Frequently Asked Questions
Which wines should I buy?
Bordeaux still represents in excess of 90% of the investment market, and we strongly suggest that novices stick to this region. Burgundy, too, is making very loud noises in China of late, so features more commonly in our portfolios. We specialise in Cru Classé Bordeaux and Grand Cru Burgundy.
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not. Our experience and expertise is in identifying and sourcing wines which, in our opinion, have strong investment potential. We will gladly provide you with some suggestions based on your requirements. A little healthy interest in wine never goes amiss, but beware - there's nothing we like talking about more than the dreaded grape juice!
What are the risks?
The rate and increase in value is particular to the specific wine, and some wines go up (or down!) faster than others. Like any traded commodity, wine can go down in value as well as up (as demonstrated with the credit crunch driven fall in the latter part of 2008 and th repeat correction in 2011.) The investment wine market is not regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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Where will my wine be stored?
We will store your wine for you at our own secure bonded warehouse facility within EHD London No.1 Bond in Weybridge, Surrey. Your wine will be identified via a unique ‘rotation’ number. Whilst held in professional storage, your wines are insured at full replacement value.
Can I take delivery of my wine?
Of course, although you will incur excise duty and VAT which cannot be reclaimed upon resale. We would nonetheless recommend keeping the wine in bond for investment purposes, as it will demonstrate to future buyers that the wine has been stored in optimum conditions, and so ensure its appeal to the widest possible market.. Also, there is always the danger you will drink it if you take it home! (this is known as ‘itchy corkscrew syndrome’)
How much do I need to invest?
We do not have a minimum investment level, but the nature of the product dictates that in practical terms entry begins at around £3,000.
How quickly can I sell?
You can sell whenever you like, as the best wines of Bordeaux enjoy a ready secondary market. Whilst there are often impressive short term gains (several of our wines have doubled in value in as little as 12 months) as a rule of thumb though, we would recommend a hold of at least three years.
Is wine really free from Capital Gains Tax?
Generally yes, as the Inland Revenue regard wine as a ‘wasting asset’. However, the rules on this can be complicated and we would recommend consulting a tax expert or financial advisor for clarification.
What are your charges?
We levy a one-off management fee of 15% at the time of purchase which covers you, the customer, for storage, insurance to replacement value, quarterly valuation, ongoing reporting and - most importantly - professional assistance with the sale. We do not charge a commission at sale (for wines originally bought from us).
What happens if you go bust?
Ahem, well - you will hold full title to your wine, so the fortunes (or otherwise) of Albany Portfolio Management have no bearing on your investment. Annual stock reports will be provided and each of your cases will be marked with your name and account number.
Can I view my wine?
We would be delighted to accompany you on a visit to the bonded warehouse. Please provide at least 48 hours notice.
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A FishleighI have been impressed by the advice received from my advisers in Albany Wine who combine a "gently gently" approach with professional fine wine expertise which has been very much appreciated. I would recommend them to other wine investors.
K OlivierI have recommended Albany Portfolio Management to many of my friends and that is testimony in itself as I do not do that lightly. I will continue to highly recommend them as I found them to be honest and hard working with a cutting professional edge sadly lacking elsewhere in the industry
E PrzygrodzkiI was recommended APM by a friend and have now passed on my recommendations to my own friends as the number one company to use if you wish to invest in wine. The company has a sound backing offering the confidence an investor needs.
I McKinnesAll of the APM team are highly professional and knowledgeable without a hint of the hard sell we have encountered elsewhere.
Ian Dodd, SurreyI was utterly thrilled to receive £13,000 into my account this month, having invested £5,175 with Albany less than a year ago.
November 2010
E PrzygrodzkiI have found dealing with APM to be hassle-free, offering time and sound advice to the wine novice which I certainly am. The recent invitation to lunch at Brooklands [APM's storage facility] was a real treat. It is good to be able to put faces to the names of those we are dealing with and very interesting to be able to visit the 'caves' where our wine is stored. It was also rewarding to meet some of the fellow investors. A real cross section of people from all walks of life.
D RicciardiI have always been interested in wine mainly as a drinker, but also interested in its history, so after some very good detail from Albany I invested in Chateau Latour. I received a very nice certificate with all of my details on it and all of the relevant numbers. In that time, 2 years my investment has doubled which I am very pleased about
P AleyIt is always a pleasure dealing with APM. All its staff are very helpful, polite and knowledgeable and offer advice in a balanced manner. It is easy to trade (selling as well as buying!) and James and David are always happy to chat about my portfolio. Customer care is excellent. The latest and best wines are usually available with reasoned advice about why and when to purchase and at competitive prices. Thank you and well done APM!
B GlassI discovered Albany Portfolio through a favourable article in Moneyweek. From the outset the team have been most helpful in advising me in this new area of investment for me. I am regularly kept up to date by regular emails and when there is especially interesting propostion by phone. I am delighted with the performance of the portfolio that I have built up in the last eighteen months and look forward to developing it further.