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Fine Wine Investment Advice

There are two major reasons for fine wine investment:

• Firstly, as an investment in future drinking – buying young wines at the initial release price which, when mature, would be considerably more expensive.
• Secondly, as a strictly financial investment – buying wines with the sole intention of reselling them later for a profit.

For many people who keep a cellar, both factors will influence wine investment.

The global demand for fine wine, which is produced in very small quantities, has increased enormously over the last two decades. Wine can, and often has, outperformed the FTSE 100 and the Dow Jones, offering significant returns without the volatility of the stock market.

Wine Investment Essentials

• Focus on the top wines from the best vintages. Only a fraction of wines produced worldwide will increase with value if kept.
• Store the wine correctly – preferably in professional temperature-controlled cellars.
• If purchasing in Europe, buy and store wines 'under bond' so sales taxes do not become payable.
• Take advice from established and reputable retailers and importers (click here for a list of suggested merchants by country).

Here are the areas to consider:

• Wine Scores – Ratings and influential wine writers.
• Wine Futures – Why buy this way.
• Wine Prices – How they fluctuate over time.
• Fine Wines – Wines that have performed well in the past.
• Abbreviations and Wine Terms – Specialized words used by merchants.
• Fill Levels – What happens to wine as it ages.
• Counterfeits – Fake wine, cooked wine and other faults; how to recognize and avoid them.
• Wine Storage – Incorrectly stored wine declines in value.
• Insurance – Make sure that your asset is fully covered.
• The most expensive wines of the world – The average prices of some of the most sought-after and investment-grade wines.
• Wine Valuations – How we can help you value your wines.