It's Not Just a Hole: Meet the Bunghole

Yes, you read that right! The main opening in a wine barrel is called the bunghole. This might seem a bit silly, but there's a reason behind the name:

The Bung: That's the stopper! Traditionally a tapered piece of wood, hammered in to create a tight seal.
Putting a Bung in It: The act of sealing the barrel with the bung gave rise to the term ""bunghole.""

Beyond the Bunghole: Other Barrel Anatomy

Staves: The curved wooden planks that form the sides of the barrel.
Hoops: The metal bands that hold the staves together and give the barrel its iconic shape.
Heads The flat circular ends of the barrel.
Bilge: The widest point, the barrel's ""belly"".

How Winemakers Use the Bunghole

Filling 'er Up: Wine is poured into the barrel through the bunghole, leaving some headspace for air.
Tasting Time: A little wine can be siphoned out through the bunghole during aging, without opening the whole barrel.
Racking & Cleaning: Removing sediment and transferring wine between barrels is done via the bunghole.

Barrel-Making Tradition

Coopers (barrel-makers) would often drill the bunghole slightly off-center. This prevented the bung from accidentally falling into the barrel!

Inspiration: Bunghole Fun

Embrace the Quirk: Don't hide the bunghole on your furniture! It's a mark of the barrel's history.
Wine Cork Collection: Turn the bunghole on a half-barrel planter into a display spot for corks from your favorite bottles.
Unique Wall Art: A barrelhead with a prominent bunghole makes a rustic statement piece.

Fun Facts

Some high-quality barrels have bungs made of silicone for better sealing compared to wood.
Searching for ""bunghole"" will likely get you results about... well, not barrels! Stick to ""wine barrel bunghole"" for helpful resources.

Share Your Barrel Discoveries!

Do you love highlighting the bunghole on your barrel furniture? Or do you creatively disguise it? Share your ideas in the comments! And if you're ready to add a piece of winemaking history with a quirky name to your home, explore our collection.

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