- Why invest in wine?
- Fine wine is a physical asset you own outright – specific cases, stored in bond in your name – and its value is driven by scarcity and drinking windows rather than earnings or interest rates, which is why investors hold it to diversify alongside financial assets. Supply is finite and shrinks as bottles are drunk, and while your wine is in bond, duty and VAT are suspended.
- What does WineCap do?
- We assist clients in buying, storing, and selling fine wine with the goal of generating returns. Our expert team manages your portfolio, providing insights on market trends and offering advice on the best times to buy and sell.
- Is there a minimum investment?
- Yes, the minimum investment starts at £5,000. This allows you to invest in a professionally managed portfolio with access to expert insights and performance reviews.
- Do I own the wine?
- Absolutely, all wines purchased through WineCap are fully owned by you. We ensure that the wine is held in your name and is stored securely under optimal conditions.
- How long should I hold my wine?
- We recommend a minimum hold period of 5 years to allow the wine’s value to appreciate. However, longer holding periods – typically 7-10 years – can often yield higher returns, depending on the wine and market conditions.
- Where are my wines stored?
- Your wines are securely stored in the UK’s premier bonded storage network, which provides optimal temperature and humidity conditions to ensure they age properly. This also ensures that the wines remain in pristine condition for future sale.
- Are my wines insured?
- Your wines are stored in bond at LCB Drakelow and insured while in storage at current market value under a policy arranged with Zurich. Full terms of cover are available on request.
- Can I track the value of my wines?
- Yes, WineCap offers access to our online portal, where you can view live valuations of your portfolio at any time. Our tools allow you to track market trends and the performance of your wines in real-time.
- Do I need to know a lot about wine to invest?
- No prior knowledge is necessary! Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the investment process. Whether you're new to wine investment or already have experience, we offer tailored advice and support to match your goals.
- What if I want to upgrade my plan?
- You can upgrade your plan at any time as your investment goals evolve. Simply contact us to discuss your options, and we’ll ensure you have the right plan to match your budget and objectives.
- Can I sell my wine at any time?
- You can instruct a sale at any time, and our brokerage team will market your wine to trade and private buyers. Fine wine trades on a specialist secondary market, and liquidity varies.
- How do you select the wines for my portfolio?
- Our team of experts uses a combination of market data, historical performance, and industry insights to select wines with the highest potential for appreciation.
- Can I diversify my wine portfolio?
- Yes, diversification is key to mitigating risk. WineCap can help you create a diverse portfolio by selecting wines from different regions, vintages, and producers. This strategy helps spread risk and can increase your chances of strong returns.
- Are there tax implications when investing in wine?
- Wine can qualify as a ‘wasting asset’ for UK capital gains tax purposes, but the treatment is not automatic. HMRC looks at whether a wine has a predictable life of under 50 years, and investment-grade wines built for long ageing may not qualify. While your wine is stored in bond, duty and VAT are suspended. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change; take independent tax advice before relying on any relief.
- Can I withdraw my wines from bonded storage?
- Yes, you can withdraw your wines from bonded storage at any time. However, withdrawing them may trigger duties and taxes, which are typically avoided while the wines remain in bond.
- What happens if I want to cash out my wine investment?
- WineCap can assist in selling your wines when you're ready to cash out. We handle the entire process, from listing your wines to finding a buyer and completing the transaction.
- What type of returns can I expect?
- Returns vary with the wines you hold and when you buy and sell. Fine wine has historically shown lower volatility than equities, but prices fall as well as rise. Returns are not guaranteed, and past performance is not a guide to future results.
- How do I get started with WineCap?
- To start investing with WineCap, simply choose one of our investment plans and create an account. Our team will work with you to build a personalised portfolio based on your budget, investment goals, and preferences.
- Are WineCap and Westgarth Wines associated?
- Yes. WineCap and Westgarth Wines are part of the same group, founded and led by Alexander Westgarth, with each brand serving a different purpose. WineCap is a wine investment business, building and managing portfolios of fine wine bought as an asset and held in bond. Westgarth Wines is a wine merchant business, sourcing wines for collectors buying to drink.