ACCESS WINE & LIVING has focused on Olive Wood, Beech Wood or Bamboo Wood Cutting Boards, all handcrafted by BERARD, a French company existing since 1892. Olive wood is a very durable wood which provides the intriguing grain that makes each piece unique. As olive wood is very dense, it resists odors and stains better than other types of wood. Beech Wood is a very hard, dense, white wood which can readily be used for heavy cut. Bamboo Wood bends but never breaks, and in addition resists odor and bacteria.

Each piece, especially those created in olive wood, are hand made by craftsmen. BERARD tries to use the maximum of what the trunk has to offer. Therefore, uniformity does not exist and the little “imperfections” belong to this natural product.  No two pieces are exactly alike.

BERARD production is organized so that they use 100% of the wood. BERARD tends to repair the little imperfections in the wood instead of applying a chemical treatment to have a uniform and smooth surface. The balance of the wood that is not suitable for production, is used to heat the drying chamber and the building in the winter, so no wood is wasted.

• Do not clean in a dishwasher: it may cause the wood to crack or break
• Wood can warp or crack if exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity
• Never soak in water

Use of detergent is not recommended. BERARD advises to clean its tools by rinsing with warm water and drying vertically. To prevent the wood from drying out, regularly apply vegetable oil or food-safe mineral oil or beeswax. These suggestions will help keep your tool in good conditions for many years of enjoyment.