Mister Douelle
Mister Douelle was born in 2012 at the Vinéa cooperage, near Jonzac, in Saint Germain de Lusignan.
It is the result of the imagination of the coopers who artisanally shape oak wood to create beautiful and high-quality barrels, true vessels for the finest wines in the world.
Its appearance is unique and gender-neutral. Its wide mouth corresponds to what was once the groove of the barrel, a carved channel where coopers insert the barrel’s bottom. Its charming name, “Douelle”, comes from the traditional term used by coopers to refer to the oak staves that form the body of a barrel.
Definition of “Douelle” (n.f.): Each of the longitudinal wooden pieces assembled to form the body of a cask (barrel, tun, vat). Source: Petit Larousse.
This little character naturally became the mascot of Vinéa. Some even call it DOOK.
A Mischievous Ambassador
Drifting with moods and places, Mister Douelle travels, wandering alone or sometimes in a pack, donning various costumes, amusing expressions, and surprising postures.
It embodies a form of freedom of expression, a creativity tinged with a touch of naivety.
It is also a charming way to repurpose noble waste materials.
As the totem of the Vinéa cooperage, its mission is to bring a spark of good humor to anyone creative enough to adopt it—thus highlighting and reminding us of our historic vocation: working with passion on an artisanal product to make wine even better!
Mister Douelle Contest
Open to all. From March 27 to July 4, 2025 inclusive.
On the occasion of the «Humor and Vine» Festival
from June 27 to July 6, 2025,
16th International Biennial of Humor Drawing.
The jury, composed of cartoonists from the “Humour et Vigne” Festival and members of the Vinéa Cooperage, will award the trophies on July 6.
Children’s Category
Creativity
Prize:
CULTURA gift voucher
€150 value
Adult Category
Humor & Originality
Prize:
1 case of Cru Bourgeois wine
12 bottles
Participation Requirements
Obtain a Mister Douelle
Customers of Tonnellerie Vinéa can request a Mister Douelle from their sales representative to participate.
Other participants can contact the cooperage directly to have
one shipped (shipping costs at their expense).
Alternatively, they can collect barrel stave heads
from their favorite winemakers if available.
Decorate Your Mister Douelle
Customize it according to your mood and inspiration.
Photograph it from at least three different angles.
Staging is encouraged!
Submit Your Photos
Post on Instagram with #misterdouelle, and tag @tonnellerievinéa.
Or send it by email
to contact@tonnellerie-vinea.fr , including: Photo title, Participant’s full name, Address, Phone number.