This project was built and designed by Keaton Beyer. It’s a thoughtful and practical way to store wine while preserving personal memories and woodworking craftsmanship.
Using leftover cedar, Keaton crafted wine crates that serve both a functional role and a sentimental one. The crates were inspired by a family tradition of saving wine from his children’s birth years, making each box more than just storage.
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Why Cedar Works Well
Cedar is naturally resistant to insects, which makes it a great material for wine storage. It’s also a wood that’s best left unfinished, which reduces the time needed for sanding, sealing, or staining.
This project highlights how practical materials can be turned into something meaningful. It also shows how woodworking can help carry forward family traditions.
Starting the Build
The project begins by preparing the cedar boards and cutting the frame components to size. Each piece is measured and marked carefully to ensure accurate joinery later in the build.
Keaton chose bridle joints for their strength and clean appearance. This type of joinery was inspired by a lounge chair build from fellow woodworker Dylan Barfield.
Cutting the Bridle Joints
A crosscut sled was used on the table saw to make the precise cuts needed for the joints. Adjusting the stop block helped control the width of each cut while maintaining accuracy.
After making the cuts, Keaton dry-fit the pieces to check alignment and fit. The joints came together well, with clean lines and squared edges throughout the frame.
Building the Wine Bottle Holders
The next step was creating holders for the wine bottles inside the crate. Instead of using a store-bought jig, Keaton made a divider out of scrap wood to space the holes evenly.
Each hole had a quarter-inch gap for proper spacing. Tracing the profile of a wine bottle provided the guide for cutting semicircles into the holders.
To cut the curves, Keaton used a band saw. The blade was a bit thick for tight-radius cuts, but sanding helped clean up the edges and smooth out the final shape.
Assembly and Joinery Choices
With the holders finished, Keaton used dowels and half-lap joints to mount them securely. These were cut using the same table saw setup as the bridle joints, just with altered dimensions.
Although screws could have sped up the process, Keaton chose joinery to refine his skills. This project served as both a storage build and a chance to practice woodworking techniques.
The long rails were glued in place temporarily before being reinforced with screws. Keaton let the glue dry fully before drilling to ensure strong, clean connections.
Lessons from the Process
One of the wine holders was slightly miscut, but instead of scrapping it, Keaton decided to leave it as-is. These small flaws added character and reminded him that handmade work doesn’t need to be perfect.
Woodworking often involves moments of trial and error, and this project was no different. The end result was stronger for those lessons and more personal because of them.
Why This Project Matters
This crate isn’t just a wine holder—it’s a memory box that holds the story of a family tradition. The imperfections, the time spent, and the careful effort all become part of its meaning.
Projects like this one show how woodworking can create objects that go beyond function. They become heirlooms that carry stories, milestones, and history.
See the Full Build
Please support Keaton, but visiting his website: https://www.keatonbeyerwoodworking.com/.