How to Start a Wine Collection in 2016—and Why You Should
Read more at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-08/how-to-start-a-wine-collection
Maybe you’ve been turned off by the auction numbers (“case of Romanée-Conti brings $59,000!”) and think wine collecting is just a one-percenter’s status game.
It’s not just for those with the fattest wallets. Although major price inflation has hit first- and second-growth Bordeaux and grand cru and premier cru Burgundy, under-the-radar collectibles are still out there for those starting out or trying to decide what to do with this year’s bonus.
Here’s what you need to know and what to collect now.
Have a Plan
Please. Like many wine lovers, I started out haphazardly squirreling away a few prized reds and ended up with a disorganized mix of bottles and cases in a corner of my basement. I’ve become systematic about my quietly aging stash. Read more…
Follow Your Taste
Buying wine is like buying art, except that you have to consume at least some of it along the way to enjoy it. So pick what you like. The only wines really worth collecting are ones you actually like to drink. Investment potential? Remember that wine isn’t as liquid (no pun intended) as stocks, and there are no guarantees that prices for your bottles will rise to bragging levels by the time you want to sell.
Taste Before you Buy
Buy a bottle and try it before buying a case. But I wouldn’t advise buying more than two cases of any one wine. Read More…
Think About Storage
There’s no point in keeping fine wines reposing in a fancy rack in the kitchen. Sadly, I’ve observed too many expensive reds displayed as decor and gradually destroyed because the temperature was too warm (a steady 55 degrees is ideal) or low humidity dried the corks. Read More…
Get a Solid Seller
Purchasing from a reliable merchant, or direct from a winery, is better than running off to an auction, at least when you’re starting out. Read More…
