Tapping into the demand for all things upcycled, The Vino Furniture Company gives decommissioned wine barrels a new lease on life by crafting them into high end furniture.
The Melbourne-based company was founded in 2012 by Chris Barned, who has over 20 years’ experience in the furniture industry, and partner Beth Watts, who previously owned a lighting design company.
Using oak barrels from some of Australia’s finest wineries the duo creates dining tables, buffets, occasional items and wine cellar furniture.
“Every barrel has a story to tell, maturing some of Australia’s most revered wines for a few years and in some cases much longer,” says Barned.
“Using special hands-on techniques, we carefully remove each of the individual staves, and transform the wine-infused oak into bespoke, beautiful items of furniture, paying tribute to our incredible wine industry.”
The brand has recently opened its showroom to the public, so customers can experience the quality of the grain, and also accepts commissions. One of the first commissions the pair received was to produce two 12-seat oak barrel dining tables for celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s new Sydney venture, Mojo.
“We’re very excited to be opening the showroom, exhibiting a combination of our two passions—bespoke furniture and vintage Australian wines,” adds Watts.
By Ruth Cooper
