Building a wine collection is an ever-expanding journey of discovery and new experiences in the world of wine. From the moment you acquire your first bottle to the thrill of discovering hidden gems, each new addition tells a story of a particular time and place. Whether you’re a seasoned wine collector or interested in starting out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to curating a personal wine collection to bring a lifetime of enjoyment through exceptional wine.
Starting a wine collection might be something you’ve thought about before. It may well be that you’re holding on to a few bottles for a special occasion. If so, congratulations: you’ve already started your wine collection journey.Â
The first and most important step is to get to know your palate – it’s as simple as that. You can work your way out from there. One of the great pleasures of collecting wine is the thrill of exploration and discovery. So start where you are, and build from there.Â
Many people find a wine they like and are happy to stick within their tastes. What sets the wine collector apart is an adventurous palate, a curious mind and some kind of emotional connection with the wines they buy.Â
Old vintages, esoteric gems, experimental producers and exciting new regions: if these things light a fire in you, the chances are that you’re a wine collector at heart!
Tour and Taste at Ridgeview
There are brilliant collectible wines from just about every major wine-producing region. Whether you’re a fan of English sparkling wine or German Riesling, Rioja or Argentinian Malbec, make that your starting point and commit to premiumising.Â
What do we mean by premiumising? In simplest terms, it’s about buying better and drinking less (not a bad New Year’s resolution in itself!). Ageworthy wines, which should of course be a staple of your wine collection, seldom come in at less than £20 a bottle, with rare vintage wines typically costing significantly more.Â
So in order to kickstart your wine collection, you will need to invest up front, buying wines to lay down and drink in future years. The commitment to drinking less comes in the knowledge that you’re saving each bottle until it’s at its peak, which may not be for a decade or more. Patience, self-discipline and the thrill of anticipation are hallmark traits of any good wine collector.Â
This isn’t to say that your entire collection is walled off for the future. A good wine cellar is a mix of premium wines to age and young wines ready to be drunk when the moment takes you.
There’s a personal narrative that runs through each unique wine collection and every bottle holds the potential to evoke memories, spark conversation and elevate moments of celebration. As your collection builds, so does the anticipation of opening each bottle and the delights to be discovered inside.
We recommend turning to local producers and artisan wine merchants to try out unique wines for your collection. If you’re local to us or visiting the area, pop into our friends at Butlers Wine Cellar. Independent, family-run wine merchants in Brighton, they are known for their exciting collection, curated from creative, inspired and innovative producers. Here at Ridgeview, we welcome visitors to our tasting room to sample our Signature and Limited Edition wines.
For something more special, our award-winning wine club, OurView, is a hidden gem. Awarded Decanter’s UK Winery Wine Club of the Year in 2023, OurView members enjoy access to rare Ridgeview bottlings, from historic archive wines to a new Winemaker’s Creation series, made exclusively for members.
Become a Member
There are other great reasons for fledgling wine collectors to become Ridgeview wine club members. The exclusive member wines come as part of two yearly mixed cases, which also feature a selection of vintage and non-vintage Ridgeview wines, including first-access to new releases. These wines can help you augment your collection with some of England’s finest sparkling wines.
We also invite OurView members to exclusive tasting events, where you can sample Ridgeview wines through the ages and buy more of your favourites at the best possible price, thanks to your 20% member discount. Wine club membership unlocks a host of unique benefits – from a complimentary tour and tasting voucher for two and generous discounts from partner brands to dining discounts at our estate restaurant, The Rows & Vine.
Discover rare vintages and esoteric English sparkling wines to build your unique wine collection.
Tour our beautiful estate in the Sussex countryside and try a selection of our award-winning English sparkling wines. And, there is no better way to round off your experience than a visit to our restaurant, The Rows & Vine.
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