Collecting fine wines could be a good investment, say experts

If there is one thing wine experts appear to agree on, it is that Bordeaux remains a safe option when looking for a fine-wine investment.

Anthony Hanson, senior consultant with Christie's wine department, says Bordeaux over the years has proved fairly safe and dependable.

'However, I would put in a word for Burgundy too,' he said.

Buying at auction or from a reputable merchant is just one way of starting your collection, and Mr Hanson says Christie's experts are willing to advise anyone considering this type of investment. It is also advisable to go for wines rated by renowned critics such as Robert Parker, and to ensure they are insured at replacement value and stored in the best possible conditions.

Greg De'eb, general manager of Crown Wine Cellars in Hong Kong, says he has seen more collectors shipping wine back to Hong Kong since the wine tax was removed in the last budget.

'Hong Kong is the wine paradise at the moment. It is the only developed economy with no tax and no VAT. Worldwide, collectors have now accepted that wine can travel around the world in refrigerated containers and it doesn't affect their value. What determines the price is the condition of the bottle, has the label been scratched, is it in its original case and where has it been stored?' he said.