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The rising demand for collectibles

Fine wine collectible
  • The impending largest intergenerational wealth handover is driving the expansion of the collectibles market.
  • Demand is rising among younger investors looking to diversify their portfolios with assets that offer uncorrelated market returns. 
  • Fine wine is the most popular collectible among UK investors, followed by luxury handbags and jewellery. 

From luxury handbags to fine wine and whisky, the collectibles market is expanding and attracting rising demand from investors that is set to continue. 

This shift is driven by the onset of the largest intergenerational wealth handover in history and a growing appetite among younger investors to diversify their portfolios with assets that offer uncorrelated market returns. 

The evolution of the collectibles market

The allure of collectibles as investments is not a recent phenomenon. Historically, items like fine art, rare coins, and vintage wines have been appreciated for their aesthetic and cultural value. During periods of economic uncertainty, tangible assets like these often retained their value better than traditional financial instruments. For example, during the Great Depression, art and rare coins rose in price, providing a hedge against financial market volatility.

In the post-World War II era, the collectibles market began to gain more structure and legitimacy. Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s played pivotal roles in establishing benchmarks for the value of fine art and antiques. The rise of specialised indices, such as the Mei Moses Art Index, helped quantify returns on art investments, further opening the market.

The collectibles market has further evolved in recent years with the help of technology. Technological advancements have democratised access to market information and trading platforms, making it easier for investors to track market trends and make informed decisions. Indices like Wine Track help prospective investors see the average price of a wine, critic scores and investment returns over different time periods for free and at a glance. 

A testament to the rising demand is the expansion of the market. According to investment bank Nomura, the art and collectibles category is now larger than private assets ($1.6 trillion) and more than twice the size of private debt markets ($0.8 trillion). 

The most wanted collectibles for portfolio diversification

Among collectibles, fine wine is king. 92% of UK wealth managers anticipate demand to increase in the next year. Compared to other luxury assets, the fine wine market is more established and less volatile, offering increased liquidity and price transparency.

The second most popular collectible in 2024 is luxury handbags, with 86% of wealth managers expecting demand to rise further. As recently explored, interest in handbags as an investment has grown in line with rising prices in the primary market. For instance, the price of the Chanel medium classic flap bag is up close to 553% since 2005, and 4,809% since 1955.

Jewellery is the third most popular collectible in 2024 for 84% of wealth managers, followed by coins (82%). The fifth spot is shared by watches and rare whisky at 78%.

When it comes to the latter, fine wine investment companies are already capitalising on this trend by branching out into spirits. While its secondary market is still in the early stages of its development, rare whisky has already set pricing records.

Earlier this year, a 30-year-old bottle of The Emerald Isle by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. sold for a staggering $2.8 million, breaking the world record for the most expensive bottle ever sold. The previous record was held by a 1926 Macallan bottle priced at $2.7 million. These figures dwarf the record for the most expensive fine wine ever auctioned, the 1995 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which fetched $558,000. 

Collectibles vs mainstream investments

The rise in demand for collectibles comes at a time when traditional investments, like stocks and bonds, are facing heightened volatility and lower returns. Collectibles offer a unique proposition: they are not directly correlated with financial markets, providing a hedge against market downturns.

Moreover, collectibles have an intrinsic value tied to their rarity, cultural significance, and aesthetic appeal, which can appreciate over time independently of market conditions.

The stability and growth potential of these assets make them attractive alternatives to traditional investment avenues, and investors are increasingly perceptive of these benefits.

As the market for collectibles continues to evolve, clients are likely to find new and exciting opportunities in this dynamic sector.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Fine wine vs luxury handbags: the investment perspective

Luxury handbags vs fine wine
  • Luxury handbags are the second most popular collectible item among UK wealth managers in 2024, after fine wine.
  • Rising prices in the primary market for handbags have led to investment interest.
  • While valuations for brands like Chanel and Hermès have spiked dramatically, the secondary market is less established and more illiquid than the fine wine market.

Recent headlines have been filled with news about skyrocketing prices for luxury handbags. The price of the Chanel medium classic flap bag has risen close to 553% since 2005; and 4,809% since 1955.

With prices in the primary market reaching record highs, interest in handbags as a collectible has grown. The term ‘investment piece’ no longer serves to simply describe the timelessness of an item; for investors today, it has taken a much more literal meaning.

Meanwhile, fine wine remains a more established member of the ‘collectibles’ family. In recent years, fine wine has transitioned from a passion investment to a mainstream asset class.

This article explores the shift in investment trends, the rising popularity of luxury assets, and the risks and rewards associated with fine wine and luxury handbags.

A shift in investment trends

Traditionally, investments have been confined to stocks, bonds, and real estate. Now, they are sharing the spotlight with more tactile assets like fine wine and luxury handbags.

According to our recent survey among US and UK wealth managers, there has been a significant uptick in interest for collectibles. In 2024, 78% of US wealth managers expect demand for luxury handbags to increase, complemented by a strong ongoing interest in fine wine (84%).

In the UK, 86% anticipate growth in demand for luxury handbags, up 6% from 2023, while 92% expect sustained demand for fine wine.

The full findings of this survey will be released later this month.

Comparing fine wine vs luxury handbags

Fine wine is sought after for its stability and remains the top investment choice among alternative assets. Its secondary market is more established, offering increased liquidity and price transparency.

It does not lack impressive performers either; luxury Champagnes Salon Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru has appreciated 304% over a decade, and Egly-Ouriet Brut Millésime Grand Cru has seen returns of 452%. Prestigious Burgundy wine, Domaine René Engel Vosne-Romanée is up 3,105% over the same period.

Although luxury handbags are a newer investment avenue, they have shown considerable promise. The valuation of iconic pieces like the Hermès Birkin and Chanel Flap Bag has spiked dramatically, reflecting their growing appeal among investors who value both fashion and finance.

Chanel bag prices

Celebrity endorsements

Celebrity endorsements have significantly influenced this market segment. For instance, the Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires bag retailed for $165 in 2001; today, it costs $1,520 – an increase of 821%. Over that period, celebrities like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and even fictional character Carrie Bradshaw have boosted its value.

This phenomenon is less prevalent in the world of fine wine, though not entirely absent. Domaine Dujac, for instance, became a brand on the move (the highest riser in the 2018 Liv-ex Power 100 rankings) due to DJ Khaled’s endorsement in a music video.

Investor demographics

Another key distinction between these investment avenues lies in their typical investor demographics. According to the Financial Times, luxury handbags tend to attract younger female clients, who are drawn to both the fashion statement and the investment potential of these pieces. In contrast, the typical fine wine investor is often older and male, with a preference for the historical depth and long-term value appreciation that fine wines offer.

Risks and rewards

Investing in luxury handbags comes with its set of challenges. Unlike fine wine, which can be stored and aged with relative ease, handbags require meticulous care to maintain their condition and value.

Additionally, the market for luxury bags is more volatile, influenced heavily by trends and the limited number of high-value players like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Future demand for specific models or brands can be unpredictable, and the resale market is often less liquid than that of fine wines.

Both fine wine and luxury handbags offer intriguing opportunities for portfolio diversification, each with unique benefits and challenges. The consistent performance and security of fine wine make it a reliable choice for those seeking steady growth. In contrast, luxury handbags can provide the pleasure of owning a piece of high fashion, though they carry higher risks.

As the luxury investment landscape continues to evolve, the blend of passion and profitability remains a compelling draw for high-net-worth investors globally.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Bordeaux En Primeur 2023: under pressure

Château Beychevelle Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur
  • Bordeaux 2023 largely met trade expectations for reduced pricing but only some releases have stood out as offering fantastic value. 
  • Price cuts slowed towards the end of the campaign, from 27.4% average discount in week one, to 23.3% in week four.  
  • Bordeaux’s ability to adapt does not only matter for its short-term sales but also for its long-term relevance in a highly competitive market.

Over the last month, our news coverage centered around the ongoing Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur campaign, examining critic scores and the investment potential of the new releases. 

Prior to the start of the campaign, Bordeaux châteaux faced considerable pressure from the trade to reduce release prices. Price cuts of around 30% were expected. In some cases, these expectations were met, with reductions of up to 40%. 

Now that the campaign is coming to a close, we weigh its success, considering the current state of Bordeaux’s investment market. 

En Primeur 2023 – back in vogue?

Critics of En Primeur contend that the system no longer meets buyer expectations, and the 2023 vintage wanted to rise to the challenge of defying the norm.

Partially it did. Wines like Lafite Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite, Mouton Rothschild, Petit Mouton, Beychevelle, Cheval Blanc and Haut-Brion delivered value and were met with high demand. 

Liv-ex reported immediate trades on its exchange for some of the releases. A developing secondary market is a positive sign for investors, although both Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild 2023 changed hands below their opening levels. 

According to Liv-ex, ‘it is clear there continues to be a market for Bordeaux En Primeur at the right price. What that price is, is perhaps less clear and will not always be agreed upon’.

The En Primeur golden rule  

For investors, an En Primeur release needs to be the most affordable wine among vintages with comparable scores to make sense. Where that isn’t the case, one should be cautious when buying. 

‘Our golden rule is the En Primeur price is the cheapest you can get. You can’t get anything cheaper. Generally speaking, it’s reasonably successful, not to say 100% successful, and then the price goes up.’ – Philippe Blanc, Château Beychevelle

‘En Primeur should be forever the lowest price you can find in your bottle. If you purchase later, it’s going to be more difficult to find and it’s going to be more expensive.’ – Pierre-Olivier Clouet, Château Cheval Blanc

The price decrease trajectory

The average price reduction among the top wines released in the first week of the campaign was 27.4%, going as low as 40% discount on the previous year.

In the fourth week of the campaign, this trajectory of offers slowed down. The average discount was reduced to 23.2%, the most significant being Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2023, down 33.6%, and the least significant, Beychevelle (-11.1%).

However, even though Beychevelle has seen one of the smallest discounts, it has still been one of the best value releases this campaign.

Beychevelle En Primeur 2023 Prices

The Bordeaux market slowdown

The pressure to reduce release pricing was largely owing to the current market environment. 

Over the past two years, Bordeaux prices are down 12%. Over the past five years, Bordeaux is one of the slowest growing markets, up 2.1%, considerably lagging behind Burgundy (25.2%), Italy (31.2%) and Champagne (45.5%). 

The market for top Bordeaux has suffered the most. First Growth prices are down 17.3% in the last two years, and 3.7% in the last five years.

Bordeaux En Primeur 2023 Prices

The region is also losing market share to its contenders. In 2023, Bordeaux accounted for 40% of the trade by value on Liv-ex compared to 60% in 2018.

This is further exacerbated by slowing demand. Liv-ex noted that today ‘there is more than three times as much Bordeaux for sale than the fine wine market is looking to absorb’.

The need to adapt

The 2023 En Primeur campaign has unfolded under the shadow of mounting pressure for Bordeaux to realign with market demands. The campaign highlighted the critical balance Bordeaux must maintain: offering wines at attractive prices for everyone in the chain. 

Successful examples from this year’s campaign, where price cuts coincided with high demand, underscore the potential for Bordeaux to adapt. However, the slower reduction rates towards the campaign’s end and varied responses from buyers reflect the ongoing debate about the optimal pricing strategy.

Ultimately, as Bordeaux grapples with these challenges, the 2023 En Primeur has underscored the importance of responsiveness to market dynamics. The region’s ability to adjust will not only determine its short-term sales but also its long-term relevance in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global wine market.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today. 

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Four years since Brexit: is the UK still an investment hub?

  • British businesses have suffered declines in EU trade.
  • Billions-worth of investment assets have left the UK, opting for EU states.
  • Bucking the trend, fine wine prices soared to heights of 43%.

By the end of 2019, 70% of Brits were already nauseous of the word ‘Brexit’. But behind the fatigue, there was real fear in the air too. As the customs rules came into effect in 2021, gridlocked lorries clogged the roads to Dover, paperwork mounted, and supermarkets shelves began to look increasingly bare. The end of the single market had begun. The past years have been sobering time. According to the latest poll in January 2024, 61% of Brits would vote to rejoin the EU, up from 55% in summer 2023.

But what about the investment markets, and the performance of fine wine? In this article, we are diving into some of the main impacts of Brexit so far.

Added complexity dampened profitability

81% of UK businesses are still struggling with Brexit admin. For wine traders, the paperwork for a single bottle can stretch to over 90 pages, adding significant workloads. UK manufacturers are particularly suffering, with 96% reporting that the new rules have ‘badly disrupted trade with the EU’.

More compliance means more costs. It is estimated that businesses have spent an average of £100,000 each just trying to export goods over the border in the past years.

The complications have also led to once-loyal European customers jumping ship, with the average enterprise missing out on £96,281 since 2020. Two in five UK manufacturers have experienced declines in export volumes.

‘Brexodus’ carried talent (and investment) out of the UK

It is little surprise therefore that busloads of businesses, staff and operations decided to relocate. Welsh wine exporter Daniel Lambert, for example, moved his company to France in 2022. Lambert supplies some of the biggest British supermarkets, including Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.

Dublin has been one of the major hotspots for financial services, snatching-up the UK’s crown as the English-speaking bridge to the EU. This ‘Brexodus’ as it came to be known was great news for European cities. Germany, for example, enjoyed a 21% increase in direct foreign investment in May 2023.

However, it did not bode well for the UK. By March 2022, 7,000 jobs within financial services moved to the EU. Investment funds left too, with 24 firms planning to transfer £1.3 trillion of assets. Funding for British markets faltered.

As a biproduct of Brexit, the supply of skilled EU workers dwindled too. Today, recruiting European talent is 44% more difficult for UK companies. December 2023 saw the launch of even stricter measures designed to curb the flow of foreigners, although it also introduced higher minimum wages for skilled workers.

Slow growth turns off investors

Brexit was accompanied by the Covid-19 pandemic, political instability, and war overseas. While it is difficult to untangle the impact of Brexit, the UK has been notably slow to recover compared to peers. The Eurozone, for example, has grown at more than double the UK pace.

Increasingly, data suggests Brexit threw a wet towel on the UK’s growth prospects. As Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at King’s College London, highlights, ‘both aggregate data and survey evidence strongly suggest that Brexit is at least in part responsible for the particularly poor performance since 2016, with investment perhaps 10% lower than it would otherwise have been’.

2024 analysis by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research corroborates, stating, ‘UK real GDP is some 2-3 per cent lower due to Brexit’. Each household is now £850 worse-off following Brexit, rising to £2,300 by 2035.

The retail wine market has suffered but not fine wine

Since Brexit, supermarket wine has had an estimated price increase of £3.50 per bottle. Perhaps in response, the government recently announced measures to ‘cut red tape’. The definition of wine will change to allow for wine mixing, lower alcohol volumes, and even pint-sized measurements.

The prices of fine wine went up too. Investment grade bottles, such as those traded on WineCap, performed exceptionally well during the turbulent Brexit periods. Many investors found fine wine hedged their portfolios against losses elsewhere.

The graph below shows the performance of the broadest fine wine market measure (Liv-ex 1000) over the past five years.

Fine wine vs FTSE 100

In the run-up to the customs changes, fine wine prices rose during mid-2020. Over the following two years, they saw an increase of 43%. This is in stark contrast to the performance of the FTSE100.

The returns didn’t end there. Because of fine wine’s unique tax status as a ‘wasting chattel’ in the UK, nearly all bottles are exempt from costly capital gains taxes. For those earning over £50,271 a year, this means savings of up to 28%.

To invest or not to invest?

Despite taking hits from Brexit, the UK is still an investment hub. Tourists are returning to London, businesses are battling through the headwinds, and gradually it is becoming clear that there needs to be more cooperation with the EU.

Throughout this turbulent time, fine wine has reached new heights. The (potentially Brexit-induced) combination of the weak pound and high dollar opened the floodgates for foreign fine wine investments. And the UK’s thriving tech scene also created inroads for savvy digital investors to trade fine wine. Investors have made the most of these glimmering opportunities to batten-down the hatches and shield their portfolios against some of the other Brexit difficulties.

If you are looking for a smooth way to invest in fine wine, our experts at WineCap are happy to guide you through the journey. Unlike Brexit admin, we are just a call away.

 

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How to use fine wine as a hedge against inflation

fine wine hedge against inflation
  • Fine wine can effectively hedge against inflation, often outperforming traditional assets like gold and stocks.
  • Investment in fine wine requires consideration of personal ethics, liquidity needs, and a long-term strategy.
  • Strategic timing in fine wine investment, such as early purchases, can lead to significant profit taking.

Since 1914, the price of bread has seen inflation of around 11,000%. In the roaring 20s, a loaf cost under a penny. Fast forward to today, the average bread costs around £1.35. This price rise is not due to an increase in the quality of bread but rather a reflection of the decreasing purchasing power of money over time. In the words of the French writer and Burgundy lover, Hugo Voltaire, ‘Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value – zero’.

As well as playing havoc with our savings, inflation can be the undoing of fixed-income investment portfolios too. Unless the interest rates outpace the loss of purchasing power, repayments will be worth less and less each year. In these tense economic times, investors may be tempted by hedge funds and hedging assets like derivatives. While these can offer reassurance, they’re also complicated and expensive. So-called ‘safe haven’ assets like gold and property are also effective inflation-hedges. But right now, they are trading at a premium. This article explores an alternative option: fine wine as a hedge against inflation risk.

Assess your inflation exposure in your investment strategy

If you invest in liquid and fixed-income investments like cash or bonds, your wealth is probably exposed to inflation. This tends to be more typical for those closer to retirement, as they may need access to regular funds. Start by identifying these assets in your portfolio. Pay close attention to bonds which last more than five years, as the interest payments (or coupons) could be more at risk of losing value over time.

Once you’ve identified the riskiest assets, refer to your strategy. There may already be a plan for how to deal with periods of high inflation. Most managers will build-in hedging assets from the beginning. But many will also deviate from the strategy tactically from time to time. For example, in high inflation environments, they might sell some bonds and buy stocks – known as going ‘overweight’ or ‘underweight’ from the original allocations. This is what you may need to do if you have too much inflation risk in your portfolio. Depending on your financial needs, fine wine could be a sensible alternative investment for you.

Consider if fine wine is right for you

Fine wine is a truly excellent hedge against inflation. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you do not want to invest in fine wine because of religion or personal reasons, you should follow your ethics. Wine is not the only inflation-resistant asset, and you may be better suited to art, luxury watches and collectible cars.

You should also consider your liquidity needs. Fine wine is a long-term asset with intrinsic value. Investors can only collect returns after the bottles have been sold. And for the best results, that could take upwards of five years.

Investors should also be aware that fine wine is traded on the private market. Nowadays, this is much easier than it used to be. Instead of attending physical auctions and joining exclusive clubs, you can find fine wine investment platforms online.

Find a wine to suit your time horizon

The value of fine wine typically increases with age. Investors often buy fine wine at least five years in advance, with some opting for En Primeur purchases.

In this world, timing is everything. And if you can get it right, you stand to make a handsome profit. Over ten years, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Nuits-Saint-Georges Rouge, for example, has delivered returns of 525% and counting.

Before you begin, consider carefully what type of time horizon you are comfortable with. Ideally, you’re looking to plug the inflation gaps in your portfolio, without landing yourself into an illiquidity issue. For example, if you’re concerned about the inflation risk of some five-year bonds, you could look into ‘brands on the move’ that have historically delivered faster returns.

Understand the fine wine market

Fine wine attracts a diverse range of buyers, from enthusiasts to those purchasing for business or personal milestones. Understanding buyer motivations and regional preferences is key to strategic investing. Seasonal trends, like the heightened demand for Champagne towards the end of the year, also play a role in maximising returns.

A precious and depleting asset with intrinsic value

If you’re looking to shield your wealth from the erosive effects of inflation, fine wine could be the answer. It is a precious and depleting asset, with intrinsic value. As one academic paper recently found, ‘fine wine has outperformed almost every other major financial index over the past two decades’. However, to get the best results, you’d probably need to buy, hold and think long-term.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Q4 2023 Fine Wine Report & 2024 Outlook

WineCap Q4 2023 report

Our Q4 2023 report has now been released. The report offers a comprehensive overview of the fine wine market in the last quarter and a forward-looking perspective for 2024. In a landscape marked by correction and repositioning, it delves into the dynamic interplay of market forces, unveiling both challenges and opportunities for investors.

Report highlights:

  • The fine wine market is navigating 2024 amidst a correction phase, presenting a chance for strategic repositioning.
  • Fine wine prices (Liv-ex 100 index) experienced a 4.2% decline in Q4, reflective of market adjustments amid global economic uncertainties.
  • Increased risk aversion has redirected focus to classic wines and regions, with Bordeaux emerging as a standout beneficiary.
  • Bordeaux’s resurgence, driven by liquidity and a solid reputation, underscores the market’s adaptability to changing dynamics.
  • The upcoming high-volume Burgundy and Bordeaux En Primeur campaigns present opportunities for strategic investment, with pricing strategies holding the key to success.
  • Investors, seeking value and consistency, anticipate potential opportunities in the evolving landscape.
  • As an improving asset in diminishing supply, their emphasis should remain on long-term gains.

Click below to download your free copy of our quarterly investment report.

 

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Burgundy 2022: a promising vintage in a challenging market

  • The 2022 vintage boasts high quality and quantity – ‘the largest crop in 23 years’.
  • It is being launched in a downward market, following ten months of consistent price declines.
  • As demand has tempered and stock has (re-)entered the market, the success of the upcoming releases will largely depend on pricing.

Burgundy’s 2022 vintage is being launched in a downward market, following ten months of consistent price declines. The success of the upcoming releases will largely depend on pricing, but will its quality and quantity have the potential to turn the tables?

Critical opinions on Burgundy 2022

Critic reports thus far have been overwhelmingly positive, applauding both the quality and the quantity of the vintage. 2022 marks the largest crop in 23 years, with some producers seeing double the yields of the previous year. According to Matthew Hayes (JancisRobinson.com), ‘across the whole of Burgundy, 2022 offered a whopping 75.4% more wine (red, white and crémant) compared with 2021’.

Contrary to expectations, the vintage produced wines with typicity, purity, and freshness despite the extreme weather. Hayes commented that ‘2022 was the second-hottest year that the Côte d’Or has endured this century and should logically have followed in the footsteps of the equally stifling solaire years of 2019 and 2020, producing wines with rich, deep fruit profiles and vibrant acidities to ensure long life but […] the wines show a generally impeccable balance of tidy, ripe fruit, discreet acidity and equally (and mostly) refined tannins’.

Hayes revealed that ‘the best-sited and best-rooted vines appeared to have coped well with the heat and in the Côte d’Or the excellence of the top premiers and grands crus shines clearly’.

The prevailing opinion is that 2022 is an excellent year for white wines, reminiscent of 2017 and 2020. Meanwhile, tasting notes from the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits highlighted dense red wines with well-integrated tannins, simultaneously offering elegance and concentration. The wines are expected to be approachable in youth but with significant ageing potential.

However, the market onto which they are released is just as important as the releases themselves.

The current market for Burgundy

In October 2022, the Liv-ex Burgundy 150 index reached an unprecedented peak, marking a staggering 809.4% increase since its inception in December 2003. Twenty years later, Burgundy remains the best-performing fine wine region.

However, since its peak, prices have tumbled 17.4%. This decline has been attributed to various macroeconomic factors that led to a shift in investor sentiment. As the economic landscape became more uncertain, fine wine buyers have grown increasingly risk-averse, causing a contraction in demand for more volatile investments.

This trend was particularly pronounced in Burgundy, which had soared too high across the whole spectrum. At these stratospheric prices, the market saw more sellers than buyers, with investors keen to liquidate their stock. Top-tier Burgundy (re-)entered the market as sellers were looking to make gains.

This perception of increased risk and a preference for stability among investors led to a decrease in Burgundy’s trade share by value. The falling prices further exacerbated this trend.

Burgundy fine wine prices

The market conditions present a challenging backdrop for the high-quality high-quantity Burgundy 2022 En Primeur campaign. Will the excitement of the new be enough to stimulate demand?

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Can fine wine investment balance crypto volatility?

Cryptocurrency
  • 31% of Brits are setting resolutions to organise their finances in the new year.
  • One of the most talked-about investments – cryptocurrency – attracts with the potential for high returns but also carries high risk.
  • Offering smoothness and stability, fine wine can balance crypto volatility.

As we welcome in the new year, 31% of Brits are setting resolutions to organise their finances. For many this will mean investing. But where should they invest? And how risky is too risky?

In this article, we dive into one of the most talked-about high-risk investments – cryptocurrency. We explore the pitfalls and what investors can do to mitigate them. We also look at how fine wine – our favourite asset – can complement volatile investments like crypto to help smooth overall performances.

11,000 cryptocurrencies… and counting

Most people are familiar with Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two most popular digital coins. However, there are nearly 11,000 cryptocurrencies, with more issued every day. Some are eye-wateringly volatile. At the time of writing, for example, KILT-USD has jumped nearly 25% in just three months. Meanwhile, others are much steadier.

StableCoins are considered the sturdiest as their market value is pegged to mainstream fiat currencies like the US dollar. This means that their worth should – in theory – be the same as the everyday money in our wallets. But the reality can be different.

StableCoins and de-pegging events

Even the most trusted StableCoins – Tether, USD Coin, Multi-Collateral Dai, Binance and USDP dollar – stray away from the dollar value from time to time, known as ‘de-pegging’.

SPGlobal identified 13 core triggers: market volatility, liquidity stress, reserve impairments, mismanagement, demand and supply imbalances, loss of investor confidence, competitor performance, design flaws, hacking, operational risk, limited adoption, regulatory uncertainty and market events can all de-peg StableCoins, leading to erratic and volatile performances.

Risk and return profile of StableCoins

StableCoins are full of promise, but they are also incredibly young. The oldest StableCoin, Tether, is just nine years old. Although regulators are scrambling to offer investors more security, they are still some way off.

Buying asset classes before they have matured presents both risks and opportunities. Higher risk opens the door for higher rewards, but when things go wrong, the fall-out can be fatal. Famously, in May 2022, Terra’s StableCoin crashed dramatically, costing investors $450+ billion. Shortly after came FTX fall, plummeting a further $200+ billion. The aftermath left thousands of investors badly out of pocket with little to no regulatory protection.

For years, regulators like the FCA have been warning investors not to invest too much in crypto, as worrying surges of people lose their entire life savings to this digital asset.

A dire need for diversification

To avoid losing everything in one sweep, investors should spread their money across assets with distinctive characteristics and revenue streams. This process, known as diversification, means the gains from some investments cancel out the loses from others.

Without personal financial advice, it is impossible to say how much of a portfolio should be invested in crypto. However, as a rule, experts have warned against investing more than 5% of wealth. Some even cap the limit at 2%.

Similarly, investors should probably limit other risky assets too. Meme stocks, commodities, derivatives or trending collectibles can all derail a portfolio if they make up more than 10%.

Pairing fine wine and crypto

Unlike digital assets, fine wine moves slowly but surely. Since the end of 2003, the performance of the top 1000 fine wines (according to the Liv-ex 1000 index) has crept little-by-little up by a whopping 315%. But since the rise is smooth and gradual, it does not feel volatile or erratic.

Month-on-month the average fine wine index value rarely changes by more than 5%. By contrast, between the 25th of September and the 25th of October alone, Bitcoin fluctuated by over 30%.

These properties could make fine wine an excellent partner for crypto assets, like StableCoin. The steadfastness of fine wine can help to slow and flatten the rollercoaster effect of crypto has on a portfolio.

Contrasting sources of value

Aside from smoothing volatility, there are other reasons why fine wine could pair well with crypto. One of the strongest is the value source.

Crypto is not backed by a real asset. Some experts argue that the energy used to create a coin is its value. But it is generally agreed that the value of crypto comes from the wider market and the potential that others see in it. So, when the market is in turmoil, prices plummet.

By contrast, fine wine gains its value intrinsically. Put simply, the premise of wine investment is that as fine wine ages, its quality improves, and prices rise. The market operates with its own dynamics based on vintage quality, scarcity and global demand. Whether it’s bullish, bearish or something else, fine wine is still treasured and sought-after.

In this respect, crypto and fine wine investments could pair beautifully. Fine wine offers smoothness and stability. Meanwhile, crypto offers investors higher risk-reward potential and quick liquidity.

Investing responsibly

StableCoins are surging in popularity. Governments, institutional investors and regulators all dipped their toes into crypto over the past months, indicating that further expansion could be around the corner.

This might lead to more growing pains and continued volatility. For those who chose to invest in this young asset, diversification is crucial. Examples of assets which are less affected by the stock market include property, gold or fine wine. We feel that the characteristics of fine wine pair especially well with crypto, helping investors to hedge against volatility risk and smoothen their overall performances.

If you would like to talk to us about investing in fine wine, we’re just a few clicks away.

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Fine wine sustainability report (Part III): profiling the sustainable investor

  • There is an overlap between sustainable and fine wine investors as both share a long-term vision and increasingly similar demographics.
  • 56% of investors are attracted to fine wine because it is a sustainable asset class with a low carbon footprint.
  • Environmental, social and financial sustainability is one of the five characteristics that distinguishes fine wine from other beverages.

This is the third part of our ‘Fine wine sustainability report’. See also part I – how is fine wine sustainable and part II – how can fine wine mitigate risk in a sustainable portfolio. 

There is already some cross-over between sustainable and fine wine investors. The demographics are getting closer all the time.

The most active sustainable investors today are millennials (the group currently aged between 27 and 42). More specifically, the majority of them are entrepreneurs and legacy builders. Likewise, within the world of fine wine, research from Sotheby’s in 2022 found that 35% of new buyers are under the age of forty. This is the second consecutive year of millennials betting on fine wine as the figure hit 37% in 2021.

Fine wine investments can take around ten years to mature, but often take longer to reach scarcity returns. This means that most investors are collecting long-term legacy assets, just like many sustainable investors. The overlap that already exists between ambitious sustainable and fine wine investors is promising. We believe it will continue to grow for the future.

There is already a burgeoning movement of sustainable investors buying fine wine. Our 2023 survey found that 56% of investors are attracted to fine wine because it is a sustainable asset class with a low carbon footprint. Although fine wine has many investment qualities, we believe that the best-suited sustainable investors are those who are looking to hedge against volatility or inflation risks over the long-term. Some investors have religious or personal barriers to investing in fine wine, and in this situation, the asset may not be suitable.

An insatiable passion for change

Is there any industry more determined to adapt and mitigate against the climate crisis than fine wine? The dogged and ruthless determination of winemakers is as inspirational as it is impressive. With floods, forest fires and droughts ripping through the planet, we need every innovation from every industry. Nothing should be discounted. And sustainable investors should be given every possible opportunity to mitigate against risks.

The fine wine industry is rapidly evolving its stance on the planet, with biodiversity, climate adaption and mitigation taking centre stage. Environmental, social and financial sustainability is one of the five characteristics that distinguishes fine wine from other beverages. It is now a defining feature at the heart of every vineyard, nestled in every bottle. What’s more, the Sustainable Wine Roundtable launched a framework for identifying and categorising sustainability in wine in 2023. Now investors have more layers of security than ever before that their investment matches their ethics.

Depriving investors of fine wine would not just leave inflation and stability gaps in portfolios, it would undermine the vital work of an evolving industry. As powerful as it is passionate, this is an asset that packs a seriously low-carbon punch in sustainable portfolios.

“A fine wine is complex, balance, with a potential to age – though highly drinkable at every state of its development. It has the capacity to provoke emotions and wonder in the one drinking it, while reflecting the expression of truth intended by its maker. It is widely recognized, while being environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.”

Areni

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Fine wine sustainability report (Part I): how is fine wine sustainable?

  • Fine wine offers a sustainable investment option, which is increasingly recognised by wealth managers.
  • The industry is proactively adapting to climate change, with practices like regenerative farming and reducing bottle weight. 
  • Fine wine’s focus on social sustainability, including worker welfare and community support, boosts its appeal as a sustainable investment choice, aligning with modern ESG criteria.

Floods, fires and famine are no longer on our doorstep, they have already crossed the threshold into normality. In the first eight months of 2023 alone, the USA suffered 23 separate billion-dollar climate disasters. Research shows that by 2050, floods in Europe will increase five-fold.

Alongside climate disaster comes human suffering, ever-growing wealth gaps and loss of livelihoods. The homes of indigenous tribes are deforested to clear space for oil drilling. The most vulnerable find their communities and businesses flooded. Meanwhile, social inequality rachets up with poor climate policies.

Investors are all too aware of the damage. A 2023 study by Harvard found 85% ask their advisors about sustainable investments. While some groups – particularly millennials – have become activists themselves, using their shareholder votes to force change. So where does fine wine come into this?

Although ethical investing has been around for centuries, climate-focused sustainable investing is strikingly new. The insatiable demand we see today is less than a decade old. Between 2016 and 2020 alone, sustainable investing in Europe, USA, Canada, Australasia, and Japan swelled by 55%. Even though it is a multi-trillion industry, ‘Sustainable Investment’ still doesn’t even have a definition in most parts of the world. Because of this, the movement has borrowed a lot from pre-existing rules, which were mostly religious.

For centuries, our sustainable investment has been built on the foundations of Quaker and Methodist beliefs. This explains why alcohol, or to quote John Wesley ‘that liquid fire’ has been prohibited from almost all ESG (environmental, social, governance) funds – even when fossil fuel producers, fast fashion and plastic polluters made it on the list.

However, we believe this is a mistake. Fine wine offers extraordinary sustainable benefits to investors, especially when it comes to balancing out the risks of green bonds and risky impact investments. Not only does fine wine contribute to a greener future (it is a natural product after all), but this asset class can also plug vital strategic gaps, giving sustainable investors even more confidence. The time has come to give fine wine the credit it deserves.

How is fine wine sustainable?

While there is no universal definition of a ‘Sustainable Investment’, the European Union has made significant headway. According to the EU taxonomy, an environmentally sustainable investment must contribute significantly to one of the following, without jeopardising the others;

  • Climate change mitigation
  • Climate change adaption
  • Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources
  • Transition to a circular economy
  • Pollution prevention and control
  • Protection and restoration of biodiversity

We believe that fine wine not only meets this criterion but exceeds it. Vineyards rely on a stable climate, fertile soil and regenerative farming. From using free range ducks and sheep instead of pesticides to replacing heavy glass with lighter alternatives, the environmental innovations in the wine industry are never-ending.

Climate change mitigation and circular economies

To secure a safer future, every efficiency counts. The most carbon-intensive part of fine wine production is making and transporting the heavy glass bottles that contain the wine. According to one Sustainable Wine Roundtable report, this accounts for over half of the total environmental impact of wine. Simply by reducing the bottles from 550g to 420g would cut 25% of carbon emissions.

Although dense packaging has long-been associated with quality, European fine wine producers are throwing themselves into this trend. Burgundy producer, Albert Bichot, for example has reduced the bottle weight from 700-750g to 450g. According to one interview, the producer also uses only recycled glass and biodegradable labels. Even Champagne – which typically uses thicker glass – is experimenting. Bollinger, for example, is committed to a 7% reduction in bottle weight by 2029, as well as to use only recycled and recyclable materials.

Another area for improvement is energy efficiency throughout the manufacturing process. Here, fine wine has achieved far more than other industries. Almost every fine wine producer we could find has taken significant steps to reduce emissions dramatically. One of our favourite examples is Ornellaia. 2022 saw this winery slash liquefied petroleum gases usage by 98% with biomass heat. Today the entire firm uses the equivalent of 5% of the average family of four household over a year. Ornellaia has also blended nature with technology by installing a Building Management System to ensure that the temperature is efficiently set.

Climate change adaption, sustainable use of water and protection of biodiversity

World-famous flavours are at risk from climate change. As Comité Champagne report, temperatures are now 1.8 degrees higher than in the 1980s, meaning grapes are at risk of bursting prematurely or drying out. They now need to be picked thirty days earlier, potentially cutting the characteristic tastes short. Fine wine producers have been rigorousness and brave, proactively innovating in the face of the climate crisis. Not only do these innovations help cool down and protect the precious vines, but they also offer investors significant environmental benefits too.

One of the most widespread practices in fine wine vineyards now is the use of regenerative farming. Rather than using typical organic practices, which can still harm pollinators, producers are leaning into nature. Sheep roam around some vineyards picking off bugs organically, and often, horses are put to work instead of tractors.

Sustainability at Pontet Canet

Significantly, many fine wine producers such as Château Cheval Blanc plant diverse fruit and forestry trees between the vines. This helps to shade the grapes, sequester carbon and provide homes for vital pollinators. The fungus which grows around the roots of the trees also soaks up water, acting as a pump, pushing nutrients into the vines.

Water irrigation is one of the hottest topics for today’s fine wine producers, with many now working with their natural landscapes to find the best solutions. Vineyards are increasingly planting or shifting vines along the contours of the land, to prevent run-off during heavy rainfalls. They are also adding ground covers to prevent evaporation, keeping the soil damper and more nutritious.

The adaptions are coming thick and fast, as vineyards experiment with new grapes, and alternative locations. Northern France, the UK and Germany are fast becoming viable options for fine wine in this new climate, with producers are always one step ahead of the curve.

Social sustainability

Sustainability is about more than preserving the environment. It is also about protecting workers and supporting local communities. Although the fine wine industry is not as advanced in this area as it is with environmental sustainability, frameworks and strong voices are beginning to emerge. As one wine producer puts it:

‘Do we farm organically because it’s better for the environment? Certainly. Do we farm organically because it makes better-tasting wine? Without question. But the most important reason to farm organically is because the lives of the people who work in the vineyards, and the people who live downstream, matter.’

Caring for the environment and biodiversity also has far-reaching effects on local life. Vineyards continue to play a vital role in the culture and traditions of their local communities. Recently the Comité Champagne proposed a series of tangible solutions to improve the lives of the region’s 120,000 harvest workers. We are also seeing a general trend of permanent contracts for employees, as well as a sharp focus on improving diversity at board levels. While there is certainly work to be done in this space, the general trajectory looks promising.

Stay tuned for Part II of our Fine Wine Sustainability Report, in which we discuss how fine wine can mitigate risk in sustainable portfolios – coming next week.