Jérôme Aubin

Owner 

Prior to running Artisan Barrels & Tanks’ owner, Jerome Aubin , set up and managed the American subsidiary of a major French cooperage from the Cognac Region of France; there he learned in France and in California the barrel trade from coopers and winemakers. His undergrade studies include a BA in business (major International Trade) from the Paris School of Business, France and a Master of Strategic Management for Medium-sized Firms from the University of Reims in the region of Champagne, France.

To further his education in winemaking and viticulture, he attended several classes at Santa Rosa Junior College and took part on several crushes in Napa and Sonoma with winemakers and consultants. Since 2001, he has been producing his own label, Aubin Cellars making at various times Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool climate vineyards of California and the Pacific Northwest (Russian River, Alexander Valley, and Willamette Valley).
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​Jerome Aubin's ​main duties are General management and business development, but he also looks after an existing pool of key clients in the wine producing regions of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Oregon and Southern California.  

​Phillip Taratko

Pacific NW, Canada, East Coast, Greater Northern California

Phillip joined the team at Artisan Barrels & Tanks at the end of 2021. Prior to this, his experience was in winemaking in Oregon and New Zealand. Phillip has extensive experience in the wine cellar as well as out in the vineyard. He has worked as Associate winemaker, Cellar Master, and Vineyard Technician at a several reputable wineries and vineyards.

His education was split between the University of Oregon, and Université Lyon 3 Jean Moulin in Lyon, France. His degree focused on business management, romance languages, and comparative literature. Phillip has also completed sommelier certifications, and has much experience in hosting wine tastings.
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Phillip’s main sales territories are Northern California, the Pacific North West, Canada, and the East coast of the United States. 

  Artisan Barrels & Tanks, Inc. also includes two employees to help with the growth of the sales agency ​​​

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Tina Milliken

Nicole Merciari

Office Manager
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Logistics Manager

Tina Milliken our office manager is responsible for running our Oakland hills office and all facets of the business including accounting, barrels sales support, and wine sales. 

Nicole Merciari our logistics manager also assists with barrels sales support and marketing. She works very closely with Tina Milliken in our Oakland Hills office.

                                                                                          
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Artisan Barrels is the exclusive United States representative for Tonnellerie Rousseau of Burgundy and Artisan Barrels Selection, sourcing from France, Hungary, and the USA. We also proudly represent Nomblot of Burgundy, manufacturers of concrete tanks; Lejeune of Bordeaux, specializing in stainless-steel tanks; Clayver of Italy, Biopythos of France and Novum of Oregon are all producers of ceramic (stoneware, porcelain and terracotta) amphorae/jars. 


We focus on supplying North American wineries with premium oak barrels, tanks, casks, puncheons, and small barrels, handcrafted in France, Hungary, and the US by Artisan coopers, as well as boutique concrete and stainless-steel tanks from esteemed manufacturers in France. We are committed to providing personalized service to winemakers through individual barrel tastings, evaluations, and consultations. All our barrels are guaranteed for one year, with local coopers providing prompt repairs and maintenance. Nomblot tanks are guaranteed for 5 years (2 years on fittings), while our stainless-steel Lejeune tanks and Rousseau French oak tanks & casks are guaranteed for 2 years.


With an emphasis on service and a commitment to superior wine ageing, Artisan Barrels & Tanks is dedicated to delivering the highest quality oak, concrete, and stainless-steel tanks, ceramic vessels, and fine oak barrels, all reflecting an artisanal philosophy and approach.