For the preparation of ceramic products, in particular for making wine drinkware, we are guided by a special recipe — the ceramic mass formula. A precise mixture of raw materials that forms the body of every piece we make.
Mixing the Clay
We first weigh the crushed raw materials — clay and silt — then place them in a special kneading machine. We add liquid glass as an additive along with water, and begin grinding for 7–10 hours. The result is a fluid mixture called schlicker.
Casting & Forming
The schlicker is transferred to storage rooms and poured into molds of different shapes and sizes through a specific technique. When the clay takes shape, the remaining schlicker is poured back. We wait for it to harden to the required condition, then carefully open the tightly bound molds and extract the finished form. Before drying, the openings are worked to ensure the best possible fit for the stopper.
Drying
Drying takes several hours. After that, we begin removing excess particles and straightening the seam areas, the head, and the base. Drying also prevents deformation and cracking. Any defects detected at this stage send the product back to the kneading machine for reprocessing.
Firing at 1160°C
Products are placed in the kiln and firing begins. Different modes may be required depending on the condition of each piece. Wine vessels are fired at 1160 degrees — a process that lasts 5–8 hours. Then the kiln cools down, ideally on its own without any intervention. After complete cooling, every product is pressure-tested on a compressor to identify and set aside any damaged pieces.
Coloring
Before painting, products go through a coloring stage. This is necessary because most models have relief surfaces. Coloring creates contrast that gives each piece a distinctive, special effect.
Painting & Finishing
The final and no less important stage is painting, using different paints chosen for each piece. Painting completes the product, gives it its final appearance, and highlights its individuality. Varnish is applied before packaging so the color does not transfer during wine bottling. It is a time-consuming process that requires exact adherence to technique in order to produce a fully realized, quality product.