Online wine auction house launches in HK

Hong Kong wine merchant Links Concept and a group of Asia-based wine specialists have launched Bidvino.com – a new online wine auction site aimed at private collectors and those ‘who appreciate a great drop.’

Wines are available by the case or single bottle, including some rare large formats.

At the time of writing, the emphasis is on Australia with heavyweights of Torbreck, Penfolds, Penley Estate, Schubert Estate, D’Arenberg on offer as well as substantial French fancies, ranging from AF Gros Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits 2008 for HK$230 (average RRP HK$330) to 1982 Haut Brion.

Registered members looking to pick up a bargain can also browse the ‘Buy Now’ specials, with Hong Kong residents benefiting from free shipping (for orders over HK$800) and those in Macau paying HK$60 per case.

The weekly auctions ends at 3pm HKT on Thursdays and is open to bidders across the globe.

The majority of lots are ex-estate; with all listed wines stored in the group’s temperature controlled warehousing in Kowloon Bay ensuring immaculate provenance.

Bidvino.com was conceived between Hong Kong wine merchants, and a group of private collectors and specialists who saw the gap between the established auction houses of Sotheby’s and Christie’s and high end retail stores where consumers can buy fine wine at reasonable prices.

“Bidding for and buying fine wines has never been easier and more accessible,” said Gareth Edwards, CEO of Bidvino.com.

“We have ensured the customer experience is as simple and straightforward as possible, and have put in place a strict set of rules and processes before we accept a wine into our warehouse for sale. If we can’t be comfortable with a bottle’s provenance, we won’t sell it.”

Links Concept was established in 2000 and has exclusive agency over wineries including Louis Roederer, Antinori, Domaine JL Chave, Louis Latour, Sine Qua Non and Torbreck in Hong Kong and Macau.