I’m a journalist writing for Forbes about the psychology and practical challenges of letting go of a wine collection. I’m interested in speaking to collectors who have reached the point where they have decided to sell part or all of their cellar – whether because their tastes have changed, they’re downsizing, their family isn’t interested in the collection, or they’ve just realised they have more wine than they can realistically drink.
Is this you? If so, I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re happy to chat but would rather do so anonymously, that’s fine too.
I’d be glad to talk with you. Collector, 64, not sure I am struggling to let go, but my tastes are evolving, so I’m thinning the herd in the cellar as a result. Almost 100% Burgundy. If you contact me 1 on 1 via CT, we can exchange contact info.
I’ve gone from 1,700 bottles down to around 250. I don’t regret it one bit. In fact, the selling of wine became more exciting and a relief than the collecting. So perhaps now I have the opposite issue. 1,700 isn’t massive compared to many, but the decision to reduce is still the same.
I let go of my collection when I moved to another region. As a longtime Industry person I had amassed a lot of wines and honestly they needed to be drank and as one person moving to anew State where wine wasn’t a big deal I knew I wouldn’t have a Crew to enjoy them with…and after all most buyers purchase wine to enjoy with those that appreciate good and interesting wines.
Top Reasons for me: Moving and downsizing my home and not wanting to bring my wine fridge, the wines were mostly 10+ years old and needed to be enjoyed. I personally had cut back how much I was drinking and after selling top Napa Cabs for over 20 years my palate has shifted. I find this is a big reason for my clients to sell their collections as well. The “rip your face off Cabs” are just too much for them as they get older. But at the of the day no regrets! It was so much fun collecting those wines and sharing them with fellow wine lovers.
Thanks everyone for your messages! These are all super helpful. So interesting to hear the different reasons for and challenges with letting go of a cherished wine collection. I’ve now written the piece - would be happy to share it round once it’s published if that would be of interest.