Milestones, a new model and a message from us
Over the past year, it’s been great to catch up with around 40 local winemakers and talk through what we’re building at Barrel Co. At its heart, our philosophy is simple: a more sustainable equitable barrel supply model for New Zealand winemakers. We’re grateful to those of you who took time out of your day to listen and offer feedback.
We’re now looking ahead to the arrival of our first container early next year and, most importantly, getting barrels out into the hands of New Zealand winemakers.
Next year also brings one of the milestones we’ve been most looking forward to: tasting our first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Barrel Co barrels. Samples will be available early in the new year, with reds to follow, and we’re excited to finally share what’s been taking shape inside the wood.
The feedback on our proposition has been encouraging, particularly around reducing costs created by an inefficient distribution system here in New Zealand, improving industry sustainability by not shipping fresh French air around the world, and reducing winemaker risk by pushing back order cut-off dates so winemakers have more time to make the right calls. For us, it’s about stripping out what doesn’t add value, and putting control, clarity and practicality back in the hands of Kiwi winemakers.
This is a new model, and we recognise that it runs counter to established thinking. We’re in a strong position to shape a model that genuinely serves the New Zealand winemaking community, but that only happens if we listen – and we are.
We genuinely value the feedback we’ve received from you, the people who know the realities best. The issues raised have helped us understand where the model needs to be clearer or stronger, and we see those conversations as opportunities to improve, as opposed to problems.
So, in keeping with our Kiwi ethos of being straight up and not using more words than necessary, we’d like to wish you and your families all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
We trust that vintage 2026 meets your expectations, we’ll be in touch again in the new year, and we look forward to catching up with you in person again around August or September next year.
