Ottawa might be known for Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, but let's uncover a different kind of measurement – the height of the iconic wine barrel! Knowing the dimensions is surprisingly useful for DIY projects and understanding its role in winemaking.

Standard Barrel Height

The most common type of wine barrel, the Bordeaux barrique, stands approximately 35 inches (91 cm) tall. This height is a balance between:

Ease of Handling: Barrels need to be rollable by a single person for maneuvering in a wine cellar.
Capacity: The height, along with the curve of the staves, contributes to the standard 225-liter volume.
Surface Area: The ratio of wine to oak within the barrel is essential for imparting the desired flavors during aging.

But What About Variations?

While the classic wine barrel height is standard, you might encounter some variations:

Larger Barrels: Some wineries use even larger barrels that can exceed 35 inches in height, though these are less common.
Half-Barrels: A favorite amongst DIY enthusiasts, these are often around 17-18 inches tall.
Antique Barrels: Barrels from centuries past might have less standardized dimensions.

Why Height Matters for DIY

Knowing barrel height helps you visualize and plan projects:

Furniture Fit: Will your barrel table be the right height for your chairs, or does it need a base?
Planter Proportions: For half-barrel planters, knowing the height helps you choose plants that create visual balance.
Space Savers: If storage space is limited, consider cutting a barrel lengthwise to create wall-mounted planters with a smaller footprint.

Ottawa Inspiration

Canal-Side Bistro: Create a Parisian vibe on your Ottawa patio with a standard height barrel table and a pair of bistro chairs.
Urban Winery Aesthetic: Stack barrels of varying heights (even decorative non-wine barrels) for a winery-inspired display corner.
Historical Touch: If you manage to source an antique barrel, showcase its unique height alongside potted flowers or greenery.

Barrel Fact vs. Fiction

You might hear that taller barrels are ""better"" for aging wine. While a slight height variation exists between barrels, it's the wood type and overall surface area contact that primarily influence the flavor profile.

Share Your Ottawa Barrel Projects!

Did you get creative with barrel heights in Ottawa? We want to see your transformations! Tag us on social media and use the hashtag #OttawaBarrelHeights

Interested in shopping for wine barrel furniture? You can browse our full collection of items ranging from coffee tables to home bar and game sets here!

www.obarrel.com/collections