Don't buy phony plastic barrels - acquire the real thing.  Not only are these real half wine barrels, but after a complete sand to outside and edges, the barrels are treated with stain, sealer and a coat of varathane to create luster and make them last much longer than the old used planter barrels you see at most garden centers.  

These decorative-type planters are made from genuine oak wine barrels. The bands are natural (we clean them up). They're approximately a foot-and-a-half tall and 26 to 28 inches wide. And note that they also make for great end tables!