Terracotta Amphorae

Discover our handcrafted terracotta amphora for wine aging. It enables natural micro-oxygenation, enriching your wine with greater complexity and depth.

our amphorae are designed for both fermentation and aging, allowing for perfect micro-oxygenation. This process enhances the wine’s complexity, resulting in a smoother, more expressive profile.

It Ideal for natural wine producers and discerning winemakers seeking to create unique vintages. Explore our collection and find the perfect vessel to elevate your craft.

Egg shaped terracotta amphora

Professional Terracotta Amphorae Manufacturer In China

Relying on specific natural terracotta clay resources, Hexin has specialized in the research, development, design, production, and sales of clay amphorae, dedicated to providing the finest wine making and aging products.

As professional manufacturer, our Amphorae are meticulously designed and crafted using pure handcrafting techniques to ensure optimal micro-oxygenation.

Our team focuses on the meticulous research of the production process of terracotta amphorae, ensuring that every product is of high quality.

Whether it is the selection of clay raw materials or the production process of terracotta amphorae, we strictly control every aspect of the production process to ensure quality.

We offer OEM/ODM terracotta amphorae customization. Tailor shape, size, and logo to your needs. Partner with us for flexible solutions.

What Terracotta Amphorae?

The amphora originated in ancient Greece and Rome, and was also the earliest clay container used in the Mediterranean region for transporting and storing bulk commodities such as wine, olive oil, and grains. These fermentation and aging containers leave a lifelong imprint on the wine making process.

The appearance of the amphora is different from that of a regular wine jar. It has handles on both sides of the neck for easy manual operation. Nowadays, modern amphora have far exceeded traditional understanding. They can be designed in various shapes according to the needs of winemakers for brewing effects, and the most fashionable and popular one is the egg an amphora.

With the development in recent decades, the global wine industry has launched a “return to tradition” movement, and many winemakers have found that wines fermented and aged in clay amphora can bring different tastes and optimal effects, as well as purer flavors and terroir characteristics.

Terracotta Amphorae Advantage

Our terracotta amphorae is carefully designed to achieve optimal micro oxidation. Using terracotta Amporae for wine making can make the wine more round and smooth, while avoiding excessive oxidation and stabilizing the color effect.

1. Micro oxidation: terracotta amphorae made of terracotta clay material has a significant characteristic of oxidation, which is the fundamental difference between it and stainless steel tanks (anaerobic) and oak barrels (more strongly oxidized).

2. Purer flavor: terracotta amphorae is an absolutely neutral winemaking container that can be used to brew or age wine, showcasing the characteristics of grape varieties without reservation, thus achieving the purest flavor and terroir characteristics.

3. Unique texture shaping: Brewing wine with terracotta amphorae can give the wine a texture that cannot be replicated by other containers, resulting in a unique texture that is oily, full-bodied, and slightly salty (Umami).

Why choose Hexin Terracotta Amphora?

Hexin uses high-quality natural terracotta clay materials to make terracotta amphorae. We use pure manual craftsmanship to carefully polish every terracotta amphorae used for wine aging. The reasons for choosing us are as follows:

1. Exquisite craftsmanship: We use manual craftsmanship to make every terracotta amphorae, ensuring the highest standards required by the project and guaranteeing quality.

2. Purer terroir flavor: Using amphora wine making has a purer and more natural terroir characteristic than other brewing containers

3. Rich production experience: Hexin Tao Ye has nearly 50 years of experience in terracotta amphorae production. As a professional manufacturer, we are committed to providing solutions for wine making and aging.

4. Quality control: Every product we produce undergoes strict quality control, from raw material testing to finished product quality control, to ensure that it meets global standards.

5. Customization service: We support OEM &ODM customization , with a minimum order quantity of 5 pieces. At the same time, we can flexibly meet specific personalized needs according to different project requirements.

Craftsmen use manual skills to repair clay wine jars

Hexin uses artisan handcraftsmanship to make Terracotta Amphorae

Design Terracotta Wine Jars

Handmade Terracotta Amphora for Wine Making

We use high-quality natural clay raw materials to create each terracotta amphora, giving it a unique quality that sets it apart from other clay amphora production processes.

For winemakers who refuse to compromise, our terracotta amphora are handcrafted from rare natural clay. Although this handmade method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, it can create brewing vessels with unparalleled characteristics, perfectly customized for the world’s most dedicated breweries.

Tailored to achieve excellence: Tailored according to the specific needs of high-end wineries.
High quality natural clay: Select its unique characteristics to enhance the brewing process.
Craftsmanship: Each the amphora is carefully shaped by hand to ensure its uniqueness.

Natural clay

The molded terracotta jar is manually repaired by craftsmen

Our Customization Capabilities

With nearly 50 years of experience in the terracotta making process and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, Hexin’s team can meet all customer needs for customized amphora for wine making.

You can choose from hand-painted designs or custom designs. From size to finishing, we’ll tailor your craft to create a one-of-a-kind the amphora. These fermentation crocks, made from terracotta, are ideal for fermenting and aging wine.

Customization options

● Size: Available Capacity: (200L-1000L) or customizable
● Color: Various glaze colors available (or customizable)
● Packaging: Available packaging or customizable
Shape: Customizable modern amphora of any shape.
MOQ: 10 pieces (customized large clay wine jar requires specific communication)

Core Technology R&D Team of Hexin Ceramics

Send Custom Request Now!

Fill out the contact form below and one of our product,

experts get back with you as soon as possible!

    Terracotta Amphorae Application Scenarios

    Terracotta amphorae is the main carrier of brewing art, terroir expression, and cultural narrative. Terracotta amphorae made of terracotta clay material is becoming one of the most talked about topics in the global brewing industry. It has significant professional value and premium value in the following application scenarios:

    1. Terracotta amphora for wine fermentation: Wines aged with Terracotta amphora have purer flavors and terroir characteristics, making it the best choice for wine making and aging.

    2. Claim amphorae for aging wine: Using terracotta amphorae to age wine can effectively soften the quality of the wine and add its unique silky texture. Compared to traditional oak barrel aging, it provides customers with more diverse and ancient choices.

    3. Ampora for natural wine: The core of natural wine is Minimal Intervention, pursuing pure expression of terroir. The physical and chemical properties of terracotta amphorae made from clay are highly compatible with the concept of natural wine brewing.

    4. Amporae for Orange Wine Making: For winemakers who pursue the ultimate expression of terroir and natural philosophy, using Terracotta Amporae to make top-quality orange wine is the best choice among all easy to brew options.

    5. Qvevri wine vessels: The typical egg shaped or conical bottom design of Qvevri, therefore, using this terracotta amphorae shape to make wine can effectively create wines with unique style, extraordinary texture, and great aging potential.

    Wine amphora fermented in the wine cellar

    Ampore Terracotta 100 cm for Wine Cellar Fermentation

    Terracotta Amphorae Production Process

    It is necessary to further understand our the amphora(wine jar) manufacturing process before taking action. The following process steps are summarized based on years of manufacturing experience. Our product quality requires support from standard manufacturing processes and quality control systems

    Natural clayChoose Natural Clay

    Mud making machine for making mud materialsRefining Mud

    Hexin uses artisan handcraftsmanship to make Terracotta AmphoraeForming

    The molded terracotta jar is manually repaired by craftsmenEmbryo Repair

    Automatic glaze spraying machine sprays glaze on dried terracotta jarsGlazing

    Shaped terracotta jars naturally dryDrying

    Fix the finished terracotta jars onto the refractory bricks and place it in the kiln for firingFiring

    terracotta jar filled with water is used for leak detectionInspecting

    Terracotta Amphorae Manufacturer Main FAQs

    What Is The Delivery Cycle For Customized Orders?

    The delivery cycle of customized orders needs to be determined based on the specific quantity, and there are specific instructions in the customization process regarding the sampling process and cycle, as well as the production and delivery cycle of bulk orders.

    What Is Your terracotta amphora Minimum Order Quantity (Moq)? Does It Support Personalized Customization? What Is The Customization Process Like?

    1.For customized products, we have a minimum order quantity of 5 pieces since childhood, and we can flexibly communicate the specific minimum order quantity based on project size and requirements.

    2. Due to the pure handmade craftsmanship, the production cycle of each product is relatively long. As a professional Terracotta Amporae manufacturer, we have over 30 skilled technical teams to ensure high-quality production and delivery of orders.

    3. We support OEM and ODM customization. You can customize the capacity (from 300L to 1000L), opening diameter, whether to install a tap, and external shape. The specific customization process is detailed in the  Amphorae making process guide.

    How To Clean And Store Used terracotta amphora? How To Prevent Odors And Pollution?

    1.Instant cleaning: Clean immediately after use. Firstly, rinse with clean water to remove most of the wine residue and sludge.

    2. Physical cleaning: Use a low-pressure water spray gun and a soft cleaning brush (avoid metal brushes to avoid scratching the inner wall) for thorough cleaning. For stubborn stains, a small amount of baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive.

    Deep cleaning and disinfection:

    1. Steam cleaning

    It is the most effective and thorough cleaning method, which can penetrate deep into micropores and kill microorganisms.

    2. Chemical disinfection

    Soak and rinse with food grade hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) or citric acid solution. Never use chlorine bleach, as it can be absorbed by clay and released into the next batch of wine, causing pollution similar to “cork taint”.

    3. Drying and storage

    After cleaning, the amphora must be thoroughly dried in the shade (to avoid cracking caused by exposure to sunlight).

    After complete drying, fumigate with sulfur flakes and store in a sealed container. Rinse and soak again before the next use.

    What Pre-Treatment Is Required For Newly Purchased terracotta amphorae Before Use? How To Prevent Leakage?

    1.Thoroughly clean and inspect

    Before use, the inner wall needs to be thoroughly cleaned with water and a hard brush to remove all clay debris and dust. After cleaning, carefully inspect the inner wall for any obvious cracks or sand holes.

    2. Soaking

    This is the most critical step, fill the clay amphora with clean water and soak for at least 7-14 days. Change the water every day until it no longer becomes turbid.

    This process can fully wet the ceramic wall, allowing the micropores to absorb water and saturate, thereby greatly reducing the infiltration and loss of wine during subsequent brewing

    3. Disinfection

    After soaking, drain the water and usually use the method of burning sulfur tablets for fumigation disinfection , or rinse and disinfect with food grade hydrogen peroxide/citric acid solution. After completely drying, it can be used.

    How To Manage The Micro Oxidation Characteristics Of terracotta amphorae? How To Prevent Excessive Oxidation Or The Production Of Reducing Odor?

    1.Understand and utilize micro oxidation

    Micro oxidation is the core advantage rather than defect of amphora wine making. Its function is to slowly and naturally soften tannins and develop complexity. Brewers need to shift from ‘control’ to ‘guidance’ and ‘collaboration’.

    2. Top up 

    Like traditional oak barrels, due to natural evaporation, the amount of wine in the amphora will decrease, leaving oxygen space. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly “fill” the jar with similar liquor to prevent excessive air contact from causing acetylation.

    3. Wine puree protection

    Like in Qvevri, keep the wine puree and gently stir it periodically (b â tonnage) to form a protective layer on the surface and increase the body of the wine.

    4. Sealing selection

    The can opening usually does not require a completely sealed plug, but instead uses materials that allow for trace gas exchange, such as silicone plugs, slate, or even wooden lids.

    If you find a restored odor (rotten egg odor), you can briefly open the lid and stir or replace it with a more breathable stopper.

    How To Deal With The Weight And Fragility Of terracotta amphorae? How To Move And Install?

    1.Site selection is permanent

    The permanent location must be determined before installation. Choose a place with a stable, level foundation that is easy to operate and can withstand its enormous weight.

    2. Professional handling and lifting

    Professional handling teams and equipment must be used. Special lifting straps must be used during transportation, passing through both ears or around the tank body. The use of metal chains or ropes is strictly prohibited

    3. Use a dedicated bracket (for pointed bottom Amphora)

    The pointed bottom clay amphora must be placed on a stable wooden or metal bracket to provide support and fixation. Many suppliers will provide matching brackets.

    4. Buried (for Qvevri)

    The traditional solution for Qvevri is to bury it underground and use the surrounding soil to provide ultimate support and constant temperature, but this requires extremely high installation costs and technology.

    What Is The Cost-Effectiveness Of terracotta amphorae Brewing? Is The Return On Investment (Roi) High?

    1.Regarded as a long-term investment

    A high-quality clay amphora can have a lifespan of several decades or even a hundred years. Sharing its cost over its entire lifecycle and each batch of production may result in an average annual cost lower than that of oak barrels that require regular replacement.

    2. Product differentiation and premium

    Wines made from amphora clay have a unique style and are highly recognizable in the market. They usually belong to high-end or flagship product lines and can be priced higher to create higher profit margins.

    3. Brand Story and Marketing Value

    The profound cultural heritage and labels of “natural” and “handmade” behind the wine amphora are powerful marketing tools that can effectively enhance brand image and consumer appeal.

    4. Starting from a small scale

    It is recommended to start experimenting with a small (such as 100-200 liters) the amphora to verify its compatibility with one’s own grape variety and winemaking style. After success, gradually expand the scale to reduce initial investment risk.

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