Investment grade

Investment-grade wines represent the top tier of the wine world - less than 1% of all wine produced globally meets the criteria. These exceptional bottles come from renowned producers with a long-standing reputation for quality, consistency, and the ability to age gracefully. What sets them apart is a combination of strong critic scores, international acclaim, and limited production, which creates both rarity and exclusivity. They're in high demand globally and are often traded on the secondary market. With a proven track record of appreciating in value over time, these wines are built with the structure and balance needed to age for decades. Think of them as the blue-chip stocks of the wine world - respected, resilient, and highly collectible.

Wine has been one of the best-performing alternative assets over the past decade, with low correlation to traditional financial markets. It can act as a hedge against inflation and bring portfolio diversification. Investment-grade wines from iconic producers like Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, and international legends such as Bordeaux first growths have shown strong historical performance. However, like any investment, wine carries risks and requires proper storage, authentication, and market knowledge. Consider it as part of a diversified portfolio rather than a standalone investment strategy.

It all comes down to supply and demand. Unlike many other assets, wine is consumed - so as bottles are opened and enjoyed, the available supply shrinks. At the same time, demand often increases - especially for wines from prestigious producers with strong reputations, high critic scores, and ageing potential. This shrinking supply and steady (or growing) demand creates market scarcity, which can drive up prices over time - particularly for well-stored bottles with clear provenance. Just like vintage cars or limited-edition watches, wines that are rare, high quality, and sought after become more valuable the fewer there are left.

Fine wine is part of the collectibles asset class, alongside things like art, classic cars, watches, and handbags. These are tangible assets that people collect, enjoy, and invest in - often with the potential for strong long-term returns. What makes wine unique is its low correlation to traditional financial markets, meaning it often holds or increases in value regardless of how stocks or property perform. It can also act as a hedge against inflation and bring portfolio diversification. But not all wines are investment-grade - in fact, less than 1% of global wine production fits the bill. These are wines from iconic producers with a proven track record of quality, demand, and market performance.

Start with blue-chip wines from the world's most iconic producers, renowned for their ageing potential, global reputation, and consistent performance on the secondary market. Think Bordeaux first growths (Lafite, Margaux, Latour), Burgundy grand crus (Romanée-Conti, Armand Rousseau), prestige Champagnes (Dom Pérignon, Krug), and Australian icons like Penfolds Grange. These wines typically have decades of prestige, strong critic scores, and high demand from collectors worldwide. Start small, focus on proven performers, and always ensure professional storage.

Selling wine is a bit like selling property - you can go via private sale or auction, depending on your goals and timeline. We can help resell through our platform, tap into our collector networks, or connect you with reputable auction houses like Langton's. Most auction houses offer free valuations, and sites like Wine-Searcher can provide a rough guide to current market value - but this will always depend on demand and availability at the time. A wine's condition is key to its value. That's why provenance and professional storage matter - they give buyers confidence and help maximise your return.

Provenance is absolutely critical to a wine's investment value. Buyers want confidence that a bottle is genuine and has been stored correctly throughout its life. Even the best wines can lose significant value if there's doubt about authenticity or storage conditions. That's why we only work with trusted sources such as vineyards, négociants, and top-tier authenticators, and store all wines in our secure, climate-controlled and insured facility. Clear provenance documentation can mean the difference between a wine selling at full market value or at a substantial discount.

Like any investment, wine comes with risks. Market conditions can fluctuate, and not every wine will increase in value over time. Prices can be influenced by vintage variation, critic scores, global economic trends, and changing consumer preferences. Storage is also critical - if a wine isn't kept in ideal conditions, it can spoil and lose value entirely. Provenance matters too: without verified history, even great wines may be harder to sell. Additionally, wine is a long-term, illiquid asset that can take years to appreciate and isn't as easily sold as shares. That's why professional storage, authentication, and market research are essential.

Many investment-grade wines are both collectible and drinkable - that's part of their appeal. These wines are crafted not only to age and increase in value, but also to deliver exceptional drinking experiences. As wines enter their optimal drinking windows, collectors often start opening bottles, which naturally decreases supply while demand remains strong or grows. This scarcity can drive prices higher over time. Whether you're collecting for future resale or saving something special for milestone celebrations, these wines are designed to perform both on the palate and in the market.

Start with blue-chip wines as your foundation - bottles from legendary producers with proven track records. Examples include Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux from Bordeaux, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from Burgundy, prestige Champagnes like Dom Pérignon, and Australian icons like Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace. Focus on producers with consistent quality, strong critic scores, and reliable vintage performance. Diversify across regions and styles, ensure professional storage, and maintain clear provenance records. Our 'Collect as an investment' collection showcases curated investment-grade options with detailed guidance on each product page.

Wine auctions can offer access to rare bottles, but often come with uncertainty around provenance, storage history, and authenticity. Due diligence falls to the buyer, which can be risky for high-value purchases. When you buy through us, every bottle is professionally authenticated and expertly sourced from trusted vineyards, négociants, and top-tier authenticators. We verify authenticity using advanced techniques including producer verification, microscopic analysis, and assessment of anti-fraud markers. Our climate-controlled storage facility provides full insurance coverage, giving you confidence in your investment's integrity and potential.

We partner with vineyards, négociants, and top-tier authenticators to ensure every bottle is genuine and traceable. Authentication involves verifying bottle details with producers and using advanced techniques like microscope analysis to identify vineyard-specific anti-fraud markers including holograms, glue types, and ink consistency. We assess cork age, label condition, and ullage (fill level) against vintage expectations. When stored with us, wines are housed in our secure, climate-controlled facility with comprehensive insurance covering fire, flood, and theft. Temperature and humidity are continuously monitored to maintain optimal ageing conditions and preserve investment value.