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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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‘Dragon’ wines for Chinese New Year

Chateau Beychevelle dragon boat
  • The Chinese zodiac has historically impacted fine wine demand in Asia.
  • 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, with previous vintages under the same sign being 2012, 2000, 1988 and 1976.
  • We examine the best wines from these ‘Dragon’ years and other associated labels.

As the Lunar New Year draws near, that of the Wood Dragon, the fine wine market is feeling the influence of the Chinese zodiac. Historically, the zodiac has had an impact on buying, particularly in Asia, with increased demand for wines from previous vintages carrying the same zodiac sign or those symbolically linked to it. Which will be the trending ‘Dragon’ wines this year?

Past ‘Dragon’ vintages

The last four ‘Dragon’ vintages were 2012, 2000, 1988 and 1976.

2012

In terms of growing season, the most recent 2012 ‘Dragon’ year was challenging in many fine wine producing regions, including Bordeaux and Burgundy, which led to mixed quality. However, it is widely considered as one of the greatest Champagne vintages this century, with Tuscany and the Rhône also excelling in some areas. Famous 100-point (Wine Advocate) wines include M. Chapoutier Ermitage l’Ermite from the Rhône (rated by Jeb Dunnuck), L’Eglise-Clinet from Bordeaux (William Kelley), Pingus (Luis Gutiérrez) from Spain and Screaming Eagle (Robert Parker) from California.

2000

The 2000 vintage was brilliant in Bordeaux with many of the wines now reaching maturity. This classic vintage saw Parker award Pavie, La Mission Haut-Brion and Pétrus 100-point scores, with Lafleur receiving the same perfect score from Neal Martin, and Cheval Blanc from Antonio Galloni. The 2000 was also another legendary year for Champagne, with highly rated wines including Krug Clos du Mesnil, Louis Roederer Cristal and Dom Pérignon P2. In Burgundy, the vintage was largely seen as one for early consumption due to low acidity, but many of the wines are now drinking perfectly. The appellations that shone were Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis.

1988

A great year for the sweet wines of Bordeaux, 1988 Sauternes and Barsac have stood the test of time. Initially considered a Right Bank vintage, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent) recently wrote that wines ‘from Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Pessac-Léognan […] should be drunk soon’. 1988 is another vintage to drink soon in Burgundy that produced classic, long-lived wines with good depth of fruit. The year was much more abundant in Chardonnay than in Pinot Noir, and hence better for reds than for whites.

1976

Going back close to 50 years, the 1976 vintage was a mixed bag for much of the wine world. In France, Champagne and Alsace fared better than Bordeaux and Burgundy, and Germany enjoyed a fantastic year. The most significant event was the Judgement of Paris tasting, which put California on the fine wine map. In terms of 100-point wines, Robert Parker’s 1976 favourites were Penfolds Grange and Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline.

Beychevelle – the most famous ‘Dragon’ wine

When it comes to associations, Château Beychevelle is an apt choice for the ‘Dragon’ year as its Chinese name means ‘dragon boat’. The wine’s label also depicts a ship with the head of a griffin. Its 2012 vintage is ‘one of the stars of St. Julien’, according to Parker, who described it as ‘elegant and powerful, rich and intense, but light on its feet’. He recommended drinking it between 2019 and 2051.

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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New World releases from the autumn La Place de Bordeaux campaign

  • The La Place de Bordeaux campaign is in full swing, with releases from Chile, Italy, USA, France and more.
  • A recurring theme in the campaign has been the price increases for the new releases, compared to their previous vintages.
  • While La Place remains an exciting global marketplace for New and Old World wines, the ultimate value of the releases should be judged in a broader context.

The La Place de Bordeaux autumn campaign has gathered momentum over the past two weeks, with releases from Chile, Italy, USA, France and more.

The campaign kicked off with Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s Hermitage La Chapelle 2021, along with the re-release of some of its library vintages, namely 2013, 2011 and 2006. Napa Valley’s Opus One also re-released its 2018 and 2019 vintages, which led to heightened demand for the brand. Below we take a look at some of the recent New World releases from the campaign so far, examining their pricing and investment potential.

Seña 2021

The newly released 2021 vintage of Mondavi & Chadwick’s Seña is the highest priced wine across recent vintages from the brand.

Seña 2021 was released at €90 per bottle ex-négociant, up 5.9% on the 2020. The wine came with a recommended retail price of £1,344 per 12×75, representing a 30.6% increase on last year.

The 2021 Seña received 98+ points from The Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutiérrez, who described it as ‘one of the finest vintages’. Meanwhile, Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous) gave it 96-points and said that ‘it will grow in the bottle’.

Other more attractively priced but similarly scored vintages include 2019 and 2018. Over the last ten years, Seña prices have increased 90% on average.

Almaviva 2021

Another release from Chile, Almaviva 2021, was offered via La Place at €122 per bottle ex-négociant, up 5.2% on the 2020. The wine was released internationally for £1,448 per 12×75. It received 96+ points from Luis Gutiérrez, and another 96-points from Joaquín Hidalgo, who praised its ‘enticing nose’ and ‘velvet texture’.

However, some back vintages such as the 2020, 2019 and 2018 offer better value. Our Almaviva index has recorded positive performance both in the short and the long term. Over five years, prices have risen 41%, and over ten – 147%.

Nicolás Catena Zapata 2020

The Argentinian wine Nicolás Catena Zapata 2020 was released at €53.30 per bottle ex-négociant, up 1.5% on the 2019. It has been offered internationally at £720 per 12×75, down 1.6% on the 2019’s opening price.

It received 95-points from Gutiérrez and 96-points from Hidalgo, who observed that this ‘meticulously crafted red achieves perfect balance in a warm vintage’. However, there are plenty of good value buying opportunities in back vintages, notably 2019, 2018 and 2016.

Nicolás Catena Zapata has enjoyed a positive performance over the last five (33%) and ten years (104%).

A recurring theme in the campaign has been the price increases for the new releases, compared to their previous vintages. Similar to the spring Bordeaux 2022 campaign, often back vintages available at a discount hold better investment potential. While La Place continues to showcase the diversity of fine wine, and remains an exciting global marketplace for New and Old World wines, the ultimate value of the releases should be judged in a broader context.

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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The role of wine ratings in fine wine investment

  • Wine ratings play a crucial role in wine investment, with high scores from influential critics impacting demand and market value.
  • To use ratings effectively, investors should consider both the initial score and potential for growth.
  • The Wine Track score provides a broader view of a wine’s quality across multiple vintages and publications, helping investors assess wines at a glance.

In the fine wine market, few factors influence demand and long-term value as powerfully as wine ratings. For collectors and investors building an investment grade wine portfolio, scores from leading critics act as signals – not only of quality, but of longevity, market confidence, and future price potential.

However, while high scores often attract immediate attention, successful wine investment requires a deeper understanding of how ratings work, how they evolve over time, and how they interact with broader market forces such as global demand, scarcity, and drinking windows.

This article explores how wine ratings shape the fine wine market, how investors use them strategically, and why aggregated tools such as the Wine Track Score provide a clearer framework for assessing investment grade wines over the long term.

Why wine ratings matter for investment grade wine

Wine ratings emerged as a way to communicate quality quickly in an increasingly complex global wine industry. Today, they play a central role in shaping demand, pricing, and investor behaviour.

For wine investors, ratings provide insight into:

  • Quality and consistency across vintages

  • Longevity, including projected drinking windows

  • Market demand from collectors and consumers

  • Price stability in the secondary market

  • Investment potential relative to comparable wines

High scores from influential critics such as Robert Parker, Neal Martin, Jancis Robinson, James Suckling, and publications like Wine Spectator can materially affect prices – sometimes within days of publication.

As a result, ratings have become foundational to identifying investment grade wine, particularly for those seeking long-term capital appreciation rather than short-term trading.

How wine ratings influence the fine wine market

The fine wine market operates on reputation, scarcity, and trust. Ratings reinforce all three.

1. Ratings can drive immediate price movements

When a wine receives a benchmark score – especially 99+ or 100 points – it often enters a new tier of desirability.

A clear example is Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010, which saw rapid secondary-market price appreciation after being named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year. Similar reactions have historically followed 100-point scores awarded to Bordeaux First Growths and Burgundy Grand Crus.

For investment grade wine, wine scores act as a catalyst, accelerating demand and compressing supply.

2. Ratings shape long-term reputation

Consistent scoring matters more than isolated highs.

Producers such as:

  • Château Lafite Rothschild

  • Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

  • Harlan Estate

  • Gaja

  • Penfolds Grange

have built long-term investment credibility through repeated critical recognition. This consistency supports price resilience, even during broader market corrections.

For wine investors, this track record is a key differentiator between speculative wines and true investment grade wine.

3. Ratings influence regional prestige and global demand

Critics can also elevate entire regions, beyond just individual wines.

  • Robert Parker’s support helped propel Napa Valley into the global investment spotlight

  • James Suckling championed Super Tuscan wines, accelerating international demand

  • Jancis Robinson played a key role in highlighting Austria’s quality renaissance

As regional reputations rise, so does global demand – a crucial driver of long-term price appreciation in investment grade wine.

Ratings change over time – And so do investment opportunities

One of the most misunderstood aspects of wine ratings is that they are not fixed.

As wine matures in bottle, critics often revisit their assessments. Tannins soften, structure integrates, and complexity develops – sometimes leading to upward score revisions.

The impact of score changes

  • Upward revisions often trigger renewed buying interest

  • Downward revisions may stall demand or price momentum

  • Barrel scores can differ meaningfully from bottled assessments

This evolution creates opportunity for informed investors.

Strategic approaches for investors

  • Buy early when barrel scores and critic commentary are strong

  • Hold strategically as wines approach peak maturity

  • Sell your wine when demand aligns with optimal drinking windows

Understanding how ratings interact with a wine’s maturity curve allows investors to identify undervalued vintages before wider market recognition.

Knowing the critics and their influence on investment grade wine

Not all critics evaluate wine the same way.

Robert Parker, for example, historically favoured powerful, concentrated styles from Bordeaux, California, and the Rhône. As his influence has waned, the critical landscape has diversified, reflecting broader consumer preferences for balance, freshness, and terroir expression.

For wine investors, understanding critic bias is essential. A wine overlooked by one reviewer may be favoured by another, particularly in more divisive regions like Burgundy, Piedmont, or Germany.

This diversity reinforces the importance of looking beyond single scores when assessing investment grade wine.

The Wine Track score – ratings at a glance

To address inconsistency across critics, many investors now rely on aggregated metrics.

The Wine Track Score provides:

  • A unified 100-point score

  • Data from 100+ critics across 12 major publications

  • Vintage-by-vintage performance tracking

  • Insight into producer consistency over time

By smoothing out individual preferences, the Wine Track score offers a more holistic view of investment grade wine performance – particularly useful when comparing regions, estates, or vintages.

Using ratings strategically in a wine investment portfolio

Ratings are most effective when used as part of a broader framework.

1. Identify consistently high-scoring producers

Bordeaux First Growths, Burgundy Grand Crus, and top Napa Cabernet producers continue to anchor the fine wine market because of sustained critical support.

2. Look for sleeper vintages

Some wines receive modest early scores but improve significantly with age. These vintages often offer strong risk-adjusted returns.

3. Understand vintage variation

Even elite producers experience variability. Ratings help identify which vintages offer superior long-term value.

4. Use aggregated data

Relying on multiple critics reduces bias and improves decision-making.

5. Align with drinking windows

Wines approaching peak maturity often see increased demand from drinkers, supporting secondary-market pricing.

Ratings are powerful but not the whole story

While ratings are essential, they are only one part of evaluating investment grade wine.

Investors should also consider:

  • Producer reputation

  • Vineyard classification (e.g. Grand Cru, First Growth)

  • Market liquidity

  • Provenance and storage facility conditions

  • Historical price performance

  • Long-term global demand

Professional storage in bonded warehouses preserves quality and protects value – a critical factor when preparing to sell wine in the future.

Building a long-term investment grade wine portfolio

In today’s fine wine market, ratings remain one of the most influential tools available to investors. They help signal quality, predict demand, and highlight wines with the potential to outperform over time.

However, ratings are most effective when paired with market insight, disciplined storage, and a long-term perspective. When used intelligently, they can help investors build resilient portfolios anchored by true investment grade wine.

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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Champagne’s financial bubbles: rising costs spark concerns over affordability

Champagne
Champagne
  • Rising production costs and inflationary pressures in Champagne have raised concerns around its accessibility and its appeal to consumers.
  • Higher interest rates pose challenges for financing grape supplies, potentially eroding profit margins for smaller Champagne producers.
  • Champagne’s investment market has also been undergoing a similar shift, which has diminished its relative affordability compared to other fine wine regions.

Champagne has experienced a period of remarkable success, with a new record turnover set for the region in 2022, The Drinks Business highlighted in an article this week. However, leading figures in the region have noted that inflationary pressures and rising production costs could potentially make Champagne too expensive. This is a particular concern at the lower end of the market where fixed costs make up a larger proportion of the value of the wine and the need to keep prices affordable is more pronounced. But prices have come under pressure in the secondary market too, which has shifted its dynamics.

Champagne’s rising costs spark concerns among smaller producers

The escalating prices of grapes, along with increasing costs of labour, energy, packaging materials, and glass, have placed significant financial pressures on some Champagne houses. According to the article, the price of grapes from the 2022 harvest rose by as much as 10% compared to the much smaller 2021 vintage.

Rising interest rates, which were sitting below 1% two years ago and have now reached 3% and higher, have added extra pressure on financing grape supplies, potentially eroding profit margins of smaller producers. Meanwhile, various packaging materials, including paper, foils, cases, and glass, are up by around 40%.

The rising production costs may lead to further price increases for Champagne. This situation raises concerns around Champagne’s accessibility and its appeal to consumers. Some producers fear that higher prices could deter customers and potentially drive them towards alternative sparkling wines.

The shifting dynamics of Champagne’s investment market

The dynamics of Champagne’s secondary market have also been undergoing a clear shift. Previously, everything seemed to work in Champagne’s favour: abundant stock, strong distribution, consistent demand, and relative value compared to other fine wines.

Speculators have taken advantage of Champagne’s strengths, fuelled by a string of excellent vintages that increased demand. This has altered the traditional rules of the Champagne market, as speculators often hold onto their stock without consuming it, resulting in potential oversupply. The sustainability of rising prices in the face of a potential stock overhang can present a challenge.

Meanwhile, the rising price of Champagne has diminished its relative price advantage compared to other fine wine regions. Previously considered an affordable entry point into the world of fine wine, Champagne’s average prices now rival those of Bordeaux. For instance, the average case price of Krug Vintage Brut (£5,001) is higher than that of the First Growth Château Haut-Brion (£4,802).

Champagne vs Bordeaux

*Over the last five years, Champagne prices are up 76.8%, compared to 15.3% for Bordeaux. Champagne experienced stellar price performance between mid-2021 and the end of last year. Year-to-date, its index is down 9.1%.

Some producers have also displayed an ambition to raise prices. Notable brands, such as Philipponnat’s Clos des Goisses and Lanson’s Le Clos Lanson, have joined La Place de Bordeaux, signaling their intent to push their brands. Last year, François Pinault’s Artemis Group acquired a majority stake in Champagne Jacquesson. While this highlighted Champagne’s investment potential, it also indicated a departure from offering wines at entry-level prices.

All of this presents a complex landscape for Champagne’s future pricing and market positioning; particularly, for smaller more affordable producers, less able to spreads costs over multiple products and absorb the rising costs. Is the era of affordable Champagne over?

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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Investing in fine wine or in stocks – which is safer?

Screen showing the stock market figures

If you’re looking for viable investment opportunities then you’ve likely considered a range of potential investments, including stocks and wine. But of these two drastically different investment arenas, which is the safer option during the current economic climate?

In this article, discover the pros and cons of investing in wine and investing in stocks to help you make a more informed decision about which investment direction is best suited to you.

The pros of investing in wine

 

A lower-risk tangible investment

Fine wine is a physical product with intrinsic value. Unlike stocks – which are intangible and can theoretically fall to zero – fine wine always holds some market value because it is consumable.

Key reasons wine is considered lower-risk:

  • It is insured and professionally stored

  • It cannot suddenly become worthless

  • Supply is finite: once opened and consumed, bottles disappear

  • Historically lower volatility than equities

Fine wine is a physical asset, so it represents a very low-risk investment. When you invest in the market, your wines are stored in optimal conditions within a secure bonded warehouse.

Enjoyable, and globally recognised

Investment wine is both a luxury asset and a globally traded commodity. Its value is supported by long-term demand from:

  • Collectors

  • Restaurants and hospitality buyers

  • Private clients

  • Global auction houses

This creates a large, stable market for well-selected wines.

Strong historical performance

Fine wine has shown remarkably consistent returns over the past two decades. According to S&P Global, wine is one of the few luxury assets to have withstood the harsh impact on assets triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, proving the market relatively resilient. Indeed, wine is widely considered to be a ‘safe haven asset’. Moreover:

  • Fine wine delivered 13.6% annualised returns over 15 years

  • Many top regions have outperformed major stock market indices over the same period

This steady upward trend appeals to investors seeking long-term resilience rather than rapid, high-risk gains.

Attractive tax treatment (UK/Some markets)

In many cases, fine wine is exempt from Capital Gains Tax because it is often classified as a “wasting asset.” This makes returns more efficient compared to traditional taxable assets.

The cons of investing in wine

 

Portfolio valuation can be tricky

Unlike publicly traded equities:

  • Wine doesn’t have real-time pricing

  • Market activity is slower

  • Valuations depend on recent trades, availability, and provenance

Specialist platforms greatly improve transparency – but it’s still less instant than stock market data.

Choosing the right wines requires expertise

Not every bottle appreciates. Risks include:

  • Overpaying for highly popular but widely available labels

  • Selecting wines with limited long-term demand

  • Buying wines from weaker vintages

This is why many investors rely on professional advisory services.

Selling wine can take a while

Wine is a slower, more deliberate market. Selling may take:

  • Several days, for liquid, in-demand wines

  • Several weeks or months for niche or rare bottles

Investors should treat fine wine as a medium- to long-term asset, not a short-term liquidity tool.

The pros of investing in stocks

 

The potential for large cash gains

Stocks can appreciate rapidly due to:

  • Strong earnings

  • New product launches

  • Market expansion

  • Industry disruption

This makes equities well-suited for long-term wealth building.

Quick purchases and sales

Stocks can be:

  • Bought instantly

  • Sold instantly

  • Traded globally

  • Accessed 24/7 via digital platforms

This liquidity makes equities ideal for short-term or flexible investing.

Easy diversification

With thousands of companies across dozens of industries, investors can spread risk across:

  • Regions

  • Sectors

  • Growth styles

  • Market caps

They can also spread risk by investing in alternative assets like fine wine.

The cons of investing in stocks

 

An erratic, volatile marketplace

Stock prices are sensitive to:

  • Inflation and interest rates

  • Political events

  • Global crises

  • Corporate earnings

  • Market sentiment

Sharp daily swings make equities riskier than wine, especially for conservative investors.

Limited transparency

Public companies release information – but not everything is disclosed. Investors may lack visibility into:

  • Internal management issues

  • Supply-chain risks

  • True financial health

This information gap introduces uncertainty when selecting stocks.

Capital Gains Tax

Profits made on equities are typically taxable. Depending on your tax jurisdiction, this can significantly reduce real returns.

Fine wine often avoids this (again, depending on jurisdiction), which is a major reason many high-net-worth investors diversify into alternative assets.

Wine or stocks – which is the safer investment?

While stocks offer higher potential gains, they also carry higher volatility and can suffer significant short-term losses.

Fine wine, on the other hand:

  • Is less volatile

  • Has a strong track record of steady returns

  • Holds intrinsic value

  • Benefits from global luxury demand

  • Offers potential tax advantages

If stability is your priority – or if you are building a long-term, diversified portfolio – fine wine is generally considered the safer investment.

Talk to our wine investment experts

If you’d like personalised guidance or want to explore building a fine wine portfolio, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our experts.

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FAQs About Wine vs. Stock Investing

1. Is wine really a safer investment than stocks?

Wine is typically less volatile and has historically shown steadier growth. Stocks offer higher potential returns but also higher risk.

2. How long should I hold investment wine?

Most investors hold wine for 5–10+ years, allowing rarity, bottle consumption, and collector demand to increase value.

3. Can wine lose value?

Yes. Poor vintage reputation, market oversupply, or weak critic scores can influence prices. Expert guidance reduces this risk.

4. Do I need special storage for investment wine?

Yes – professional bonded storage ensures optimal temperature, humidity, provenance, and insurance.

5. Can wine outperform the stock market?

Historically, fine wine has outperformed several major stock indices over long periods due to steady compounding and low volatility.

6. Is wine a good hedge during recessions?

Often, yes. Fine wine has shown strong resilience during economic downturns and is widely seen as a safe-haven asset.