Wine collecting often starts as a casual hobby, accumulating a few bottles here and there, waiting for the perfect time or occasion to open them. Then, one day these bottles have exploded to more than just a few and you now have a serious passion…or obsession. It’s a great journey that will create some of your best memories!
I enjoy wine and am intrigued by the idea of starting a collection. Where do I begin, and can you help?
Absolutely! We're here to guide you through every step of starting and building your wine collection. At The World of Wine, our passionate Personal Wine Brokers have years of experience in curating cellars of all sizes, tailored to your preferences. We take into account your taste, budget, available space, and goals to create a collection that perfectly suits your needs.
Will I need to commit to a lot of money?
Not at all! Your spending will depend on the type of cellar you wish to build. You don’t need a large investment to start creating something meaningful. Cases suitable for aging can be found starting at a few hundred dollars, offering options for every budget. For a more focused collection featuring wines from classic regions, we recommend beginning with a Cellar Plan of at least $300 per month or an initial investment of around $5,000. If your interest lies in First Growths or Grand Cru Burgundies, a larger budget will be required.
Are there wine regions we should target for the collection?
This all depends on your taste and budget as we tailor our recommendations specifically to you and your journey. However, many wine collections are often built around classic international regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Tuscany, Piedmont, and the Rhône Valley. In the New World, key regions include the Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Napa Valley, Central Otago, Margaret River, and Mendoza. At the World of Wine our personal cellars consist of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, aged Italians, Pinot Noir from Central Otago, and some of the classics from Australia.
How much will you help me plan my collection?
The level of involvement is entirely up to you! At The World of Wine, we find that a balanced partnership between you and your Personal Wine Broker often works best. If you’re looking to secure the most sought-after wines, giving your Personal Wine Broker permission to act on your behalf allows us to acquire exclusive selections from small parcels and rare allocated releases. For those building a cellar to enjoy in the future, a collaborative approach ensures you can choose your favourites while we uncover hidden gems to enhance your collection.
Can I invest in wine?
Wine can be a valuable investment. There have numerous articles that highlight the historical performance and potential of wine as an investment. While we are not professional financial advisors, we recommend seeking independent advice before making any decisions. Once we understand your investment goals, our Personal Wine Brokers can guide you through the process.
What if my tastes change and I no longer want what’s in my cellar?
We are here to help, no problem! The World of Wine buys wines directly from our trusted clients and has an extensive global network of clients and restaurant partners. We’ll handle the sale of your wines, ensuring you get the best possible results. Our quality guarantee ensures buyer satisfaction, and your Personal Wine Broker will facilitate the efficient management of your collection. We aim to build a relationship that goes beyond transactions, fostering a community of fine wine enthusiasts united as one big extended family.
Wine Storage, is that important?
Yes, the way you store your wines will significantly impact your future drinking experiences. If you don’t have a cool storage space at home, we recommend investing in a wine fridge. If space is limited, we can assist you in setting up storage at an offsite wine facility.
If I start a collection now, will it be years before my wine is ready to drink? Can I buy mature wines?
The World of Wine boasts one of the largest networks of aged wines, sourced from trusted domestic and international suppliers. We maintain strong relationships with leading Bordeaux suppliers and direct connections with the Châteaux. Our expert team have also played a key role in establishing some of the world’s largest wine collections, granting us access to a range of private collections, many of which feature aged wines. Your Personal Wine Broker will take the time to understand your interests, ensuring that both new and aged wine recommendations align with your collection’s journey. We believe a well-rounded collection should include a balance of younger and aged wines, allowing you to enjoy mature bottles while your newer selections continue to develop.
How can I keep track of my cellar?
We recommend using modern solutions for managing your collection. Several wine cellaring apps are available that cater to all your storage needs. These apps track your cellar’s history, record wine locations, log tasting notes, provide professional ratings from world-renowned critics, and suggest food pairings for each wine. Popular apps include CellarTracker and VinoCell.
Ready to start your wine journey?
The thrill of opening a bottle that’s been impeccably stored and isn’t easily available anymore—especially when you paid a fraction of today’s price years ago—is unmatched. The ultimate enjoyment, though, is sharing those bottles with friends and introducing them to the joys of fine wine. Contact us at sales@theworldofwine.com.au.
