Abstract: A composite barrel for storing wine comprising a polymer body, at least one removable wooden head for attachment to an end of the polymer body, each wooden head having an interior surface, the interior surface configured to increase the surface area of the interior surface of the wooden head for contact with wine to be stored, and a sealing mechanism for sealingly securing each removable wooden head to the polymer body. A wooden head may be used at both ends of the barrel for sealing the barrel and bringing more wood into contact with the contents of the barrel.