Whether you dream of a rustic wine rack in your Calgary home or a charming planter for your patio, the first step is finding the perfect barrel. While the city might not be surrounded by vineyards, with a bit of searching, you CAN get your hands on these iconic treasures. Let's explore your options:

Source #1: Local Wineries

While Alberta's wine industry is smaller than other provinces, there's still potential here!

Reach Out Directly: Contact nearby wineries to inquire if they have retired barrels for sale. Smaller operations might be more likely to have some on hand.
Expand Your Search: Look a bit further afield to the Okanagan Valley in BC – larger wineries might ship retired barrels for a fee.

Source #2: Online Marketplaces

The internet is your oyster when it comes to barrel hunting:

Kijiji & Facebook Marketplace: Check these platforms regularly, as individuals and businesses often list barrels. Search terms like ""wine barrel Calgary"" are your friend.
Auction Sites: Occasionally, you might find barrels on auction sites, potentially for a bargain.

Source #3: Restaurant & Bar Suppliers

Businesses focused on outfitting the hospitality industry sometimes have leads on barrels:

The Decor Connection: Many restaurants and bars use barrels as decorative elements, and they may occasionally need to replace them.
Ask Around: Inquire with your favorite wine-focused establishments if they know where to source barrels.

Source #4: The Brewery Route

Calgary's craft brewery scene is booming, and smaller breweries sometimes use barrels for aging:

Go Small-Batch: Focus on microbreweries, as they're more likely to use barrels on a smaller scale.
Build Relationships: Introduce yourself to brewers and explain your project. They might be happy to set aside barrels for you when they retire them.

Before You Buy: Questions to Ask

What Did It Hold?: Red wine barrels offer those iconic stains, while white wine or spirits won't.
Condition: Check for major structural damage, loose hoops, or excessive dryness, as these can be difficult to fix.
Source Matters: Knowing where your barrel came from adds a fun element to your project's story!

Calgary-Inspired DIY Projects

Stampede Spirit: Paint your barrel in bold colors and use it as a side table for your next Stampede party.
Mountain Modern: Stain a barrel a rich brown and turn it into a base for a fire pit on your deck.
Urban Herb Garden: A half-barrel overflowing with fresh herbs is both useful and beautiful.

Safety Note

If your barrel previously held strong spirits, research safe cleaning methods before repurposing. Residual vapors can be flammable.

Share Your Barrel Finds!

Did you score the perfect barrel in Calgary? We want to celebrate! Tag us on social media and use the hashtag #YYCBarrelHunt.

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