Traditional Burgundy Craftsmanship for Modern Winemaking

When it comes to producing exceptional wines, every detail matters. Vineyard management and fruit quality, fermentation and maturation... each stage plays a vital role in shaping the final product. One of the most influential factors in wine ageing is the choice of oak, which is why Vigo is proud to partner with Tonnellerie Rousseau, one of Burgundy's most respected family-run cooperages. 

With more than 70 years of expertise in barrel making, Tonnellerie Rousseau combines traditional craftsmanship, extensive technical knowledge and sustainable forestry practices to create premium oak vessels for winemakers around the world. 

A Family-Owned Cooperage Since 1954

Founded in Burgundy in 1954, Tonnellerie Rousseau remains an independent, family-owned business now operating under its third generation of leadership. Located in the renowned Côte de Nuits wine region, the cooperage has grown into an internationally respected producer of barrels, casks and vats while remaining committed to its heritage and artisanal approach.
The company's mission is simple: to create oak vessels that respect and enhance the character of the wine while delivering consistency, quality and elegance for winemakers.

Expert Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

Coopering is a highly specialised skill that requires years of experience and precision. Tonnellerie Rousseau has established itself as a centre of excellence for the craft, having trained 11 Meilleurs Ouvriers de France ("Best Craftsmen of France"), one of the highest honours for skilled tradespeople in France. 
Every barrel is manufactured using traditional techniques combined with modern quality control processes, ensuring consistency in both construction and performance. The result is a range of oak vessels designed to support a wide variety of wine styles and maturation objectives.

 

Premium French Oak for Superior Wine Ageing

The foundation of every Rousseau barrel is carefully selected French oak sourced from sustainably managed forests. The cooperage works closely with trusted forestry and stave-mill partners to ensure the highest quality raw materials while maintaining responsible environmental practices. 
Their range includes:
•    Oak barrels from 57L to 600L
•    Traditional Burgundy barrels
•    Demi-muids
•    Large-format casks and foudres
•    Custom-built oak vats and fermentation vessels
These products are designed to meet the needs of wineries of all sizes, allowing winemakers to achieve their desired balance of oak influence, texture and complexity.

Why Vigo Partners with Tonnellerie Rousseau

At Vigo, we carefully select suppliers who share our commitment to quality, innovation and customer success. Tonnellerie Rousseau stands out not only for its proven expertise but also for its dedication to continuous improvement and customer-focused solutions.

For British wineries in particular, Rousseau's range offers excellent flexibility. Their products can support both traditional ageing programmes and modern wine styles that require more subtle oak integration. The cooperage's ability to produce everything from standard barrels to bespoke large-format vessels allows wineries to select the ideal solution for their production goals.

 

A Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is central to Tonnellerie Rousseau's philosophy. The company uses PEFC-certified wood, supports forest regeneration initiatives and maximises the use of every piece of oak it purchases. Waste materials are repurposed for energy production and barrel toasting processes wherever possible.

Recent investments have also focused on reducing environmental impact, including renewable energy initiatives and measures designed to improve resource efficiency across production operations.

For wineries seeking suppliers that align with their own sustainability objectives, Rousseau offers a responsible and transparent approach to cooperage.

 

Supporting British Winemakers

As the UK wine industry continues to grow, producers are increasingly seeking premium equipment and materials capable of supporting world-class wine production. Through our partnership with Tonnellerie Rousseau, Vigo is proud to offer British wineries access to some of the finest French oak barrels, casks and vats available today.

Whether you're looking to enhance a still wine programme, develop sparkling wine production or explore alternative maturation techniques, the right oak vessel can make a significant difference to your finished wine.

 

Discover the Tonnellerie Rousseau Range

For over seven decades, Tonnellerie Rousseau has combined craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability to create oak vessels trusted by winemakers worldwide. With a passion for quality and a deep respect for the traditions of Burgundy winemaking, they remain one of Europe's leading cooperages.

If you'd like to learn more about the Tonnellerie Rousseau range available through Vigo, contact our team today to discuss your winery's ageing and maturation requirements.