How Do You Start Collecting Fine Wine as a Beginner?


It is easy to be overwhelmed when starting a fine wine collection. One minute, you are gazing at shelves crowded with mysterious labels; the next minute, you are wondering what Grand Cru is. This guide will take you through every process in order to be able to pick, store, and enjoy your very first bottles easily.

Why Fine Wine Matters

A fine wine is no ordinary drink; it is a living history of a place, climate, and the hands that made it. Over time, these flavours change, resulting in a richness more than you expect. To the amateurs, every bottle will be a small history of winemaking to appreciate.

Choosing Your First Bottles 

Exploring Wine Regions

Areas like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Barossa Valley give their own personalities to each glass. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux is structured and aggressive, and the Pinot Noir in Burgundy is all about elegance and delicacy. Australian Shiraz from down under, on the other hand, provides juicy flavours that are ripe and different from Old World classics.

Picking Varieties You’ll Love

Begin with trusted favourites- Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Call in a bottle of sparkling Champagne to celebrate, and a good Riesling to enjoy without any trouble. The diversity in the mix will ensure that there is an assortment to taste.

Understanding Grand Cru and Estate Labels

Grand Cru is a mark of the most acclaimed vineyards in Burgundy, and this has strict rules to maintain the quality. Estate Bottled is a term used to describe the products where the grapes grow, are harvested, and bottled in the same area. These brands are easier to find wines with a proven pedigree.

Storing and Cellaring Your Collection

Creating the Right Environment

It is recommended that it be kept at a stable temperature of 10°C to 14°C and 70% humidity. It is better to store the bottles on their side so that corks remain moist and the smells do not stale. Ensure that you reduce the exposure to light and vibration.

Wine Fridge or Home Cellar?

A wine fridge gives precise control in a small space—perfect for city flats. If you’re serious about ageing, a home cellar pays off in the long run. 

Buying Online and Delivery

The Perks of Online Shopping

An online wine merchant brings the world’s best labels straight to your door. Detailed tasting notes and region insights help you make choices with confidence. Plus, reliable delivery means your bottles arrive safely, whether you’re in Singapore or elsewhere in Asia.

PIVĒNE’s Online Collection 

At PIVĒNE, we’ve handpicked wines from Bordeaux’s storied châteaux, Burgundy’s renowned estates, and Australia’s finest valleys. Our website lets you filter by grape, region, or price, making it easy to tailor your portfolio. Best of all, we offer next-day delivery across Singapore so that you can enjoy your new acquisitions almost immediately.

Building a Balanced Portfolio

Mixing Styles and Regions

Aim to have a lineup of reds, whites, sparkling, and sweet wines. Mix Bordeaux blends, Champagne sparkle, and a cool Moscato. Mix Old World classics with new world treasures of the Barossa and Yarra valleys.

Keeping Track and Rotating Bottles

Have a simple wine journal to take down vintage, region, and tasting notes. Rotate your stash, leave some of the bottles in the cellar, and open other ones. This ensures that there's always something new to your collection to keep up with the excitement.

Tasting and Enjoyment

Choosing the Right Glass

Using the appropriate glassware will surely turn every sip into a small celebration. A Pinot Noir is served in a wide-bowled glass that highlights the aroma, whereas Champagne is served in a white wine glass to maintain all the tiny bubbles of the drink. 

Serving Temperatures Matter

The best flavour is to serve reds between 15°C and 18°C and whites between 8°C and 12 °C. Chill sparkling wines to 6°C and 8°C to keep them exciting. It is important to get the temperatures right so that every bottle presents its strengths.

About Us: Your Wine Merchant in Singapore

PIVĒNE is more than just a shop; we’re your partner on this wine adventure. We obtain authentic fine wines from industry titans like Château Lafite Rothschild and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Our expertise and ease of distribution throughout Asia make us the best pick while serving seasoned collectors. Even for beginners alike, we provide professional advice that can provide tailored collection options.

How We Help You Grow Your Collection

Curated Selection

Our sommeliers visit some of the best areas in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Australia in order to sample and pick wines that correspond with our high standards. That means you can trust every bottle you buy from us.

Exclusive Offers

Look out for our limited-edition releases and seasonal sales. These special deals put grand cru bottles within reach without breaking the bank.

Reliable Delivery

Order by noon and we’ll have your wine ready that very day. Next-day delivery covers all of Singapore, and our specialist couriers ensure climate-controlled transport anywhere in Asia.

Final Tips for Beginners 

Start with approachable labels—think a smooth Rioja or a vintage Champagne. You can also attend our tasting events and experience first-hand. Above all, trust in the process of exploring new regions, grapes, and flavours. When you have PIVĒNE at your side, collecting fine wine is a business that you can make an adventure.