Tonnellerie Sylvain

Tonnellerie Sylvain, just outside of Saint-Emilion, has been making high qualitybarrels since 1957. With over three generations of experience Sylvain Cooperage has grown to be one of the leaders in the wine barrel market, and the largest family owned and run cooperage in France.

Balancing tradition and innovation, it offers a customised product range to cater to the needs of the winemakers in famous wine estates around the world.

Generations Of Passion

Jean-Luc Sylvain, now supported by his children Claire and Remi, has carried on the tradition of high quality in the heart of Bordeaux. Tonnellerie Sylvain’s barrels are found in the most highly-reputed Chateaux and wineries in France and across the world. Two thirds of the production is now exported outside of France

While technical innovation is visible in the workshops, all major phases in barrel making are carried out manually by experienced master coopers. Their aim is to continue artisan craftsmanship and family know-how together with Sylvain Cooperage’s technological advances, reliability and quality.

Sylvain quest for excellence - inspection of barrel

A Quest For Excellence

Jean-Luc Sylvain fell for the charms of the La Rose Perrière winery estate, its colourful history and its exceptional clay-and-limestone. Housed within its walls is the Famille Sylvain R&D laboratory and  winery production.

Tests are carried out every year to understand the vinification and ageing in barrels. The purpose of these experiments is to better understand the characteristics of the oak, to experiment with wine making techniques to help winemakers, and to fine tune barrels and toast regimes.

Explore our  full range of barrels, casks, and vats

The full range of barrels, vats and casks from Famille Sylvain have a number of things in common. They respect and enhance fruit purity. They are renowned worldwide for their unparallelled consistency. Their quality is derived from being fully integrated from the purchase of the tree to barrel manufacturing.