French Wicker Champagne Basket with Liner

Dimensions are 28" Wide X 18" High

• Vineyard Logistics: Handwoven primarily from willow, wicker, or cleft oak, these heavy-duty baskets were designed to carry tremendous weight during the annual grape harvest (la vendange) across famous French wine regions like Champagne and Burgundy. 
• Burlap Lining: The thick interior burlap (or hessian) lining served a specific function: protecting the freshly picked grapes from getting bruised, punctured, or sliced by sharp wicker splints, while preventing precious juices from escaping before reaching the wine press. 
• Stenciled Branding: The red-painted markings or initials stamped onto the exterior slats were custom vineyard indicators. These ensured that workers from individual estates could identify and track their own property among thousands of shared baskets at the press houses.