WSTA launches wine investment guide

A guide for wine investors has been released by the Wine and Spirits Trade Association.

The guide is aimed at those who are collecting fine wines or including them in their investment portfolios and seeks to ensure that buyers make the right checks before parting with their money.

The attractiveness of wine as an investment has increased over recent years but so too has the danger of fraud, particularly in the en primeur market.

The WSTA guide advises buyers to choose reputable wine merchants, “verify your order by comparing prices, checking provenance, condition of storage, packaging and delivery,” and “understand the small print, including tax on investment, commission and handling fees and the paperwork you’ll receive covering your purchase”.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: “Buying fine wine is a pleasure and can be a profitable one but as with any type of investment it makes sense to take some precautions before you part with your cash.

“Our website guide provides some simple tips to follow to ensure you don’t get caught out. Making some basic checks about the company you’re dealing with and its track record is a good place to start.”

The guide also warns buyers of those trying to use hard-sell tactics or guaranteed quick returns.

Any victims of wine fraud should contact the WSTA Fraud Prevention Unit at fraudalert@wsta.co.uk

The WSTA guide is available online at www.investinginfinewines.co.uk