In the grip of the tech world, investment, too, is evolving fast. Between the crypto bros and the boom in digital art, classic ways of placing your money for return have taken a bit of a back seat. Combining the classic with the dynamic, though, wine is an investment with solid potential and a long history of market results to guide you. Here we’ve put together two examples of the kind of cellar you could put together, either with a budget of €10,000 or €5,000. And all of these bottles are a good place to start.

Key questions

Before embarking on your new venture, you should have at least an idea of what you’re after. Here are some questions you might consider:

*When would you like to open your bottles? In the next few months/years? Or is this an investment to pass on in the future?

*Would you like to uncork these wines to enjoy yourself? Perhaps for a special occasion or a tasting event?

*Would you like to buy just the kind of wine that you like? Or rather aim specifically for appellations and domains on the rise?

*How many bottles would you like in your cellar?

*How much would you like to invest?

Considering these questions will help you move towards certain regions, vintages, and producers when making your choices. Although, of course, you’ll find fun in exploring the unknown, too!

We recommend buying your cuvées in lots or cases of 12 bottles. This will allow you to taste them as time goes on (it’s a real pleasure to taste how a wine evolves), to discern their peak, to uncork several at once for a big occasion, to gift them to your nearest and dearest, and even to resell a few in a couple of years in case your preferences change. Recent vintages are also a wise choice for those putting together a cellar for long ageing.

Below are two example cellars, each containing 180 bottles. They include a variety of regions and styles, and should get you feeling inspired for your own investment cellar (after all, you want a collection that reflects your own character!).

Cellar n°1 – 180 bottles for €10,000

With this kind of budget, you can definitely head for the prestigious regions and some of their iconic producers. Bordeaux is usually considered your go-to for investing in wine thanks to its grands crus that are made to be aged. Plus, they tend to pair beautifully with gourmet dishes if you get to uncork one. From Pessac-Léognan to Pomerol and Margaux to Saint-Julien, you’re spoilt for choice, without this diluting the value of your choices.

Burgundy is also highly-coveted due to the ultimate rarity of its wine; domains are small and their produce is exclusive. Some of the region’s top climats are perhaps out of reach in terms of their exploding prices, but with the right advice (😉) you’re sure to find hidden treasures and premiers crus with less intimidating price tags.

The Rhône valley is home to characterful wines with top cellaring potential, and they’ve long made for solid investments. The steep northern slopes are known for their concentrated Syrah cuvées, whilst to the south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s warm-pebbled earth promises wines of the finest calibre that turn out sublime after a decade in the cellar.

Aside from these must-have regions, there are others that have got circles of seasoned connoisseurs talking. The Loire is a promised land when it comes to fine white wine, Beaujolais and the Jura are at the heart of the natural wine movement, and Italy is a kingdom of powerful reds and ancient savoir-faire.

Cellar n°2 – 180 bottles for €5,000

France’s top three regions should still be on your shopping list, whatever your investment budget. From Bordeaux, aim for well-made wines that aren’t wearing a grand cru label. In Burgundy and the Rhône, you’ll have some luck in the more modest appellations; the ones that aren’t so loud but show signs of good growth (and that’s what we’re here for!). Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise has a reputation on the rise, as does the Rhône’s Gigondas, both of which are rival their neighbouring big shots.

With €5,000 to invest, you can certainly be creative. Some of the lesser-known regions are worth exploring, and the Languedoc springs immediately to mind. For the American critic Jeb Dunnuck, this southern spot is somewhat of a ‘rough diamond’. Then there’s the Beaujolais’ Fleurie appellation, where wine is more accessible and the producers are fighting for the recognition of their premiers crus. Montlouis-sur-Loire is another one to note, especially for its range of dry, sweet, and sparkling styles. Alsace is a pioneer of the biodynamic movement, if you’d like a cutting-edge bottle to get people talking. One last idea is Corsica, where many of the characterful cuvées are crafted from native grape varieties rarely (if ever!) found elsewhere.

If you’d like some more specific advice about choosing your investment wines, you can use our Personal Shopper service! Find out more here.

And since your cellar is your own creation, why not explore our full selection?