February 10, 2026 (Napa, CA) — Bouchard Cooperages, a leading representative of premium oak solutions for the wine, spirits, and beer industries, as well as non-oak vessels for aging and fermentation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Culver as International Barrel, Oak and Tank Consultant, working exclusively with winemakers in Washington State, British Columbia, the Columbia Gorge of Oregon and Idaho.
An accomplished winemaker with more than 15 years of hands-on experience across nearly every major West Coast wine region, Culver brings a rare blend of technical production expertise and relationship-driven sales acumen to the role. He will collaborate closely with winemaking clients on barrel and tank selection, fermentation strategy, and long-term cellar planning.
“We are very excited to welcome Austin to the team,” said Kris Conemac, Managing Director of Bouchard Cooperages. “Austin has lived the realities of the cellar, from vineyard to bottle, and that perspective is invaluable. He understands how oak and non-oak vessel decisions directly shape wine style, and just as importantly, he brings an energy and curiosity that aligns perfectly with the collaborative culture of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.”
Based in White Salmon, Washington, Culver is the owner and winemaker of CLYZM Wines, sourcing fruit from vineyards throughout the Columbia Gorge and Eastern Washington. His career includes leadership roles in wine production and cellar management at wineries in Washington, Paso Robles, Oregon and New Zealand. In addition to building his own brand and tasting room, Culver has developed a reputation as a highly personable communicator and taster with a deep appreciation for the people behind the wines.
“I’ve always believed that wine is fundamentally about relationships — between people, places, and ideas,” Culver said. “Joining Bouchard Cooperages allows me to bring my winemaking background into conversations that really matter in the cellar. I’m excited to work alongside such talented producers and to help translate their goals using the unique and diverse winemaking products in the Bouchard portfolio.”
Culver will be working alongside Gerhard Ziemer, who has long served the region and will continue to collaborate closely with clients during the 2026 season to ensure continuity and a seamless transition.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Austin this year,” said Ziemer. “He brings a winemaker’s intuition and a genuine respect for the craft. Our customers are in excellent hands, and I’m looking forward to supporting Austin as we work together across both territories.”
With Culver’s appointment, Bouchard Cooperages reinforces its long-term commitment to Washington, British Columbia, the Columbia Gorge and Idaho offering winemakers expanded technical support backed by real-world cellar experience and a shared passion for quality.
About Bouchard Cooperages
Bouchard Cooperages is a leading supplier of oak products, including barrels, adjuncts, and tanks, as well as alternative vessels for aging and fermentation made from clay, ceramics, concrete, glass, and steel. Since 1979, Bouchard Cooperages has served the international winemaking community with a strong focus on quality and customer service. Today, thousands of clients worldwide trust Bouchard Cooperages products to support their production goals. Learn more at www.bouchardcooperages.com.
