A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Wine Collection

Posted by heritagevine on March 17th, 2020

Most people associate wine collecting with luxury. They consider it an expensive hobby only made for investments and business. But, it's actually a good way to learn about the liquor's history as well as the region it came from.

Although there are some people whose collections are investment-centered, there are those who do it just because of their love for wine. It's a liquor that has the potential to evolve into something special and can be enjoyed for years.

Interested? Here are some tips on starting your own wine collection.

Take a Sip and Research

Part of doing research is taking a sip or two of different wines. It'll help you figure out what pleases your palate the most. Do you prefer reds over whites? Light or full-bodied? Trying multiple types will allow you to get a better grasp of your preference. Plus, you might end up discovering a new favorite.

But, you should also be prepared to do actual research to ensure you're getting quality wine bottles. Some factors to consider are:

• Winemaker's Profile
• Winery's History
• Wine Region's History
• Wine's Release Date

The more certain you are of each bottle you buy, the better your collection will be.

Think of Your Storage

Wines, especially old or vintage ones,must be handled delicately. They should be stored in acool and humid environment with a consistent temperature. As much as possible, keep your bottles flat instead of the upright to prevent the corks from drying out.

If you plan on expanding your collection, consider a cellar for your wine. That way, they're in a temperature-controlled environment that'll keep them in prime condition for a long time.

Keep Track of Your Wine

Your cellar should have order and organization. There's nothing worse than buying a bottle, storing it for too long, and realizing it's declined since it's already past its drinking window. To prevent this from happening, keep a spreadsheet of your inventory. Indicate their names, type, and when they'll be fully mature, ready for consumption.  

Trust Your Taste Buds, but Have Variety

While there's no specific approach to buying wine, a good way to start is by going for what you like. Your collection should be centered on a set of bottles that you can enjoy and experience throughout its aging process. So, try not to focus too much on popular and expensive ones.

But, it's also good to have some variety in your cellar. That way, you'll always have a bottle or two readies, no matter what occasion, weather, or your guests' preference.

The best thing about collecting these bottles is learning their history and having something to look forward to in the future after they've aged. To ensure that your stock is well taken care of and stored properly, hire a company that offers custom wine cellar design in Scottsdale, AZ.