Fine wine investment: 'Use reputable dealers'
Those considering fine wine as an investment vehicle have been given some tips from John Fitzsimons, lovemoney.com's personal finance editor.
In an article on the site, Mr Fitzsimons said wine investment has a few things going for it - not least that it is classed as a "wasting asset" by the tax authorities, meaning it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Investors also need to consider whether they want to use fund managers or trust their own expertise - the latter is more risky for obvious reasons, but some people will enjoy the hands-on approach.
The golden rule is to only deal with established and reputable dealers, according to Mr Fitzsimons.
"It also pays to develop a good relationship with them – not only will you then get better advice, but you are more likely to get preferential treatment when it comes to highly sought after wines," he added.
New investors will be entering the market at a particularly exciting time, with many of the big-name chateaux like Cos d'Estournel releasing their prices for Bordeaux en primeur 2009 in recent weeks.