The Shape of Wine

This book delves into the history, evolution, and present use of all containers, vessels, and stoppers; from animal skin sacks to barrels, from glass bottles to upstart packaging such as wine casts, and even aluminium cans. The book examines their similarities and differences, how they have been impacted by external events, and how, in turn, they have influenced vintners towards making the wine, and traders who transport it.

Henry H. Work has been involved in the wine industry for over 40 years. He has previously published Wood, Whiskey and Wine: A History of Barrels (2014) which explored his profession and passion for the wine industry. His research interests are in amphorae, wooden barrels, glass bottles and the world of wine.

1. Animal Hide Sacks and Early Ceramic Pots and Jugs 2. Amphorae 3. Wooden Barrels: Origins to 1500 CE 4. Wooden Barrels: from 1500 CE to Current Times 5. Glass Bottles and Other Glass Vessels 6. Large Fermenting and Storage Vessels for Wine 7. Alternative Packaging: Bag-in-box, Plastic Bottles and Aluminium Cans 8. Wine Container Stoppers and Closures 9. Labels for Wine Containers 10. Moving Wine Around the World 11. Wine Packaging Sustainability: Recycling and Waste