Wine Auctions, Sales, How To's & Advice

MAIN Home Life Entertaining Wine Wine Auctions

Auctions are a good place to find wines that can't be purchased locally.

As with all online auctions, wine auctions can be dangerous places for the novice bidder. Before you start bidding, do your homework.

Find out what the price of the wine you want should be. Watch out for unreasonable bargains or overbidding and make sure to check on the integrity of the seller before you pay for anything.

These auctions are serious marketplaces, so act responsibly as a bidder and you may find a whole new world of wine opened up to you...

WineCommune.com - If you know the name Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate, this online auction is affiliated with their site...which in wine circles is a strong recommendation. Taking part in the auction requires a free registration. If you use the Wine Advocate's entry as a subscriber (not free), you get to see the history of the wines you're thinking of bidding on.

Winebid.com - Wine bid has been around for a few years. They have a good reputation and a good selection. The range of prices is good. There are plenty of offerings in the $25 and less category that have Parker, Spectator or Tanzer ratings of 90 or above...and in the $300 plus category there are more than a few that go over 95.

Langtons - Australia's well known auction house has opened an online version where members can sell and buy wine. They hold all the stock, even wines being sold by independent sellers, so their reputation is behind the wines they offer.

Acker Wine Exchange - Founded in 1820, Acker Merrall & Condit claims the title of America's Oldest and Finest Wine Shop. The online auctions serve both novice and experienced wine drinkers and collectors. The retail shop in New York City sponsors a series of workshops throughout the year and a wine club subscription is available.

Morrell Wine Auctions - Another venerable New York wine auction house with a long history. Be sure to note the conditions of sale, including the reserve bid. This is normal procedure for most auctions and if it is not stated up front be sure to ask. Morrell also is clear in the insurance, shipping and liability conditions. Look for this sort of open disclosure whenever you deal with auctions - online or off!

B2B Marketplaces - This listing from Wine Economics lists many of the online auction houses and wine sellers. Check the main page for an extensive listing of wine related links in categories related to the business of wine.

Wine Spectator Archives - Auction Houses - The Wine Spectator lists many of the online auction houses and wine sellers. Included here are Christie's and Sotheby's and several other quality houses. The links are included but are not live so you'll need to copy them into your browser address field to get to the auction.

International Wine Competitions - Several Sharp Criticisms - Before you rush out to buy the wines that have captured top prizes at a competition, take a minute to digest this excellent article on the problems of judging and awarding gold medals.