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Fine wine investment for beginners

Open road with vineyard beside it

Fine wine investment is rapidly gaining traction among beginners and novice investors looking to benefit from a reliable, alternative asset with real historical performance. As both a passion pursuit and a proven alternative investment, fine wine offers something few markets can: the ability to diversify an investment portfolio, strengthen long-term returns, and take part in a centuries-old tradition that continues to evolve.

Surging wine prices frequently make headlines, especially stories of collectors who bought extraordinary wines early, only to sell their wine years later through a wine auction or specialised platform for significant profit. But for newcomers, the key questions remain: How does investing in fine wine actually work? What returns can you expect? And how do you begin your journey in today’s fine wine markets?

This wine investment guide provides a complete introduction to the global wine market, how it operates, and what to look for as you start buying wine strategically.

How big is the wine investment market?

Investing in wine is not a new phenomenon. In fact, wine has functioned as a tradeable commodity since antiquity. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Romans circulated wine across renowned regions long before modern trade existed. One of the earliest recorded examples of wine prices appreciating appears in the writings of Thomas Jefferson. In 1787, he observed that the 1783 Bordeaux vintage commanded a premium over the younger 1786 vintage – a clear historical example of age and rarity influencing value.

Throughout the centuries, seasoned drinkers quietly practised what we now call wine investing, selling select bottles from their cellars as a way to subsidise consumption. The concept rested on a simple truth: as wine matures, scarcity increases – and so does its value.

Today, wine investment is more transparent, accessible, and data-driven than ever. The global wine market is forecast to reach US$525 billion by 2025, driven by growing international demand and a rising appreciation of luxury assets.

However, despite its size, only a small percentage of all wines produced worldwide are genuinely investment-worthy. Even in renowned regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy, most wines are made for drinking rather than appreciation. Only the rarest cult wines, top estates, and blue-chip producers have the characteristics required to deliver long-term returns.

This scarcity – of high-quality, investible wine – is the core driver of wine’s investment potential. Limited supply combined with global demand leads to price appreciation, particularly for wines with established reputations, critic recognition, and strong market trends.

More fine wine investment opportunities than ever before

Historically, Bordeaux’s classified growths dominated the fine wine investment landscape. In 2010, Bordeaux accounted for 96% of all global trade by value – a reflection of its scale, structure, and tradition.

Today, however, the market has expanded dramatically. Bordeaux now represents less than a third of trade as investors explore a broader set of regions offering compelling returns.

High-performing, investment-grade wines now come from:

Burgundy

Micro-production estates with global cult status and extraordinary long-term appreciation.

Champagne

Steady, consistent performers with strong brand equity—an ideal low-volatility segment.

The Rhône

Producers like Guigal’s La La wines (La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque) provide both rarity and prestige.

Italy

Led by Tuscany and Piedmont, with wines like Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto, Gaja, and Giacomo Conterno.

USA

Napa Valley’s cult wines – Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Opus One – offer exceptional long-term demand.

Germany, Spain, Australia

Smaller in volume but increasingly recognised for quality and collectability.

The growth of these renowned regions means that wine investment is no longer defined by one country or category. Investors can buy and sell wines across a far more diverse global landscape, tailoring their preferences to budget, style, risk appetite, and investment goals. The collectors’ market is booming, with record number of investible wines trading right now.

Greater fine wine investment returns

As global demand for investment-grade wines has expanded, so too have potential returns. Burgundy provides the clearest example: thanks to microscopic production levels and immense international demand, top estates have delivered some of the strongest returns in the entire luxury asset class.

  • Some Burgundy wines have risen 2,000% in 15 years.

  • The region’s major index is up ~200% over the last decade.

  • Trading volume, value, and liquidity have surged.

Champagne has also been a favourite for investors seeking steady gains. While it is not always the rarest category, its brand strength, vast global audience, and robust distribution networks deliver exceptionally consistent growth. It is often treated as a low-volatility safe-haven asset within a wine investment portfolio.

Different regions appreciate at different rates, influenced by:

  • critic scores

  • supply/demand dynamics

  • producer reputation

  • vintage quality

  • macro events (e.g., weather, tariffs, regional instability)

  • release price strategy

Understanding these factors helps investors set realistic expectations for both short- and long-term returns.

How long do I need to invest in fine wines for?

Fine wine is generally classed as a medium to long-term investment. As a rule of thumb, WineCap recommends holding wines for at least three years, though many investors choose a horizon of five to fifteen years.

Most collectible wines improve over 10–50 years, depending on region and vintage. As bottles are opened worldwide, scarcity increases, and prices usually rise.

External factors can accelerate returns. For example:

  • When Wine Spectator named Sassicaia 2015 its Wine of the Year, the price rose 25% in a single day.

  • Those who bought upon release have seen gains exceeding 160% to date.

Fine wine’s resilience also contributes to its appeal. Unlike the stock market, which can swing dramatically in short periods, fine wine typically shows low volatility and stable year-on-year growth. This is why many investors consider fine wine a safe-haven asset, particularly in periods of economic stress.

During Covid-19 disruptions and even after the geopolitical shocks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fine wine indices outperformed the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and even gold.

How do I start investing in wine?

There are a lot of decisions you need to make when taking on wine investment. Wine investment experts like our team here at WineCap can help you make decisions relating to the following factors:

Set a wine investment strategy

The first step is to set your budget. Consider how long you would like to hold your wines for and your preferred investment strategy. Fine wines command a range of prices depending on the producer, how much of their wine is made and the wines’ age. Make sure to set your budget before embarking on building your portfolio so you can ensure you have exposure to all countries and regions.

Speak to a wine investment expert

There are different routes to accessing the wine investment market, such as through specialised retailers and auction houses. Expert wine investment brokers offer unbiased advice on strategic investment opportunities and can help you build your portfolio, based on your preferred length of investment and budget. While WineCap doesn’t charge any annual fees, most wine investment companies do, so be sure to do your research and be aware of any fees your portfolio might incur.

Select world-class wines for your portfolio

A wine investment expert will help you find the wines best suited for your investment portfolio. WineCap has formed long-lasting relationships over the past decade with négociants, wholesalers and private collectors. This means that we have access to some of the world’s most prized wines. What’s more, our unique proprietary technology analyses over 400,000 wine prices a day to identify the right, undervalued wines to buy and sell across the global market at the right time and price.

Store your wines professionally

Choose to keep your wines in government bonded warehouses as this will ensure they are professionally stored in temperature-controlled conditions best-suited for ageing wines. World-class care ensures that when you come to sell, your wines’ provenance will quickly secure maximum prices.

Final thoughts

Fine wine investment can feel daunting at first, but with the right strategy, guidance, and market insight, beginners can access one of the world’s best-performing luxury assets. With global demand growing, more fine wine investment opportunities emerging, and the market proving resilient through economic uncertainty, now is an excellent time to begin building an investment in wine.

Ready to get started now you know more about how to invest in wine? Speak to one of WineCap’s investment experts to discover the next steps on your wine journey.

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News

Top 10 most expensive wines in the world

Rack of expensive wines

Wine has captivated collectors for centuries – not just for its flavour and artistry, but for its extraordinary ability to increase in quality and value over time. For many enthusiasts, this appreciation has made fine wine one of the most compelling collectible assets in the world.

In recent years, fine wine has also evolved into a global luxury asset. Record-breaking sales at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, particularly from Burgundy and Bordeaux, have drawn the attention of collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia. The fine wine market has proven remarkably resilient, consistently outperforming traditional investment sectors during periods of volatility. As more investors and collectors explore alternative assets, interest in understanding what drives the value of the world’s rarest bottles has grown rapidly.

But what is the most expensive wine on earth? And why are some bottles worth more than luxury cars or even homes? In this guide, we explore the top 10 most expensive wines in the world, breaking down their prices, regions, rarity, and what makes a single bottle so valuable.

Ten of the world’s most expensive wines

The wines featured below have achieved legendary status in the world of fine wine, not only due to their craftsmanship but also because of the unique stories and circumstances that have shaped their value. From minuscule production levels to historic vintages and iconic vineyard sites, each bottle reflects centuries of winemaking heritage and a global appetite for rarity.

Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier, Musigny Grand Cru

Producer: Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier

Average price: £13,595

Wine type: Red

Grape: Pinot Noir

Region: Burgundy, France

Domaine Roumier is one of Burgundy’s most revered wineries, producing some of the most expensive wines in the world. Its Musigny Grand Cru – grown on exceptional limestone soils in the Côte de Nuits – offers remarkable finesse and longevity. As a Grand Cru, Burgundy’s highest classification, this wine is treasured for its age-worthiness, rarity, and ability to command high auction prices.

Production levels from Musigny are extremely limited, and the vineyard’s old vines contribute to the wine’s intensity and depth. Collectors value Roumier for its consistency across vintages and for the estate’s meticulous approach to viticulture, which further drives demand and premium pricing.

Château Margaux

Producer: Château Margaux

Price: $225,000 (gained by insurance reimbursement in America)

Wine type: Red

Grape: Bordeaux blend

Region: Bordeaux, France

A bottle of this wine, created in 1787, was said to be a part of Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection.

A wine trader called William Sokolin later acquired it and took it to a dinner in Bordeaux, where the waiter knocked it off the table and smashed the bottle. Sokolin was later reimbursed with $225,000 by his insurance company, but the bottle was originally thought to be worth $500,000. Château Margaux is also a consistent producer of top-performing Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends, making it a pillar of fine wine investment.

Classified as a First Growth in the historic 1855 Classification, Château Margaux’s reputation spans centuries. Pre-phylloxera bottles such as the 1787 are exceptionally rare, making them prized artefacts of wine history. Provenance plays a major role in the value of such wines, and Jefferson-linked bottles remain some of the most sought-after in the world.

Domaine Leroy, Musigny Grand Cru

Producer: Domaine Leroy

Average price: £31,691

Wine type: Red

Grape: Pinot Noir

Region: Burgundy, France

Founded in 1868 by wine merchant François Leroy, the Domaine (vineyard) is now owned by Lalou Bize-Leroy, who also owns Domaine d’Auvenay.

This dry red wine is produced from Pinot Noir grapes and is the by-product of biodynamic farming. This ethical approach to farming provides nutrients to the plants by using their own composting measures, as opposed to using chemical fertilisers. Although more labour intensive, this method produces high-quality crops and is better for the environment.

Domaine Leroy’s wines are often considered on par with, or even superior to, those of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Micro-production levels mean only a few barrels are produced each year, resulting in extremely limited global availability. This scarcity, combined with critical acclaim, contributes significantly to its exceptionally high market value.

Krug Vintage Brut Champagne

Producer: Krug

Price: Sold for £14,800

Wine type: Sparking wine

Grape: Champagne

Region: Champagne, France

Krug is known for being one of the renowned houses in the Champagne region, making their wines some of the most sought-after and expensive in the area.

At a Hong Kong wine auction in 2009, the 1928 Krug Vintage Brut set a record as the most expensive Champagne ever sold at the time. Its combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and historical prestige make it a pinnacle of sparkling wine collecting.

Older Champagne vintages like 1928 are incredibly rare because sparkling wine is typically consumed young. Bottles that survive nearly a century in pristine condition gain immense value. Krug’s long ageing process on lees, combined with its dedication to complexity and structure, makes its older vintages particularly collectible.

Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Screaming Eagle

Average price: £4,610

Wine type: White

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Oakville, USA

Although not the most expensive wine on the list, this is one of the most expensive white wines from the North Coast of the United States.

As one of Napa Valley’s original “cult wines,” Screaming Eagle produces extremely limited quantities – often fewer than 1,000 cases per year. While known primarily for its Cabernet Sauvignon, its Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the most expensive white wines in the world, driven by rarity and intense demand.

Screaming Eagle’s allocation list is famously difficult to join, with waiting lists spanning years. This exclusivity fuels secondary-market prices, as collectors compete for the winery’s rarest bottles. Napa Valley’s rise as a luxury wine region has further elevated Screaming Eagle’s iconic status.

Domaine Leflaive, Montrachet Grand Cru

Producer: Domaine Leflaive

Average price: £12,430

Wine type: White

Grape: Chardonnay

Region: Burgundy, France

Montrachet is considered the best white wine vineyard in the world, with bottles often dominating top 10 most expensive wine lists. Domaine Leflaive’s Grand Cru Chardonnay – barrel-fermented and known for citrus, hazelnut, and buttery richness – remains a benchmark of Burgundy craftsmanship.

Leflaive’s plots in Montrachet sit on prime limestone-rich soils, offering exceptional drainage and mineral expression. With only a very small portion of the already tiny Montrachet vineyard under its control, Leflaive produces minuscule quantities of this wine each year, contributing significantly to its rarity.

Liber Pater

Producer: Liber Pater

Average price: The 2015 variety had an average price of £27,500

Wine type: Red

Grape: Bordeaux blend

Region: Bordeaux, France

Liber Pater produces some of the most expensive wines on earth. This vintage wine was created in 2015, and due to its very low production numbers and the use of grapes from ungrafted vines, it has become a true collector’s item.

Liber Pater aims to recreate the taste of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux by using nearly extinct grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques. The estate produced just 550 bottles in 2015, making it one of the lowest-production wines in Europe. Its experimental approach attract collectors looking for something truly singular.

Château d’Yquem

Producer: Château d’Yquem

Price: Sold for £75,000

Wine type: Dessert

Grape: Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Sauternes, France

As the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Classification, Château d’Yquem has no rivals in the world of sweet wine. The 1811 vintage – one of its most celebrated – sold for £75,000 and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive standard bottle of white wine ever sold at auction. The wine bottle is said to be on display in Mr Vanneque’s restaurant in Bali, protected by bulletproof glass.

Château d’Yquem benefits from a unique microclimate that encourages the development of noble rot, allowing the estate to produce extraordinarily concentrated and long-lived wines. Many vintages of Yquem can age for over a century, which further enhances its allure among collectors.

Domaine Leroy, d’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Producer: Domaine d’Auvenay (part of Domaine Leroy)

Average Price: £23,439

Wine Type: White

Grape: Chardonnay

Region: Burgundy, France

Another masterpiece from Lalou Bize-Leroy, this ultra-rare Grand Cru comes from a tiny four-acre estate. Minuscule yields and perfect craftsmanship make it one of the top 10 most expensive wines in the world.

In certain vintages, only one or two barrels of this wine are produced, placing it among the most limited-production white wines in existence. The combination of terroir precision, strict biodynamic principles, and extremely low output fuels exceptionally high prices.

Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese

Producer: Egon Müller

Average Price: £12,147

Wine Type: Dessert

Grape: Riesling

Region: Mosel, Germany

Egon Müller is synonymous with world-class Riesling. Their Trockenbeerenauslese – made from individually selected botrytised berries – is among the most expensive dessert wines globally, often achieving record prices at international wine auctions.

TBAs are among the rarest and most labour-intensive wines to produce, requiring hand-picking berry by berry. Egon Müller consistently commands the highest Riesling prices in the world, with some vintages selling for tens of thousands of pounds on release.

What makes wine so expensive?

When exploring the most expensive wine in the world, several factors consistently influence both rarity and price:

1. Reputation and provenance

Producers like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Lafite Rothschild, and Krug have global reputations for exceptional quality. Strong brand prestige pushes demand upward – especially when paired with historical significance.

2. Critical acclaim

Fine wine critics such as Robert Parker and major publications like Wine Spectator influence global pricing. High scores often trigger strong interest at wine auctions, driving prices even higher.

3. Ageing potential

Investment-grade wines improve dramatically with age. A wine built for long-term cellaring – such as Bordeaux blends or Grand Cru Burgundy – will usually appreciate in value.

4. Scarcity

Rarity is the backbone of luxury pricing. Limited-production wines, low-yield vineyards, or single-parcel bottlings make wines more exclusive. When only a single bottle or a few hundred bottles exist, demand can skyrocket.

5. Historical or cultural importance

Bottles owned by notable figures (e.g., Thomas Jefferson) or from legendary vintages often become priceless artifacts.

Valuation is also influenced by condition and storage history. Wines stored in professional, temperature-controlled cellars command higher prices, while bottles with damaged labels, signs of leakage, or poor provenance may lose significant value. Auction houses play a major role in establishing price benchmarks, and the presence of original wooden cases, wax seals, or château documentation can increase a bottle’s desirability.

Why invest in fine wine?

Fine wine is a powerful alternative investment because:

  • it has low correlation with global stock markets

  • values tend to rise steadily over time

  • supply naturally decreases as bottles are consumed

  • the category remains more stable than gold or real estate

  • prestige wines retain global demand regardless of economic cycles

Fine wine is also considered tax-efficient in several regions, further increasing its appeal for investors seeking long-term growth without excessive tax burdens. Its global nature – traded actively in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore –provides a diverse base of demand. Historically, fine wine has demonstrated resilience during economic downturns, making it an attractive hedge against inflation and uncertainty.

For collectors, investing also provides the joy of building a cellar filled with some of the most extraordinary wines ever created.

Your wine investment journey starts here

WineCap gives you access to the top investible wine allocations. Once we have discovered your preferences, you will have access to a vast portfolio of the most investable wines stored in secure government bonds.

We don’t charge a management fee and our brokerage charges are very low, so you have access to rare wines at a fair price.

Whether you are looking to begin your portfolio with classic investment wines like First Growth Bordeaux or are exploring ultra-rare bottles such as Domaine Leroy, WineCap provides expert guidance at every stage. Our team can help ensure proper storage, verify provenance, and identify the strongest long-term performers in the market, giving you confidence as you build your wine investment portfolio.

To start your wine investment journey, schedule a consultation with one of our experts.

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Your Wine Investment Questions Answered

Man at laptop checking investments

Investment in fine wine is a great investment alternative for any hobbyist and can give you a healthy return too! But if you’re a novice to wine investment, you may have a lot of questions.

This article explores the most frequently asked questions about fine wine investment to help you understand more about it.

Wine Investment FAQs

Is wine a good investment?

As an alternative to stocks and shares, fine wine investment is a pursuit that has increased in popularity over the years. The scarcity and quality of fine wine appreciates over time, as does it value. This, among other contributing factors, makes fine wine a highly sought-after asset.

With a proven stable price growth, this medium to long term investment is a great way to strengthen your investment portfolio. It’s also a great excuse for any budding wine connoisseur to expand their collection!

Which wine appreciates the most?

It can be tricky to determine which wine’s financial value will appreciate over time, as it’s not always as simple as “the more well-known wines will give you a better return on investment”. For example, the vast majority of wines produced in renowned regions, such as Burgundy and Bordeaux – perhaps surprisingly – often won’t appreciate in value. In fact, of all the wines made worldwide, only a very small percentage have potential to improve as they age, and an even smaller percentage of that group has the capacity to appreciate in value.

Looking at the previous records of appreciation for wine can give you an idea of whether it is a good investment choice or not, as can keeping abreast of current trends and demands that are influencing the marketplace.

Is wine investment profitable?

According to a (the global marketplace for wine trade), the price of prices of fine wine increased in 2021 reaching an all-time high. The fine wine market often outperforms other global stock markets, making it a profitable alternative investment option for people who wish to expand their investment portfolio.

How do you store investment-grade wine?

It is important to make sure that wine is stored correctly, if they’re not stored in the correct conditions your wine could decrease in value.

Investment-grade wines are normally stored in bonded storage. These are secure locations that have been approved by HMRC for storing items that haven’t had VAT or duty paid on them.

These optimal storage conditions also tend to increase the liquidity of fine wine, making for quicker conversions of assets into cash.

What is the risk of investing in fine wine?

Like any investment, there is always an element of risk involved. One risk with wine investment is if a critic gives a negative review on a particular wine you have invested in, demand may dwindle and the value of the wine is therefore likely to decrease.

However, wine investment is considered to be a low-risk investment. The value of wine is protected during inflation and insecure economic periods, mostly thanks to its physical tangibility as an asset.

What tax is applied to my wine investment?

Fine wine is considered a ‘wasting asset’, which means that your wine is exempt from Capital Gains Tax when it’s sold. You can be charged Inheritance Tax, which is the tax on an estate of someone who has passed away if the estate is worth over £325,000.

We recommend seeking tax advice from a professional advisor before you start investing in wine.

How much should I invest in fine wine?

There is no set rule for how much money one should invest in fine wine. Investment-grade wines are a luxury commodity; to ensure you have a wide variety of options to invest in and to get a good return on investment, most people tend to start off in the vicinity of £5,000-£10,000 to make their investments worthwhile.

However, as with any given speculative investment, you should be prepared to lose that money. It’s not advisable to make such an investment if the loss of your invested funds would debilitate your financial situation.

What are good wines to invest in now?

When you look into wines that could be good to invest in, keep an eye on wine investing news to identify trends in the market and see where the opportunities are. You should also consider working with our investment experts, who will be able to give you unbiased advice on what wines you should be investing in.

Take a look at some of our related blogs for more information:

  • The beginner’s guide to wine investment
  • Ten of the world’s most expensive wines
  • Is buying Bordeaux En Primeur still a good investment?

There are several things to consider when you invest in wine. One of the most important things to consider, if you are new to the industry, is whether to seek the help of a fine wine expert.

What is important when investing in wine?

WineCap can give you access to the top investable wine allocations and an extensive portfolio of investment-grade wines, as well as guide you through the steps you need to take to get the most out of your investment.

Start investing in wine today

Schedule a consultation with one of our wine investment experts to start your wine investment journey today.

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Investment Options: Why Wine?

Bottles of wine in storage

Find out what investment options are out there so as not to miss out on wealth creation by holding excessive cash. That was the message from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which launched a new campaign this week to both incentivise and educate Britons to invest their cash wisely.

The recent emergence of user-friendly apps and free time born of the global pandemic has drawn record numbers to the market in the hope of turning their down time into financial return. However, this surge of investment opportunism has given rise to poor decision-making; with many investors tantalised by the promise of big wins from high-risk strategies such as cryptocurrency and volatile stocks. The FCA’s double-pronged campaign aims to encourage more prudent investment, while at the same time educating about the risks. The watchdog is roughly targeting a fifth of the estimated 8.6m Britons who have over £10,000 in cash.

‘Over time, [they] are at risk of having their money eroded by inflation.’ – The FCA

This recent investment activity highlights that, with interest rates as low as 0.1% at the time of writing, those looking to either start investing or diversify their portfolios would do well to take advantage of the current trend and to consider investing in wine, a proven way of delivering growth.

The benefits of wine as an investment option:

  • In the last 30 years wine investment has delivered an average of 10% compounded growth

  • It is a tax-free investment with no Capital Gains Tax

  • It has a low correlation to other assets

  • Uniquely, wine both improves and becomes rarer with age, unlike other assets in the same class

Based on previous performance, solid returns could be realised after five years, though customers who have held their wine investments for up to ten years or more have seen even greater returns and any potential investor should consider a long-term strategy.

Ultimately, wine is considered an excellent opportunity to grow your pot of cash in a time where interest rates cannot. With good advice and the right selection, wine could be the best investment option you add to your portfolio this year.

Find out more by downloading our free guide to wine investment.

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Insight

Our Top List of Tuscan Wines for Investment

A Tuscan vineyard

Italian wine is increasingly becoming hot property when it comes to wine investment. Last year was one of the category’s strongest when it came to trades, with an increase of 7%. Tuscany also performed remarkably well and, because of this, we have put together a list of Tuscan wines that are highly respected, built to age for years and that are leading the charge when it comes to investment grade wine.

The classic ‘Super Tuscans’ – including producers such as Solaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello (all having increased in trades in 2020 by 15%, 10% and 9% respectively) – began making incredible wines in the 1960s and 70s. These producers created standout wines using Bordeaux grape varieties and paved the way for others who are now gaining more and more recognition using other grape varieties, including Sangiovese.

Tua Rita is widely regarded as the producer who spearheaded the second wave of Super Tuscans, with its flagship wine Redigaffi. Like some of the greatest things in life, Redigaffi was created entirely by accident. In 1984, Rita Tua and her husband Virgilio moved to the quiet Etruscan coast to retire and cultivate wines for fun. Years later, and with 30 hectares of Merlot under vine, Redigaffi is now considered one of Tuscany’s finest wines that commands respect. This wine continues to gain momentum and we believe it would make an excellent investment option for those wanting to diversify their portfolio.

Second on our list of Tuscan wines is the top-flight Chianti producer Fontodi. Keeping a steady hand on the tiller at the Fontodi estate are Marco and Giovanni Manetti who have been making its predominantly Sangiovese-based wines since 1979. Their vision, expertise and commitment to quality continue to reap rewards: Fontodi’s Flaccionella della Pieve 2017 was one of last year’s top ten most-traded Tuscan wines & in the top 15 most-traded Italian wines. It represents a great diversification into a wine investment category that’s accelerated in the past 12 months.

Biondi Santi is one of the old, traditional Tuscan wine estates whose pioneering work propagating the Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino clone of Sangiovese cemented it as one of the region’s legendary producers. As perhaps the greatest expression of Brunello di Montalcino, this 100% Sangiovese wine aged for at least 36 months in oak is built to last for decades, if not longer. With the Riserva 2012 having all three ingredients that we would expect to appreciate: a historic brand, immense ageing potential and one of their highest ever scores – 97 points – it offers excellent value compared to top tier wines from other regions.

If you want to find out more about investing in Italian wines – and the growing Tuscan category in particular – schedule a free consultation with one of our investment experts.

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How to Structure a Wine Investment Portfolio

Lady browsing WineCap site on laptop

A great deal can and has been written about how to structure a wine investment portfolio. Just Googling ‘Modern Portfolio Theory’, ‘Post-Modern Portfolio Theory’, or the ‘Efficient Market Hypothesis’ makes it clear that a few hundred words can only scratch the surface.

At times we may recommend – or clients may wish for greater exposure – to a particular sector. However, the common belief is that the best practice is to hold a good spread of assets and a good spread of asset classes. One of the (many) advantages wine has to investors is its relative simplicity and that it lends itself to fairly easy portfolio structuring.

Here are some things to consider when thinking about how to structure a wine portfolio: 

  • Know your goals & understand your timescales. You want to be able to take as much advantage as possible of wines’ ability to improve as it ages. As attractive as we think 2019 Bordeaux is, if you’re looking at a short hold it might not make sense to invest in En Primeur wine if its drinking window may not line up with your timescale.

  • Understand the veil of ignorance. While predictions can be useful, the future cannot be certain. Unless you have a functioning crystal ball, it’s good to have a reasonably broad selection. Hold a spread of regions, vintages and price points, but also keep an eye on holding varying formats too.

  • Don’t focus solely on the highest pinnacles when considering how to structure your wine investment portfolio. Oftentimes it is less heralded wines or vintages that outperform the market. Naturally, you’ll want to hold some tip-top wine, but make space for the less than stellar and perhaps even the objectively bad vintages. If you’re looking at well-priced examples of the best brands, there’s no reason to avoid off vintages on principle, Lafite 2007 and 2013 being great examples.

  • Have some flexibility. When building a portfolio we always have half an eye on the current shape of the wine market but it’s easy to be overly focused on sticking rigidly to a planned portfolio structure. Will it make a difference to your portfolio if you’re at 20% Burgundy or 25%? Probably a bit, but it is not going to be night and day.

It’s hard to know exactly what different sectors of the wine market will do in the next 12-24 months, but if you do your research and ensure broad holdings you can structure your portfolio for long-term stable growth. Want to talk to one of our experts about creating a wine investment portfolio in more detail? Schedule a call here.

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How does wine investment work?

Two men drinking wine and looking at a laptop

Are you considering investing in wine and want to know how wine investment works? You’re in good company. More investors than ever are discovering that fine wine is a top-performing alternative asset, offering stability, diversification, and strong long-term returns. At moments when inflation rises – such as in April 2022, when UK inflation hit 7% according to the Office for National Statistics – many investors look for assets outside the stock markets. Fine wine has long been recognised as a hedge against volatility and a proven store of value.

But how does it actually work? And what should a new investor know before building a fine wine portfolio? Below, we break down the essentials in a clear, practical way so you can begin your journey with confidence.

Start with a medium to long-term view

Wine investment is not a quick win or short-term speculation. It is built on a simple but powerful idea: fine wine is an improving asset in diminishing supply. As wines mature in the bottle, their quality improves and the available stock naturally decreases as bottles are consumed worldwide. This combination of rising quality and falling supply can support long-term price appreciation.

For this reason, investors should approach wine with a medium to long-term mindset. We recommend planning to hold wines for a minimum of five years, and often longer for exceptional vintages, cult wines, or bottles from regions with consistent global demand.

Why long term? Because:

  • Wines reach their optimum drinking windows slowly.

  • Global demand builds over time as critics reassess the wine.

  • Supply reduces steadily as consumers drink the vintage.

  • Long-term scarcity typically supports higher secondary-market value.

Patience is absolutely essential. Those who commit to a sensible holding period tend to see the best results.

Decide how much you want to invest – then diversify

Once you’ve established your budget, the next step is to diversify your investment portfolio. A successful fine wine strategy mirrors the principles of any well-managed portfolio: spread risk, seek balance, and avoid overexposure to a single region or producer.

Most investors begin by allocating capital across traditional, blue-chip regions, especially:

  • Bordeaux – long considered the backbone of fine wine investment

  • Burgundy – prized for limited production and strong global demand

  • Champagne – increasingly popular with both investors and collectors

  • Italy – home to iconic Super Tuscans and age-worthy Barolos

  • California – known for highly collectible cult wines and strong critic sentiment

Diversification helps ensure your wine investment portfolio is resilient to market movements. If one region slows, others may still perform strongly. Many investors also choose to include a small proportion of cult wines, which can offer impressive upside potential but should be balanced with more stable, widely traded wines.

Your WineCap advisor can help shape a portfolio tailored to your goals, risk appetite, and preferred investment horizon.

Store your wines professionally in a bonded warehouse

Perfect provenance is one of the most important factors in protecting and enhancing the value of your wines. When you invest seriously, your bottles must be kept in the correct conditions – not in a home cellar, a garage, or a private unit, but in a professional storage facility.

At WineCap, all wines are stored in a government-regulated bonded warehouse, which offers:

  • Ideal temperature and humidity

  • Total traceability and insurance

  • Secure, monitored conditions

  • Full documentation of the wine’s provenance

  • No duty or VAT applied while the wine remains in bond

Storing wine in bond is often the preferred method for investors, because it keeps the wine in mint condition and significantly simplifies the eventual resale process. Buyers in the secondary market are willing to pay more for wines stored exclusively in a bonded warehouse, as the chain of custody is completely transparent.

If you choose to withdraw your wines for personal drinking enjoyment, duty and VAT will apply at that stage. Until then, storing in bond keeps the investment structure clean, secure, and tax-efficient.

Understand fees, costs, and tax considerations

Not all wine investment platforms operate the same way, and some brokers charge annual management fees to oversee your portfolio. At WineCap, we pride ourselves on not charging a management fee and offering some of the most competitive brokerage rates in the industry.

Other potential costs include:

  • Storage and insurance (typically very modest compared to the asset value)

  • Transaction fees when buying or selling

  • Payment of duty/VAT only if you withdraw wine from bond

It’s also helpful to understand how wine is treated for tax purposes. In the UK, fine wine is generally considered a “wasting asset,” meaning it is typically exempt from capital gains tax. However, individual circumstances vary, and international investors may be subject to different rules – so independent advice is always recommended.

Plan your exit strategy 

Knowing how you will eventually sell your wine is just as important as knowing what to buy. The best exit route depends on the wine, its rarity, the condition, and the market climate at the time of sale. At WineCap, we analyse real-time market data, critic scores, historical performance, and price velocity to guide you toward the most favourable option.

We also help time the sale strategically. In the wine market, timing can make a meaningful difference. For example, when a wine receives an upgraded critic score or enters its ideal drinking window, demand – and therefore price – may rise. A well-considered exit strategy can significantly enhance overall returns.

How wine investment differs from wine clubs, wine merchants & building a wine collection

For newcomers, it’s useful to distinguish wine investment from other parts of the wine world.

Wine clubs

Wine clubs focus on drinking enjoyment, discovery, and convenience. While they may introduce you to great wines, bottles are intended for consumption – not long-term appreciation. Club wines are not typically stored in bonded warehouses, meaning they are unsuitable for investment.

Wine merchants

Traditional wine merchants excel at sourcing exceptional bottles and offering personal recommendations. However, their role is centred on consumption rather than managing a strategic investment portfolio. Wine investment requires data-driven decision-making, market analysis, and ongoing portfolio monitoring – services merchants are not designed to provide.

Building a wine collection

A personal wine collection is built for pleasure, passion, and future drinking. By contrast, an investment portfolio is constructed for financial performance. It focuses on world-class estates, investment-grade vintages, liquidity, and the potential for long-term value appreciation rather than personal taste.

Understanding these distinctions helps investors see why professional storage, market analysis, and structured portfolio management are essential components of a good investment.

Final thoughts

Wine investment offers an enjoyable and rewarding way to diversify your assets, reduce reliance on volatile stock markets, and build long-term financial value. By adopting a medium- to long-term view, diversifying your portfolio, storing wines professionally in a bonded warehouse, understanding the associated costs, and preparing a clear exit strategy, you can enter the market with confidence and clarity.

WineCap combines expert analysis, transparent pricing, and world-class portfolio management to help investors make smarter, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re starting your first wine investment or expanding an existing portfolio, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Ready to start investing in wine? Find out more by downloading our free guide.

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News

Asian Buyers make up 65% of the World’s Total Drinks Buyers

Asian lady selecting a bottle of wine from her cellar

Asian buyers now make up 65% of the total wine and spirits buyers in the world. That’s according to Sotheby’s 2020 Wine Market Report. Asia’s demand for the world’s finest wines looks set to grow too, as 2020 was the second highest percentage on record for Asian buyers, after 68% in 2019.

There are multiple factors that can be attributed to Asia’s growing market share of the total wine and spirits market. The Coronavirus pandemic had a direct impact on drinking habits last year. Unable to visit restaurants and bars, China’s wealthy citizens began opening bottles of some of the finest wines from their cellars at home.

An international travel ban and lockdowns across China also meant that those who usually would have travelled abroad on holiday, opted instead to spend their money on buying top wines such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: a producer that represented 20% of all wine sales at Sotheby’s last year. However, while Bordeaux and Burgundy producers still make up the top ten names in Sotheby’s annual producer rankings, Asian buyers are looking further afield to regions such as Napa, in order to discover new wines such as Harlan Estate, Sine Qua Non and Colgin Cellars.

The future for wine imports into Asia, particularly into China, looks very promising. 2.25m nine-litre cases were imported into China in 2006 compared with a colossal 50.5m cases in 2019. Although there was a slight drop in the number of cases imported in the past two years, the trend for increased wine consumption looks set to continue. This is due to a combination of wine enthusiasts having opened bottles from their cellars during lockdown, as well as the disruption caused to supply chains to mainland China by the Hong Kong riots having ended.

As more and more Chinese cities open up – such as Shanghai – on-trade sales of fine wine are beginning to blossom, as consumers celebrate the easing of lockdown restrictions. With such strong figures from Sotheby’s recent report, all eyes remain firmly fixed on Asia with big expectations for this wine market that shows huge potential for growth.

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Can you Invest in Wine?

Rows of vines in a vineyard

Investing in wine used to be intimidating. It was also considered only for the rich. Fortunately, things have changed. Wine investment is available to everyone and anyone who is looking for a stable alternative investment. It has – and continues to – deliver consistent returns. The category went up +13% from June 2020 to June 2021, according to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index. What’s more, only a modest amount of up-front funds are required to begin building your portfolio. While we always recommend speaking to one of our investment experts before getting started, fine wine is considered to hold fewer risks and more advantageous gains than nearly any other financial or alternative asset category.

Our Top Five Reasons to Invest in Wine

One: Fine wine has a low correlation with gold, oil and global financial markets. It has delivered consistent compounded growth of 10% over the last 30 years. By diversifying your overall investment portfolio with wine, you could add a safe investment that could bring stability and profits, regardless of the economic climate.

Two: It’s a tax-free investment with no Capital Gains Tax. Those who leave their cash in UK bank accounts will see their money eroded over time by inflation. Inflation is currently running at 4% in the UK at the time of writing and those wanting to make the most of their savings should seriously consider taking advantage of the tangible investment options out there.

Three: Fine wine is an improving asset in diminishing supply. The more corks that are pulled over time, the rarer the wine is and therefore the harder to find.

Four: Investing in wine is best when held for a mid to long-term investment period. The longer wines are held, the more opportunity you could have for higher returns.

Five: Perfect provenance of fine wine secures its value and desirability and is absolutely critical when investing or selling. Provenance is 100% guaranteed when you buy from us. All our wines are professionally stored in government bonded warehousing.

Find out how to get started investing in wine: download our free guide or contact us.

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