Robyn James, Proprietor,

The Wine Cellar & Tasting Room

241A N.E. Broad St.

Southern Pines, NC  28387

A very common occurrence in a wine retailer’s life is when a customer calls, e mails or visits to inquire about the value of a very old bottle in their possession.  You can see the excitement in their eyes over their treasure they have kept for 20, 30, or maybe even 50 years.  It may be their bottle, or a relative’s that was purchased so long ago at great expense at that time, with the anticipation of drinking it at the perfect time or perhaps the idea of selling it for a large profit.

Sad to say, I am usually the bearer of bad news.  In nearly every instance the wine is no longer fit to dump on a salad.

Aging and collecting wine is a very tricky business.  Many people believe that any red wine will improve with age and gain value.  This is a terrible misconception.  Another is:  this is an expensive wine; it must be aged to reach its potential.

In reality, ageworthy wines comprise just a tiny percentage of the wine available in the market today.  In fact, many of the wineries who, in years past, were known for making ageworthy wines have changed their strategies and procedures for their wines to be consumed earlier.

“Instant gratification” is the buzz word today, and the wine industry is listening.

First understand that wine is a “living beverage”.  It has a lifespan to it, like any food or drink item.  It is much different.