Natural wine corks originate from the bark of the cork oak tree, a species uniquely adapted to regenerate its thick outer layer. Harvesters carefully strip the bark at intervals, usually every nine to twelve years, without harming the tree. Once removed, this bark supplies the raw material for cork, prized for its elastic structure, microscopic air pockets, and natural sealing ability. Because the tree continues to produce new bark throughout its long life, the material remains renewable and tie

Did you know? Cork comes from the thick bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber). The first two harvests of cork oak trees have little financial value. Only the third, around year 45, brings real return. Foresters like Simão Catarino from FSC-certified RG Rovisco Garcia carefully peel the bark with light axes during late spring, when the metabolism of trees is fully active. That helps to ensure that cork is harvested without damaging the living layer that surrounds the trunk. Watch the video to see