You have always loved wine but if it is turning out to be enough passionate that you literally want to baby them, this guide is for you. Let us take you through how to start a wine collection as a starter so you do not put your hard-earned money just like that.
How to Start a Wine Collection
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just starting your grape-fueled journey, there are some basic check boxes that you must tick to start with the process. Let's see what...
Embrace the Beginner's Mindset
First things first about how to start a wine collection, do not rush! Accept that you are a beginner and it's okay. Did you know that according to Statista, over 22% of wine consumers are millennials? This means there's a whole community of enthusiastic individuals, just like you, embarking on their wine collecting adventures. Henceforth, ditch the pressure to be an instant expert, and embrace the learning process.
Must-Haves for Your Wine Collection
While building a diverse collection is key, consider starting with a few "crowd-pleasers":
- Chardonnay: This versatile white grape, Chardonnay, offers a range of styles, from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, catering to various palates. This white wine grape will help you explore the spectrum of white wine styles.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its refreshing citrus and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with seafood and lighter fare. This will be an alternative to white wines and a great choice for introducing friends to the same.
- Merlot: This smooth red grape is known for its soft tannins and fruit-forward flavors, making it a great choice for those new to red wines. Merlot will act as a stepping stone to exploring bolder reds.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: The "king of red grapes," Cabernet Sauvignon boasts bold flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice. Start with a younger vintage for a more approachable experience. This will be a classic choice for starting a personal wine collection, allowing you to experience its evolution over time.
Setting Goals and Budget
Before starting your wine collection, you must set a goal and budget, here's how:
Defining Your Collection Goals:
Are you aiming to curate a selection for personal enjoyment, explore different regions, or potentially invest in long-term aging wines? Knowing your "why" will guide your choices.
Establishing a Budget:
Wine collecting can be as affordable or extravagant as you make it. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Remember, quality doesn't always equate to exorbitant price tags. Benchmark Wines offers a wide range of wines, catering to all budgets, so you can build your collection without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Focus on lesser-known regions: Explore exciting wines from emerging regions like Argentina, Chile, or South Africa, where you can find excellent quality at reasonable prices.
- Look for "everyday drinking" wines: You don't have to reserve every bottle for special occasions. Enjoy exploring different styles and grapes without breaking the bank, which can be called everyday drinking wines like Pinot Grigio in whites and Malbec in reds.
- Take advantage of sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers at your local wine shops or online retailers like Benchmark Wines.
Building Your Wine Collection
Finally, when it comes to building your collection, selecting the right type of wine from the right place is the key.
Selecting Your Wines:
- Start with Familiar Flavors: If you enjoy a specific fruit or spice, look for wines known for those characteristics. For example, if you love the taste of raspberries, explore Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, often boasting those notes.
- Experiment with Different Styles: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You might discover a hidden gem. For example, you may try an organic wine.
Where to Buy Wines:
While local shops and wine auctions are reliable options to buy wine, the best and trending among them remains online wine shops. Online wine shopping offers convenience, with browsing and buying possible anytime, anywhere. You'll have access to a wider selection than local stores, often with detailed information and reviews to guide your choices. Plus, enjoy potential cost savings and delivery straight to your door.
Storing and Organizing Your Wines
Choosing the right location for storing wine is crucial for preserving the quality. Ideally, this will be like building your first wine cellar and you must aim for a cool, dark, and vibration-free space with consistent humidity levels. Maintaining a wine collection with the help of wine racks or shelves can be a smart decision. For a detailed guide, read how to create a wine cellar in home.
Developing Your Palate
- Swirl, Sniff, Sip: This classic approach allows you to appreciate the wine's aromas, visual aspects, and taste profile.
- Pay Attention to the Details: Notice the acidity, tannins, body, and flavors in the wine.
- Keeping a Tasting Journal: Jot down your observations about each wine you try, including the grape variety, region, producer, and your personal tasting notes. This will help you identify patterns in your preferences and track your evolving palate over time.
Additional Tips on How to Start a Wine Collection
- Exploring Different Regions and Varietals: The beauty of wine lies in its diversity. From the bold Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley to the delicate Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, each region and grape variety offers a unique taste experience.
- Networking and Learning: Seek guidance and tips from experienced collectors. Many wine shops or clubs host events where you can connect with them and get exposed to some new collectible wines.
- Attending Tastings, Events, and Workshops: Immerse yourself in the world of wine by attending wine tasting seminars, and workshops. These events offer opportunities to learn from experts, sample different wines, and network with other enthusiasts.
- Understanding the Value of Aged Wines: Certain rare wines in a wine collection, particularly those from prestigious regions, can appreciate in value over time creating remarkable vintage wines. However, remember that wine collecting is primarily a passion project and not a guaranteed investment strategy.
Keep Collectin'
Beginner tips for starting a wine collection is a journey filled with discovery, learning, and, most importantly, enjoyment. Embrace the beginner's spirit, explore different wines, and trust your palate. As you step on this exciting adventure of valuable wine collection basics, remember that the true treasure lies in the connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the memories you create along the way.
Read our guide on how to travel with wine.
Have a great wine collecting journey!
