9 Wines Every Collector Needs Before They Skyrocket in Price to Boost Your Wine Cellar Value

Collecting wine is one of those hobbies that can be both fun and smart financially. As certain bottles become harder to find, demand just keeps climbing—and so do prices.

So, if you grab the right wines now, you could really set yourself up for some future wins.

Picking the right bottles before they get expensive is key if you want your collection to grow in value. Focus on quality and rarity, and you’ll end up with a collection that’s both fun to drink and a smart investment.

1) Château Margaux 2015

Add Château Margaux 2015 to your wish list—it’s a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot mixed in. The deep ruby color hints at bold flavors like blackberries, cassis, and a bit of spice.

In 2015, the winery celebrated its 200th anniversary with some new buildings, which makes this vintage extra special. They aged the wine in new French oak barrels, adding layers of complexity.

Critics have given this wine seriously high marks, and collectors think its value will only go up. If you want a bottle that has both quality and a cool backstory, this is it.

2) Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 2018

Looking for something truly elegant? Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 2018 doesn’t disappoint. It’s all about balance and depth, with flavors that seem to evolve every time you taste it.

This wine comes from vines that have been around for about 50 years, which brings extra complexity. Top critics love it and it’s a common recommendation from wine pros.

Expect a rich experience, smooth textures, and a finish that lingers. The price is steep now, but many believe it’s only going higher. If you can snag a bottle, you probably won’t regret it.

3) Château Lafite Rothschild 2016

If you’re after power and elegance, Château Lafite Rothschild 2016 is a strong contender. It’s mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot, so you get rich flavors and a silky finish.

You’ll taste dark berries like black raspberries and blackcurrants, plus hints of lilacs, cloves, and even a little cigar box. The wine stays balanced, with enough acidity to help it age beautifully.

Collectors already chase Lafite Rothschild, and the 2016 vintage sits around $1,000—but many expect it to climb. Owning a bottle means you’ve got something special, whether for sipping or investing.

4) Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

If Napa Valley wines are your thing, don’t skip the 2017 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery almost didn’t release this vintage, so only a handful of magnums exist.

Collectors love its elegant taste and smooth finish, with classic Cabernet notes shining through. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could become even more valuable as time goes on.

Because so few bottles exist, tracking one down isn’t easy. But if you do, it’s a trophy for any collection. The 2017 Screaming Eagle really shows why Napa wines are so sought after.

5) Pétrus 2014

Serious collectors know Pétrus 2014 is a must. It brings together power and elegance, with deep flavors and a texture that’s hard to forget.

You’ll pick up notes of violet, spice, and rose petals. The fruit is bold and seems to grow the longer it sits in your glass.

At about 14.5% alcohol and aged in new oak, it’s full-bodied but stays balanced. This wine will only get better with time, making it a smart long-term play for your cellar.

Pétrus is always rare, and its reputation keeps prices climbing. If you can get a bottle now, you’re ahead of the curve.

6) Opus One 2019

Opus One 2019 is a go-to if you want a wine that’s both elegant and powerful. It’s a Napa Valley classic, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with bold flavors like dark cherries, blackcurrants, and a hint of licorice.

The wine stands out for its silky tannins and bright floral aromas. You might notice mint, lavender, or rose petals, making each sip feel fresh and smooth.

Right now, Opus One 2019 is still pretty affordable, but the buzz says prices will rise soon. Grabbing a bottle now could be a smart move for your collection.

7) Penfolds Grange 2015

Penfolds Grange 2015 is worth a spot in your cellar. This South Australian red is famous for its deep, dark fruit and spicy notes.

The color is a gorgeous deep purple, and you’ll get aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of red meat. It’s dense and full-bodied, with a velvety texture that feels pretty luxurious.

Collectors praise the 2015 vintage for its purity and balance. You can drink it now or let it age—either way, it’s a classic.

8) Masseto Toscana 2017

Masseto Toscana 2017 belongs on any serious collector’s list. The vineyard in Tuscany is famous for top-notch Merlot.

You’ll taste chocolate, oak, and vanilla, thanks to 24 months in barrels and an extra year in the bottle before release.

This vintage has balance and finesse, so it stands out but isn’t intimidating. The price is already around $900, but many see more room to grow.

Owning this wine means you have a piece of Italian winemaking history—pretty cool, right?

9) Vega Sicilia Único 2013

Collectors who want quality and aging potential should look at Vega Sicilia Único 2013. It’s mostly Tempranillo with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate.

The tannins are firm but smooth, giving the wine a silky feel. You’ll also notice mint and star anise in the mix.

The 2013 vintage stands out for its balance and freshness. You can stash this one for years—it’ll keep getting better, probably through 2043.

If you want a red with a strong reputation and investment potential, this bottle is a smart choice.

Why These Wines Are Set to Soar in Value

Some wines just seem destined to get pricier, thanks to a mix of market trends and a few key factors that drive value. If you pay attention to how similar bottles performed in the past and what collectors love, you can spot future winners.

Market Trends and Historical Performance

Wines from big-name regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Napa Valley tend to go up in price. Demand stays high, supply is tight, and after a good vintage, prices often jump—especially when critics rave.

Auction prices also matter. What people pay at auctions helps set the market, so you can use those numbers to decide when to buy or sell. Over the last decade, wines that are both scarce and in demand have outperformed a lot of other investments. Past data is a handy guide for spotting the next big thing.

Factors That Influence Wine Appreciation

Five main factors really move the needle on wine values: producer, scarcity, vintage quality, longevity, and critical acclaim.

• Producer: The best-known wineries always draw more attention.
• Scarcity: Limited production runs make bottles more collectible.
• Vintage Quality: Wines from great years age better and tend to gain more value.
• Longevity: If a wine improves with age, collectors want it.
• Critical Scores: High ratings from respected critics boost both reputation and price.

If you keep these in mind, you’ll have a better shot at picking bottles that look good on your shelf and could make you some money down the road.

Smart Collecting Strategies

When you’re building a wine collection, storage and timing matter more than you might think. Taking care of your bottles helps them keep their value, and buying at the right moment can save you a lot.

How to Store and Protect Your Investment

Start with the right space. Keep your wine in a cool, dark spot with a steady temperature—ideally between 50-59°F (10-15°C). Humidity should hover around 70% to keep corks from drying out.

Keep bottles away from vibrations and direct light. Both can mess with flavor and quality.

Use a wine rack or fridge to store bottles on their sides. This keeps the cork moist and the wine safe.

Label each bottle with the purchase date and vintage. It makes tracking your collection way easier.

Tips for Timing Your Purchases

You can save some cash and get more value if you buy wine at the right moment. I usually look for wines just after they’re released—prices tend to be lower then.

Try shopping during the off-season. Stores often drop their prices in the winter, so that’s a good time to snag deals.

I’d recommend keeping an eye on wine ratings and reviews. High scores usually hint at wines that’ll go up in price.

Don’t get caught up in trends or rush your decisions. Patience helps you find better deals and put together a more balanced collection.

If you can, buy multiple bottles or even a case. Buying in bulk usually brings discounts and gives you enough for aging or maybe selling down the road.