The Green O Credit Stuart Thurlkill

The drive from Missoula is a quick one, winding along the sparkling Blackfoot River and through Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest. Here lies The Green O, the ultra-luxe, all-inclusive, adults-only section of The Resort at Paws Up. (Think of a resort within a resort.) Guests can expect a low-key yet elevated relaxing weekend in the wild. This is not a trip where anyone will need “a vacation from their vacation.” This is a true retreat, designed with the perfect blend of wellness and indulgence and set in the shockingly beautiful backdrop of Big Sky Country. 

Though it’s primed for contemplative serenity and a lovely ladies’ or couples’ getaway, there’s so much to be excited about right now at the Green O. The much-lauded boutique property is currently making waves for a surprising reason. Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham was recently short-listed for a James Beard Foundation Award, aka the Oscars of the restaurant world. As the only Montana chef to ever make it to the finals, he’s transformed a quiet, densely timbered pocket in the western reaches of the state into a five-star, gourmet destination. 

That’s not the only thing noteworthy about the hotel. The Green O impresses right away, as the rooms are actually housed in standalone cottages for the ultimate secluded escape.  Dahlia Swerdloff, travel advisor with Fora Travel, explains, “Each room, called a Haus, is its own unique private dwelling, sophisticated, luxurious and cozy. They are full of light and windows, allowing for a real connection to the outdoors.” It’s an exclusive enclave with only 12 design-forward accommodations on site. [They’re] each spread out so you feel private, but not necessarily alone in the wilderness,” adds Swerdloff. 

With four types of Hauses, there’s something to satisfy every traveler. The two-story Tree Hauses, four total, perch more than 20 feet above the ground and feature two balconies each. Four cozy, curvy Round Hauses rise among swaying pines, and one show-stopping Light Haus resembles a glass pavilion. Finally, there are three Green Hauses, studio-like in layout and tucked into the hillside with more windows than walls. “I stayed in a Green Haus and fell asleep under the stars with the huge glass skylight over my bed,” Swerdloff says. “From my bed, when I awoke, I watched a family of deer passing by my porch through the floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the wilderness.”

Each style of Haus boasts some common themes, with sleek, contemporary lines, reclaimed wood finishes, homey fireplaces (both indoors and out), and private hot tubs. All are designed to bring the outdoors in and blend seamlessly into their forested surrounds with their embrace of dark, rich colorways and natural materials. 

For a look inside one specific room, let’s visit Round Haus 1, a dreamy 918-square foot abode, with sweeping, woodsy views from the expansive living quarters and the circular bedroom. An indoor/outdoor fireplace sweetens the deal, making for a cozy reading station both inside and out. Perhaps the most striking design choice is the wet room-style bathroom, with a massive soaking tub, double showers, separate water closet and huge vanity with double sinks. The complimentary Dyson hairdryer and ring light mirror are nice luxury touches, too. In the sumptuously appointed living room, textured blankets and a plethora of pillows make for an inviting roost. A kitchenette includes a freezer stocked with homemade ice cream sandwiches in flavors like strawberry rhubarb and chocolate peanut butter, a decadent addition. 

From the Hauses, it’s a short trek to the Social Haus, the eatery and hub of The Green O. “It is here where the creative culinary design of Chef Brandon Cunningham is shared by the lucky guests in each Haus. Dinner consists of eight courses, all focused on local ingredients, foraged when possible,” shares travel pro Swerdloff. Even when dining there multiple evenings in a row, visitors won’t ever repeat a dish; the culinary team is hyper aware of guests’ movements and dining plans, so the bespoke menu is planned accordingly. Expect playful, elevated local fare like crudité served in a teeny garden pot, mussels with green garlic, fried cabbage tostones, and Wagyu heated on Montana river rocks. Everything is beautifully plated and served by an attentive but not overbearing staff. 

The in-room breakfast spread at The Green O is delightful, too. Each morning, a large Yeti cooler is delivered, stocked with guests’ preferred coffee concoctions and house-made pastries. A dine-in menu screams seasonality, with choices like huckleberry pancakes and breakfast sandwiches with meat from the ranch. Pro tip: craft your own avocado toast by ordering the avocado and aleppo with the sourdough bread; it’s divine. Alternatively, guests can opt to eat at the Social Haus, where hearty eggs-in-a-basket or inventive cereal bars (eclairs topped with freeze dried berries, cacao nibs, edible flowers and ruby chocolate glaze) await. The space is actually open all day, offering homemade takeaway pizzas for a more casual dining option, or fancy snacks and beverages for a bite in. “It was hard to resist a midday snack of homemade chips and caviar dip or fresh cut truffle fries with a hand-crafted cocktail,” explains Swerdloff. “Or, the main village at Paws up is only about a mile away depending on your path, and there you will find Pomp, Trough and Tank, a few of the restaurants on Paws Up that are also available to you as a guest at Green O,” the travel advisor adds. Another thoughtful perk of The Green O is the use of complimentary Lexus SUVs during your stay. This allows for easy movement between the property and the larger Resort at Paws Up, making those additional dining options attractive and simple to access. 

In addition to its celebrated culinary program, The Green O offers a mix of typical outdoorsy activities and some super-creative endeavors. Alongside a traditional horse program at Montana’s largest private equestrian center, there’s an aerial adventure park, shooting club and expansive kids club, just some of the 70 activities on offer. On the quirkier side, guests can experience cow croquet (which was invented on property), skijoring (horse-pulled skiing), and so much more. Swerdloff says, “Each season offers many new activities, whether you are fly fishing in the summer, roasting marshmallows over a fire after a winter hike or seeing some of the 8,000-acre property on an ATV in any season.” 

Perhaps the most iconic way to while the day away on the resort’s 37,000 acres is a visit to Spa Town. Featured in “150 Spas You Need to Visit Before You Die” by Devorah Lev-Tov, this dreamy spa is the luxury glamping take on a traditional spa. Elevated, tented wooden platforms, with expansive views of the fields and rolling hills beyond, serve as treatment rooms. A greenhouse-esque glass enclosure makes for a stunning yoga studio and group class space. There, consider enjoying a private morning sound bath, a relaxing and meditative way to start any day on property. For a beautiful weekend in the Montana wilderness, it’s clear The Green O is well worth the trip. 

Thegreeno.com

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Wonderful vineyards surrounding old Vela Glavica hill at the town of Lumbarda on Korcula island, Croatia with St. Rocco church rising above stone houses during summer sunset

Colloquially dubbed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, Croatia is a longtime celebrated European destination. This Balkan gem is touted for its mild Mediterranean climate and its UNESCO-designated Old City perched on pristine, azure waters. (As you stroll through Dubrovnik, the Game of Thrones theme song might start drifting through your head, as many of the famed King’s Landing scenes were filmed in the city.)

With so much going on in the area, its robust wine scene manages to float under the radar. In fact, Dubrovnik’s wine tourism offerings have blossomed in recent years, though they remain an underrated aspect of its appeal. “With significant investments in tasting rooms and facilities, especially by local winemakers, Dubrovnik’s wineries are now more welcoming than ever to wine enthusiasts, especially visitors from the U.S., seeking to discover Croatian wines,” Denis Jazvin, head sommelier at Adriatic Luxury Hotels, explains.

Croatian viticulture has roots as far back as 2,500 years, so let’s dig into this venerable wine region that still feels like a hidden discovery.

Korta Katarina

Croatian Wine 101

On the whole, Croatia has 1,700 registered wine producers with 33,000 hectares (roughly 82,000 acres) of grapes planted throughout the country. Nearly half of these viticulture areas can be found in the continental region and half in the coastal region (where Dubrovnik is located). More than 200 varietals are successfully being cultivated, including 60 indigenous varietals.

“Dubrovnik, part of Croatia’s renowned South Dalmatia wine region, is celebrated for its distinctive, high-quality wines,” says Jazvin. “Croatian wine, more broadly, has a rich heritage, with winemakers taking pride in cultivating unique varieties. Dubrovnik itself, surrounded by scenic vineyards and coastal views, highlights these native grapes—such as Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Malvasija Dubrovačka,” he adds. These are the three most iconic varietals produced in South Dalmatia.

According to Mirena Bagur, founder of Croatian Premium Wine Imports, an online wine shop, “Plavac Mali has been proven by UC Davis [to be] a descendant of Zinfandel. . .this wine is typically a dark ruby color and pairs great with grilled red meats or mushroom risotto.” The other two are white wines—Pošip, which originated on the island of Korčula and is now grown throughout Dalmatia, and also Malvasija Dubrovačka, a rare version of Malvasia.” The latter has been famously served as welcome wine for diplomatic visitors to Dubrovnik throughout the centuries. “The Dubrovnik Mayor Franković is still honoring that tradition,” she explains. “These wines are produced in several styles [and] pair well with seafood overall, particularly with locally farmed oysters in Mali Ston.”

Now that we understand the basics of Dalmatian wine, it’s time to plan a visit. Dubrovnik is a wildly popular destination during the summer months, but Jazvin suggests a springtime trip. “Spring (late April to May) is ideal. During this time, fresh white wines are released, allowing visitors to enjoy crisp, new releases, while aged reds continue to develop in the cellars, adding a unique dimension to the experience,” he shares. Bagur agrees. “For wine lovers visiting Dubrovnik, the best time to visit is Spring. The weather is beautiful and perfect for walking the Old City and vineyards. Also, winemakers have time then to devote [themselves] to visitors and proudly share their experiences in cellars and stories about winemaking, attention that is harder to get in the Fall due to harvest,” she adds.

Get ready to enjoy three lovely days in Dubrovnik with our ultimate luxury wine-focused itinerary.

Hotel Belleveu Dubrovnik

Day 1: Wine in the City

A museum of wine? Yes, please. Kristin Vuković, travel writer and author of the novel The Cheesemaker’s Daughter, set on Croatia’s island of Pag, shares, “Just outside Pile Gate, the newly-opened Dubrovnik Wine Museum—housed in an 18th-century aristocrat’s summer residence—offers an education in Dalmatia’s native varieties and winemaking history.” Afterwards, Vuković suggests indulging in a glass or two on their panoramic terrace overlooking the Old Town. For a guided tasting, “an old favorite of mine is D’vino, a casual wine bar on a cobblestone side street that pours more than 50 Croatian wines by the glass,” she says. Try the owner led offering, called “The One with Da Boss,” for the best experience. Pro tip: Don’t forget to sip, swirl and spit, because there’s many more wine bars to experience throughout the area.

M’Arden

“Last time I was in Dubrovnik I became smitten with M’Arden (derived from “Mediterranean garden”), a new wine bar on a hidden terrace in Dubrovnik’s Old Town,” Vuković notes. “To get there, you walk up cobblestone steps and through a green door with an Apartman sign, passing a few courtyard apartments. This tucked-away oasis with views of the Old Town’s medieval stone walls is truly magical. They serve indigenous Croatian grape varieties and natural wines in a chill setting, plus small-plate Dalmatian specialties,” she expands. “Outside the Old Town, don’t miss Fratellos Prosecco Bar, with its sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea,” the travel pro states. Sommelier Jazvin also suggests Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik Wine Bar and Bakus Wine Bar, noting their excellent portfolio of local wines and wine tasting flights.

Fratellos Prosseco Bar

After imbibing, lean into luxury on your first evening with a fancy dinner out at the only Michelin-starred spot in Dubrovnik, Restaurant 360. Homegrown chef Marijo Curić expertly combines local ingredients with Asian techniques, showcasing the flavors of Dalmatia on two distinct tasting menus. The wine list strongly favors Croatian labels, so add on a wine pairing to sample even more wine from the region and beyond. This popular spot is also celebrated for its iconic view of the old harbor. As with many Michelin eateries, snag a reservation well ahead of time to make sure you can get in.

Day 2: Vineyard Visit and Cavtat Evening

Getting out of the city to see where the grapes are grown is the ideal way to spend your second day in the Dubrovnik region. Head to the Konavle region, about a 30-minute trip, to get started. According to Jazvin, at Adriatic Luxury Hotels, “concierges can arrange private tours of the best wineries, such as Crvik in Konavle. These guided experiences allow guests to explore the winemaking process firsthand, taste premium wines directly from the source, and understand the rich history behind Croatian culture,” he says. Don’t try to visit more than two or three wineries in a day, though, as it’s best to slowly learn, enjoy and hang with the winemakers instead of rushing around. Beyond Crvik, Jazvin also suggests checking out Karaman, one of the best-known wineries in the area. Try their signature wine, Malvasia of Dubrovnik, as well as Prošek, a traditional sweet wine of Dalmatia. Another great stop, if time allows, is Dubrovnik Cellars Winery (Dubrovački podrumi), a favorite of sommelier Jazvin.

After a day of tasting, head to the charming seaside enclave of Cavtat, a pretty small town backdrop for additional wine exploration and dinner. Begin with a guided wine tasting at Hotel Supetar Cavtat Wine Bar. Choose from a full tasting of six wines or an abbreviated flight of three, all from Croatia. The wine tasting experience includes pairings with local cheeses like smoked cheese with fig jam, cow cheese stuffed with sweet chili peppers, and olive oil marinated sheep’s cheese with local olives. Then, head outside to the terrace at the Hotel Supetar Cavtat Restaurant to dine al fresco with Adriatic views. Try the roasted duck breast with sweet potato puree and the whitefish filet with local olive oil; both are signature dishes at this superb eatery.

Winery Krajančić

Dejanhren Rivica

Bonus: If you have extra time in the area, consider an additional winery day later on in your trip. Jazvin recommends the island of Korčula, which is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour trip up the coast from Dubrovnik. Remember, Pošip, one of the region’s iconic varietals, is native to this island. A unique and important grape, Pošip was also one of the first white wine varieties to be protected by Croatian law. Be sure to try Grk here too, another beloved local wine. The sommelier’s favorite spots in this area include Cebalo, Black Island Winery, Bire Winery, Zure and Winery Krajančić.

Day 3: Oyster Day Trip and More Vines

For your third day, head north for an oyster experience in the Bay of Mali Ston. Visitors can expect a scenic boat ride to a floating oyster farm, plus a tasting of fresh oysters and steamed mussels. Organize your tour with Bota Šare or Mali Ston Oysters. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience where you can taste oysters you pulled yourself from the sea. People in the area are known to simply pour some Pošip into the oyster as its mignonette,” explains Mirena Bagur of Croatian Premium Wine Imports. Be sure to try the local grappa, too. Živjeli!

Korta Katarina

Since you’re already out of the city, “don’t miss seeing Pelješac peninsula’s dramatic vineyards just an hour north of Dubrovnik, where you can also visit spectacular wineries,” says Vuković. “Some of my favorites are Saints Hills, Korta Katarina, Grgić Vina, Miloš. . .I could go on and on.” Book any winery visits in advance. Or, if you’re looking for an organized wine tour, “you can’t go wrong with the Dubrovnik-born wine expert Bozidar Jukic, who takes Croatian wine education to the next level,” Vuković opines.

Head back to the city for your final meal (and nightcap). There’s truly no better way to end any Dubrovnik trip than a dining experience at Nautika. Be sure to get a reservation ahead of time for this beautiful restaurant perched above the sea; its terrace boasts the best views in town. Dishes like Beef Charolais Carpaccio, Adriatic Soup with mussels and white fish, and Tortellini with Black Istrian truffles are sure to delight. Plus, their massive wine list, featuring many local picks, is expertly curated—a divine ending to a wine lover’s trip to the Dalmatian Coast.

Nautika

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Written by Katy Spratte Joyce

The City of Music, the City of Dreams, the City of. . .Wine (or wein as it is called in Austria)? Vienna is a celebrated capital of culture, but its quietly flourishing wine scene feels like a fresh new facet to love. “We are living in a metropolis with urban wine growing within the city limits. That’s unique and there is no other city in the world with this size of serious winemaking in the city,” Caroline Derler, a local wine specialist and custom wine tour operator in Vienna, explains.

Comparable to the world’s other great wine regions, Vienna boasts a small but growing footprint, similar in size to the Italian Barbaresco wine region in Piedmont. “Around 170 wineries are making wine in Vienna,” notes Derler. This dynamic wine scene features mostly small, family-owned wineries, plus a group of five bigger wineries called WienWein. “There is a generational change going on, and a lot of daughters and sons are taking over their family wineries and are heading into a bright future of winemaking in the city,” she adds. Roughly half of Vienna’s 700 hectares (1,680 acres) of vineyards are already certified organic, too. Wine pro Derler elaborates, “A few wineries are also working along biodynamic principles and are heading towards being regenerative organic certified.”

More than 80 percent of the grape varieties in Vienna’s vineyards are white. The top variety is the traditional Wiener (Viennese) Gemischter Satz DAC, a field blend that translates to “Viennese mixed planting.” “More than half of the vineyards are planted with Gemischter Satz,” Caroline Derler says. “Most people have never heard of the term field blend, [as] it’s rarely written on the wine labels, but around 100 years ago, it was the main way wines were planted in the vineyards.” The diversity of the grapes used helps protect quality and guard against a poor harvest; wine has been crafted for centuries using this method in Vienna, and it’s resurgent now. Essentially, it can come from up to 20 different varieties. Some of the most planted varieties in the Gemischter Satz vineyards are Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Traminer, Neuburger, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. “The grapes must come from a vineyard in Vienna interplanted with at least three white quality varieties that are then harvested and vinified [pressed] together,” she explains. “The greatest proportion of any one grape must not be higher than 50 percent, and the third largest proportion must be at least 10 percent,” the wine expert adds.

Without a doubt, Wiener Gemischter Satz is the most planted, iconic wine in Vienna, and it’s also becoming known internationally. “After Gemischter Satz, there is, of course, the Austrian main variety Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and also Weißburgunder and a bit of Chardonnay [is] popular,” Derler says. “The number one in reds is Zweigelt, followed by Pinot Noir and some Merlot, but the amount of red wine is very small. We’re definitely a white wine city,” she notes.

Now that we know the basics of Viennese wine, it’s time to plan a visit. Though Austria’s illustrious capital city makes for an enchanting getaway any time of year, an autumnal trip to coincide with harvest (September/October timeframe) offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy special events and the energy of crush. Derler shares that the city comes alive with “the colors of the vines and seeing the grapes hanging on the vines with busy tractors in the vineyards harvesting . . . you [can] feel and experience wine agriculture in the city.” Enjoy a perfect three days with the ultimate luxury wine itinerary for Vienna, Austria.

Day 1: Cellar Tours and Michelin Meals

Start with a tour of the fanciest cellar in Vienna in the 16th-century digs of the Palais Coburg. The Wine Archive and cellar are broken into six distinct rooms and feature 60,000 bottles. Primarily known for its collection of rare and precious wines, this is one of the best stocked cellars on the planet. Custom tours and tastings are available. Visitors can also experience a 90-minute fixed guided tour, including a tasting of five wines, on the second Thursday of each month. More into sparkling wines? Four tour options are available at Schlumberger Sparkling Wine Cellar, including a rosé tour. If you’d like to see inside private cellars, consider the two-hour “Hidden Cellars” tour from Wien Malanders. Enjoy three Viennese wines in three distinct cellars over this two-hour exploration of the city’s wine history. Tours are generally available on Fridays and Saturdays at 3:00 pm.

For your first dinner in Vienna, consider a few options from the Michelin Guide, the ultimate international restaurant A-list. Enjoy a casual, creative atmosphere at one star Pramerl & the Wolf, a former pub turned eatery in the 9th district. Steirereck, a two-star spot, features contemporary takes on classic Austrian cuisine and boasts a famous bread and cheese cart. Or, stay close to the cellar at Palais Coburg to indulge in a meal at two-star Silvio Nickol, which has an extensive wine list and gorgeous interior.

Day 2: All About Vineyards

For a deeper dive into Viennese wines on your second day, plan to spend a half day with local expert Caroline Derler (Carolinederler.com). Her most popular offering is a wine tour with some time to walk among the vines and enter the vineyards. “A lot of wine lovers want to have an active part in the tour and want to see where the wine is grown,“ she says. “The Viennese vineyards are within the city limits and therefore very easy to reach. By taxi or even with public transport, they’re very accessible.” The wine-growing areas are super picturesque and showcase the best views in the city. “I think every visitor should see the city with the perspective from the vineyards, looking over the Nussberg, Kahlenberg or Cobenzl [areas]. It totally changes your image of Vienna,” Derler declares. Custom tours are also available, which can be perfectly tailored to the guests’ interests. Pro tip: Remember that vineyards are generally closed on Sundays since they remain mostly family-owned. “So I suggest planning to visit a winery during the week until Saturday,” she adds.

After a day in the hilly Viennese wine regions, a more low-key dinner is just the ticket. “If you would like it more casual, I suggest dinner at Resniček, a wonderful Viennese Wirtshaus with a stunning wine list,” Derler says. For another Michelin moment, Weibel’s Wirtshaus is an excellent option for this type of rustic, approachable cuisine.

Day 3: Special Events and Wine in the World

Another ideal way to experience Vienna’s wine scene is by visiting wine bars and wine shops. Derler shares her lists for the best spots. For wine bars with natural wine focus, try Vinifero, Cafe Kandl, R&BAR and O Boufes. For bars with more than natural wines, consider Champagne Characters, MAST Weinbistro and Heunisch & Erben. To stock up on your favorites, check out Vinodea, a wine shop featuring female makers only. Wein & Co, a wine bar and shop all in one, are spread around the city, too, with multiple locations. Pub Klemo is another good shop pick.

A key reason to plan a harvest time visit is to enjoy Wine Hiking Day, a once-a-year treat that coincides with the season. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a special day where the vineyards are open, and there are four planned hiking routes through the wine areas. Derler expands, “The wine hiking day is spectacular. Everybody is in a good mood, hiking in the vineyards.” As a local she tends to avoid the busiest spots. “I love to hike around the Bisamberg and the beautiful cellar street of Stammersdorf,” she adds. Wine Hiking Day is actually a weekend, set for September 28th and 29th of 2024, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For a memorable final dinner, there’s no better spot than Juan Amador, Vienna’s first three-starred Michelin spot. “I would suggest having dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Juan Amador, because it’s in a wine cellar and while having dinner you have a great view of the barrels,” Derler says. The wine list includes a great variety of Viennese wines, including older vintages. A divine meal at Amador is the perfect cherry on top of a Vienna wine weekend.

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What You Should Know, Wines to Consider

Sip, sip, hooray. The market for fine wine as an investment option has soared in the last decade, with prices rising an astonishing 149 percent over that span, according to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, which monitors the annual returns on collectibles (like cars, wine, and jewelry).

“Rare wine is one of the two most popular alternative investments, along with art, in top American households,” shares Dave Parker, founder and CEO of ​​Benchmark Wine Group, a leading source of fine and rare wines worldwide. “The reasons are clear. It has stood the test of time, appreciating well over the years, doing so in cycles that are often independent of other markets, providing good diversification of an investment portfolio. Being an avid wine collector gave me perspective into the various collectible wines of the world, the available sources, and the changing landscape of the hobby as it steadily grew into a true investable category,” Parker explains.

What Investors Should Know
“For investments, I stick to three rules: provenance, original packaging and storage,” says Michael Kennedy, sommelier, winemaker and founder of Fraîche Wine Group. Ideally, investors should buy directly from the domaine, shipped by air and temperature-controlled, in the”original wooden case” (OWC), and stored in a temperature-controlled cellar. “If you keep these three rules intact, it greatly increases the value and salability of your wines,” he expands.

Parker says, “First and foremost, they need to understand what wines they like and what collectible wines fall into that category.” The best way to determine what wines can be deemed collectible is to refer to a secondary valuation reporting site like the Wine Market Journal. This action allows for a quick overview of wines traded at auction and at rare wine retailers, plus details about how their value has changed over time. “Collectors also need to know where to source pristine, collection-worthy products at efficient prices and where they will store what they buy,” he concludes.

The Best Regions for Fine Wine Investments
According to Kennedy, the most collectible wines tend to come primarily from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and Napa Valley. “Of course, some great wines from Rhône, Loire, Germany, Italy, etc., could be included in any great collection, but those four regions are the most widely collected and highly valued,” the wine expert says. Straying from these four regions creates more risk in the consistency of value and trends. “Within the classic four, staying with the top producers provides more security.”

Parker expands, “While top Bordeaux had long been the most invested-in wine, more recently, top Burgundies, Champagnes, and California wines have joined and have, in many cases, appreciated more.” He suggests starting within your own personal price range. “If you’re uncomfortable paying more than, say, $100 per bottle, start there. There are good collectible wines from regions such as the Rhone, Tuscany, Piedmont, Priorat, Ribera, Rioja and Washington State that have joined the collectible cadre in roughly that price range, and a great many have appreciated substantially,” explains Parker. Exploring your preferences is another great starting point. For example, if you enjoy sweeter wines, Sauternes and ports are a couple of classic collectible choices. “They keep well, and they are very affordable for the amount of bottle age you can get,” he says. “That way, even if a wine you select doesn’t appreciate in value, if you buy what you know and like, you can always drink and enjoy it.”

Where to Source Fine Wines
Beyond specific regions, it’s helpful to know where to find wines as an investment tool. It’s critical to buy from a trusted source. Kennedy shares, “Experience and reputation are key—finding people you trust is everything.” Though many places sell the world’s top wines, only a few are entirely without blemish. With the rise in counterfeited wines, gray market wines and poor storage, it’s something to be aware of. “Some of my favorites are Hart Davis Hart in Chicago for auctions and local retailers that bring in the wines directly from the domaines. In Napa Valley, purchasing directly from the estate is the absolute best practice,” he says.

Over Benchmark’s twenty-plus years in this industry, they’ve developed a method to ensure the highest quality product. Parker explains, “We look closely at the product sources. If the source bought the product directly on release, has stored it fastidiously and has retained the original purchase records, they get strong consideration.” This is known as checking for provenance or authenticating the wine based on the record of ownership. Then, every bottle is hand-inspected. To be considered “investment grade,” the wine must be in pristine condition and come in the original case.

Buying for Special Occasions and Gifts
“Those just getting started with collecting should add high-quality wines for special occasions and gifts that won’t break the bank but will still be suitable for these events,” Parker says. To that end, most people work toward building a balanced cellar with a few Bordeaux, upper-end Napa Cabernets, whites, Champagnes and Pinot Noir-based wines, as well as a few Italians and a smattering of unusual wines. “Moderately priced, always-good Bordeaux include Gloria and Lynch Bages. Good Cabernets in this range include Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Ridge Vineyards, and Caymus,” he adds. Some excellent, readily available but not-too-expensive whites include Stony Hill Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse. Plus, Parker looks to Non-Vintage Brut and Rose Champagnes from respected producers like Louis Roederer and Taittinger for affordable Champagne. “You can trust Rochioli Vineyards from Sonoma and Domaine Drouhin to show what the new world can do with Pinot Noir,” Parker expands. “I like to pour Joseph Drouhin Cotes de Nuit Village alongside to compare and contrast. From Italy, I like to have some mid-priced Barbaresco and Tuscans on hand from Produtorri del Barbaresco,” he says.

Wines for Serious Collectors
“For the serious collector looking to age wine for long periods and have impressive bottles for very special events with top collectors, and perhaps as investments, you can take that same breadth rule and select from the top of the market,” explains Parker, “[like] having some first and second-growth Bordeaux.” In this vein, according to Parker, Château Margaux, Haut Brion, Leoville Las Cases, and Palmer are all great choices, and Lafite Rothschild is the most widely known. Next, look for Grand Cru and Premier Cru Burgundy, like Louis Latour and Domaine Leflaive, some well-respected, non-bank-breaking choices. On the other hand, Ramonet, Roumier, Lafon, and Dujac turn heads if you’re looking to splash out.

“Upper-end Champagnes that are both respectable and non-bank breaking include Delamotte (the second Champagne of Salon) and Philipponnat (my favorite being the Clos des Goisses),” expands Parker. He also suggests having a few rosé Champagnes in your cellar, too. “They make especially impressive gifts and special occasion wines and are the universal food-friendly wine,” he says. A great pick from this category is Cristal Rosé.

On the Italian side, top-end choices should include Super Tuscans like Tignanello, Ornellaia, Solaia, Sassicaia, and Massetto, according to Parker. “In Piedmont, it’s Giacosa, Conterno and Gaja.” There’s more to love from Italy, too, like must-have Brunellos Soldera and Biondi Santi and Chiantis such as Le Pergole Torte and Fontodi.

“Add in Chave from the Rhone, Alvaro Palacios & Vega Sicilia from Spain, and Penfolds Grange from Australia and you have a good start on a world-class cellar,” Parker says. Finally, find a few half bottles of d’Yquem and some well-aged vintage ports from Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca to “wow” people who don’t think they like dessert wine,” Parker adds.

Additionally, Kennedy has a couple of rare picks to suggest for building a stellar cellar. First, the 1990 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Cuvée Cathelin. “This is one of the great rare wines of the world, from my favorite producer in the Rhône. . .perhaps Syrah at its finest,” he says. Another favorite is Domaine d’Auvenay Criots Bâtard Montrachet, “in the argument for greatest Chardonnay on Earth,” Kennedy explains. “A wine I will certainly never buy, but if someone opened it for me, I’d be thrilled, as [it’s] impossible to acquire for less than tens of thousands,” he adds.

Experts’ Personal Favorites
Still not sure where to start? We asked Kennedy and Parker for their personal favorite bottles from their own private collections. “I’m crazy about 00 Wines from Oregon, some interesting older vintages of Rioja such as Tondonia, Priorat like Clos Mogador and Barolo from Prunotto and Borgogno,” Parker shares. “I dream about the next opportunity to drink DRC La Tache and Guigal La Turque,” he adds. For Kennedy, his choices stick closer to home. “The 2014 Component Cabernet Franc Napa Valley—the first bottle of wine we ever made. It is my most dear possession by far,” he says. Another pick is Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos du Château 2016 in Magnum, “one of my favorite expressions of Pinot Noir from a winery that I rarely have the opportunity to enjoy,” he adds.

Proper Storage and Handling
Once you find and procure investment wine, whether directly from the winery or through a reputable third-party site like Benchmark, it’s vital to store it properly to help ensure it retains and increases in value. It’s also essential to work with a trustworthy or vetted seller so you know they are storing it correctly. “Storage is paramount, so having these wines at a wine-specific storage facility provides a great deal of security and confidence in the sale,” Kennedy adds.

Another critical issue is handling. Parker explains that “transportation needs to be thought through to avoid hot conditions, and storage needs to be under ideal conditions: cool, roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity that is neither too high nor too low, and quiet, dark, conditions.” Additionally, he says to avoid the type of metal racks that can damage wine bottle labels.

Timing of Wine Investing
Wine as an investment isn’t generally a quick turnaround option. “There is no great answer to this, as so much depends on preference, but from an investment standpoint, I recommend a 4-10 year hold,” Kennedy says. Parker concurs, adding, “You should have an investment window of at least seven years to recoup the costs of buying, selling and storing.” But overall, “Investment-grade wine truly is a great liquid asset,” sums up Parker. Cheers, indeed.

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