5 Tips on How to Navigate a Wine Auction

Whether you're a connoisseur, collector, or complete beginner, Stephen Ranger shares five tips to help you navigate the wine auction world.

1. Look beyond the trophy labels.

Although there is much pleasure in owning and drinking the great First Growth Bordeaux or Grand Cru Burgundy, there are great values to be had in some of the lesser wines that sell for a fraction of the price.

2. Don't be afraid to buy 'off' vintages.

If you love a specific producer, there's probably a reason, usually the style of the domaine, that will shine through even in vintages that may have been challenging. This is especially true of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

3. Pay attention to the condition of the wines being offered at auction.

Look at fill levels of the bottles and the condition of the labels and capsules. They are good indicators of how a particular wine has been stored.

4. Set a personal limit on what you will spend and stick to it.

That way you won't suffer from buyers remorse and will be able to spread your buying power out over the whole auction.

5. If you are a novice collector, use the auction as an opportunity to explore a wide range of wines.

You may not have experienced the joys of mature wines. It can be life changing!.

Originally published in Ottawa Life Magazine in support of the 8th annual Music and Beyond Fall Wine Auction on April 26th, 2019 at Ottawa City Hall, one of many initiatives presented by Music and Beyond to support their annual programming.