1.

Know yourself

Knowledge is the key to success in the auction world, and it all starts with knowing yourself.

Which wines interest you and what are your reasons for buying?

Are you interested in collecting a particular type of grape, such as Cabernet Sauvignon from around the world? Or is it wines from a region or maker that intrigue you?

Maybe you are buying wines to complement a festive holiday meal or to celebrate a special occasion?

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran filling out your cellar or a new buyer looking for your first bottle, identify what you want – this will help focus your buying strategy and put you in a good position to make better choices come auction day.

“The above bottles are from the famed producer Henri Jayer, arguably the most influential figure in modern Burgundy for his outspoken opposition to chemical use, refusal to filter his wines, and advocacy of low yields in the vineyards. These bottles were purchased directly from retail in the late 1980s and early 1990s and stored in a custom-built wine cellar by a well-known American collector and gourmand who, far ahead of his time, understood the nuance and elegance that Burgundy has to offer.” — Louis Krieger, Head of Wine & Spirits, Bonhams Skinner

3.

Keep learning

Sophisticated wine buyers are the ultimate educated auction consumers – and with good reason: knowing about the history, geography, culture, sociology, and the vinification of wine gives context to what you pour into your glass and makes drinking the wine ever more gratifying.

There is no need to become a wine scholar, but cultivating a desire for learning will spark a passion which will carry you through a lifetime of collecting.

A few good reference books – such as The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil and Wine by Andre Domine – will speed you on your way.

“The only producer to possibly match the energy, excitement, and exuberance of Henri Jayer is Domaine de la Romanee Conti and their two monopoles, Romanee Conti and La Tache. Finding well-stored, back vintage bottles of La Tache is no easy task, never mind finding them in large format but that’s exactly what we have here; a well-stored bottle with perfect provenance, from the cellar of a collector who owned hundreds of enviable bottles such as this.” — Louis Krieger, Head of Wine & Spirits, Bonhams Skinner

5.

Browse the auction catalogue

For wine lovers, exploring a great wine auction catalogue (print or online) can be nirvana, so be prepared to spend some time narrowing down the choices. There are the solid “must-haves”, the “very-likely’s”, and the little-known wines that intrigue and pique your interest.

Once you have this potential bid list in hand, do some research on the wines that you are less familiar with. Ask friends, consult known critics, read print and online reviews. Again, here’s where a small but utilitarian set of reference books, such as those mentioned above, will be indispensable.

6.

Ask questions

Whenever possible, attend any pre-auction tastings or events. Speak to the specialist or head of department prior to the auction: let our experts be your guide through the process. They’re there to answer questions you might have – either on the wines you’ve selected or on auction mechanics.

On the day, attend the auction if your schedule allows (either in the room or viewing online). If this isn’t possible, you can leave an absentee bid in advance for Bonhams to place on your behalf.