"Joe Ae" > wrote in message
...
> What do you do with your oak barrels when they are not full of wine?
You should be able to buy sulphur rings from your winemaking supplier. Wash
out the barrel thoroughly, then leave it upside down to dry (at least a few
hours). Burn one sulphur ring inside it, then insert the bung firmly.

Before using again, chuck in 20-30L of very hot water, and roll the barrel
around. Then leave it on one end for an hour or so, after which you tip it
over and leave it on the other end. Empty out the water, and immediately
fill with wine.