Last we went over this topic, the pandemic was in full swing and wineries were partially - if not fully - closed. Fast forward almost two years and we are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic but with much less restrictions. As wine harvesting season picks up we thought it would be a good time to go over all of our options for the wine process. For a more in-depth look, head over to our Winery Experience.
Harvesting season in BC is quickly approaching, and wine consumption numbers are expected to be strong as wine producers discover new ways to reach customers safely. According to an article at vancouverisawesome.com, wine consumption has actually increased due to lock-down measures and travel restrictions.
BARR carries many of the staples in the wine industry for harvesting, transport, storage, fermentation, maturation, handling, and bulk storage. Containers and other equipment for harvesting season are seeing increasing lead times for arrival as the season gets closer and last-minute shipments come through. We encourage orders be placed as soon as possible to ensure shipments arrive on time!
Harvesting, Transport & Storage
For harvesting, transport and storage, we offer Big Box Utility Bins, Versa Totes, and Solid Wall Pro Bins. All bins are manufactured from FDA and CFIA approved materials. Because of the smooth inner walls and rounded corners, the bins are easy to keep clean and sanitized for safe food handling. They're also the ultimate upgrade from wood bins; they won't rot, splinter, or hold contamination! These are a popular solution as they are available in a wide variety of colours and sizes.
BARR also offers a variety of standard single wall and double wall insulated bins with lids for wine fermentation on a small or large scale. BARR can also add custom or standard accessories to these bins to allow for greater control over temperature and other key aspects of the fermenting process. All BARR wine fermenting bins are made from highest quality food grade approved plastic materials, either polyethylene or polypropylene – both containing no BPA’s and will not impart any odour, taste or other elements into your wine. BARR wine processing products are widely used by many of the most prominent small and large scale wine makers.
Maturation & Handling
BARR carries a unique new lineup of Flex Tank maturation vessels that are engineered to permit oxygen permeation at a rate similar to an average second year barrel at cellar temperature 59F (15C). Oxygen enters the wine directly across the polyethylene tank surface. The driving force for oxygen permeation is the difference in oxygen concentration in the atmosphere (21%) on one side of the polyethylene tank and maturing wine (0%) on the other. Also available are high quality and highly functional Stainless Steel Supertainer and food grade Polyethylene Bulk Barrel Wine Containers that offer a number of key features, accessories and efficient handling and space saving capabilities to aid in fine tuning and maturation of your award winning wines.
Bulk Storage
When it comes to bulk storage of high quality beverages, BARR leads the way in variety, value and versatility with a complete lineup of totes, tanks and containers specifically made for the food and beverage industries. The Wine Industry is a key focus for BARR and we have been a significant supplier of bulk Wine storage and handling vessels for many years and can often meet the quick demand for expanded storage needs from a better than expected harvest with our extensive inventory of liquid handling tanks and totes. Inform us of your specific need and features and we will do our very best to meet it.
Helpful Links
Below are some resources for winery and other wine-related businesses for safe re-open and operation during COVID-19:
1. Winery and Hospitality Best Practices
2. Wineries taking COVID-19 Precautions
3. BC Restart Plan