Wine as an Investment

A French wine cellar. Photo by Lynn Nishimura.

By Lynn Nishimura, Columnist

For a time, I focused primarily on red wine — drawn not only by its antioxidant properties, but also by its remarkable ability to age gracefully. Some bottles can evolve for 5-25 years or more. With proper storage — such as a custom wine cellar or aging cave — wine can be protected from undesirable oxidation and premature aeration. Stability is critical: even slight vibrations over long periods can degrade wine. Darkness and constant temperature are equally essential to preserving both quality and value.

For those interested in French wines, Burgundy stands out as one of the world’s most celebrated regions, producing exceptional vintage wines — both red and white — which often appreciate as they age. That said, wines from many other regions can also be stored successfully for five, 10, or even 25 years, depending on the producer and style. A knowledgeable local wine merchant can be an invaluable guide. Certain grape varieties are naturally tannic and age-worthy, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, while others — like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais — are often best enjoyed young.

White wines from the Jura region in eastern France, particularly late-harvest Chardonnay styles, present another intriguing investment opportunity. In general, moelleux wines with high acidity, elevated alcohol and residual sugar can sometimes age for 30 to 50 years under optimal conditions, developing extraordinary complexity and becoming highly collectible.

Beyond the cellar, social connections play an important role in wine investment. Social media, wine clubs and local tasting events offer opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts, discover rare bottles and exchange knowledge. Sharing wine with friends and family deepens both appreciation and understanding — wine is, at its heart, a communal experience.

Over my lifetime, I’ve likely tasted around a thousand different wines, from Port and Malbec to Tempranillo and beyond. While I enjoy exploring wines from around the world, I often return to French and Californian producers because of their familiarity and proven aging potential. Still,

hidden gems exist everywhere. Even when the grape variety is the same, terroir creates unique and compelling expressions.

Ultimately, the best advice for wine as an investment is simple: open the bottle. Enjoy the journey, savor the flavors, and learn from every tasting. Whether measured in pleasure or potential financial return, such as in an auction house, the experience itself is what makes wine truly valuable.