MICHAEL FRIDJHON: Pawn the Porsche for the next wave of collectable wines
Even the loaded have to scrimp for the on-allocation release of high-end tipple such as that of David & Nadia and Duncan Savage
It’s the season for wine collectors to start mortgaging their homes, selling off their weekend cars and telling their lovers there’s no dining out at The Test Kitchen for a while. Spring weather has nothing to do with this tightening of belts. The reason that even well-heeled and deeply self-indulgent wine lovers are compelled to cut back on other discretionary spending is the on-allocation release of most of the high-end Cape wines.
Fewer than half a dozen players can seriously sustain the theatre that goes with this sales strategy. First, your wines have to be visibly sought after: this means a track record of great reviews. Second, by their very nature, your wines have to be in short supply: you can’t pretend to be turning away business and meanwhile the much-hyped “gems” are everywhere to be found. Third — and this really is the defining “trick” — your wines have to be unique and bulletproof...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.