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041WINE columnist LELETHU ZONDANI has the scoop on how to build a wine collection from scratch – and you don’t even need a cellar or a blank cheque.

As I’m receiving and buying a lot more wine, I’ve been interested in starting a wine collection and I know some of you are as well.

The reason it’s taken me so long to get here is because I do not have self-control and I have to taste everything. I’ve compiled 8 lessons that I’ve learnt in my short time in the wine industry and hopefully, you and I can apply these next time we go shopping for wine. 

8 Tips For Building A Wine Collection: 

• Buy more than you need – When buying wine, buy three of the same bottle. That way you can taste it while it’s young, taste it again a couple of years later to see how it matured or you can give it away as a gift and keep the third bottle for 10 years or however long it should be further matured for. 

• Buy wines with high tannins – If you’re planning to have wine sitting on your shelf for years, you need to get wines that are high in tannins because as the wine ages the tannins smooth out and become more pleasurable to endure. Also, this saves you money when you buy good wines while they’re young rather than when they’ve matured and the prices have jacked up and you have to order them from the ends of the earth. 

• Don’t be afraid to spend – A good bottle of wine can be quite pricey and obviously, you want the good stuff on your shelf but remember to also stay in your tax bracket. You’re not trying to impress anyone so take as much time as you need with your wine collection. 

• Don’t buy into the hype – We live in a society where we look to other people on what to wear, listen to, eat etc. Don’t lose focus on what you like because a trend can drive you towards a possible investment but always buy what you want. 

• Find the correct storage solution – Place your wine in a dark, cool place. Anywhere like your wardrobe, or kitchen cupboards until you can afford a proper storage room or refrigerator. Always have your wine lying down as your cork will stay moist and won’t let any oxygen into the wine which could spoil it. 

• Keep learning – A lot of liquor stores around South Africa have promoters who promote wine on weekends, if you have time, pop in and taste what’s out there to expand your palette and you might find something that you could add to your collection. 

• Taste before you buy – I used to make the mistake of buying wine because of its price and end up not enjoying it. Make sure you know how it tastes before you spend hundreds on a wine that you don’t like. 

• Educate yourself – before starting a collection or buying a wine that you want to age, educate yourself on wine and how to preserve it properly, know where your wines come from, how they were made, critic ratings etc.

I hope these tips were helpful and you’re welcome to message me if you have further questions! 

Cheers !