canapés

Cake or grazing tables

Signage stands

Aisle or entry markers

Statement pieces under florals or lighting

Each barrel brings warmth, authenticity and a story. They’re a talking point and a functional piece all in one.

More than just décor

When you hire a wine barrel from Perth Wine Barrel Event Hire for your event, you're bringing a piece of history into your celebration — one that began in the oak forests of France, passed through a working winery, and found new life in a carefully styled event space.

It’s heritage with purpose — and we think that’s something worth sharing.