Martijn Fernhout is the founder of Barrel Wine. After graduating college in Groningen and working at a variety of bars and restaurants, including the famous café De Sleutel, and a local wine shop, he worked for a number of years with a renowned wine importer. In 2013 Martijn started Barrel Winebar in the Haddingestraat in Groningen, which was voted “Winebar of the Year” in early 2019. In December 2018, a store was added: Barrel Wijnwinkel, in the Nieuwe Ebbingestraat. The Wine Shop also houses Cook-Ing, the company of Martijn's wife Inge. Martijn is ‘Vinoloog’ and WSET3 certified, and currently works on the WSET Diploma Course. He is responsible for Barrel's tastings and wine courses.