My first 'wine collection' was in Dubai - three bottles wrapped in a thick towel inside a cupboard. A Stellenbosch which looked angry. A Prosecco I bought on sale by mistake. A Bordeaux I was scared to open. Two of them were mistakes. One became my go-to.
That's how this
works - you learn by drinking, not reading.
But in wine
markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Dubai, the idea of a “personal wine
collection” still carries a whiff of colonial fantasy - something reserved for
retired diplomats and people who say things like “I only drink claret.”
But here’s the
twist: building a collection isn’t about hoarding bottles or chasing prestige.
It’s about knowing what
you like, why you like it, and having a few bottles on hand that make you
feel prepared for any occasion, from date night to meltdown.
Why build a collection at all?
Let’s address
the elephant in the tasting room: can’t you just pop down to the nearest wine
shop when you need a bottle? Of course you can. And you probably will. But
here’s the thing - most wine shops stock what sells, not what sings. If your
palate leans towards a smoky Syrah or a nervy Albariño, chances are you’ll be
met with a wall of Cabernet and a cashier who thinks “dry” means “not fruity.”
A personal
collection gives you control. It’s your curated stash of joy, your liquid
playlist. It lets you explore styles, regions, and moods without relying on the
whims of local inventory. It also gives you bragging rights - because nothing
says “I know what I’m pouring” quite like casually referencing your stock of
South African Chenin Blanc, aged just enough to sound impressive.
Start small,
sip smart
You don’t need 200 bottles. You don’t even need 20. Start with six to
twelve wines that cover a range of moods, styles and occasions.
Begin with the weeknight warriors - affordable, drink-now bottles like a
Sula Sauvignon Blanc or Chilean Merlot. They pair beautifully with whatever’s
left of your ambition after 8 PM.
Add a couple of conversation starters - quirky varietals or unexpected
regions (hello, Thai Shiraz) that make guests pause mid-sip. Then a bubbly for those nights when the guest list includes
both vegans and vintage stamp collectors. And if you’re patient, a red or two
that might actually taste wiser next year.
Buy in pairs - one to drink now, one to save for later. Because wine
changes. That Shiraz that’s jammy today might be balanced and brooding in six
months. It’s the wine equivalent of journaling - except you get to see how both
you and the wine have evolved. And one of you will definitely age better.
Storage: the unsexy truth
Wine is sensitive - it doesn’t like heat, light, or humidity. Which
makes most of Asia about as
wine-friendly as a sauna. But that doesn’t mean you
can’t store your wine and drink it too.
- Find a cool, dark spot: A cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. Not the kitchen.
- Avoid temperature swings: Wine hates drama. Keep it stable - ideally between 12–18°C.
- Humidity matters: Too dry and corks shrink; too humid and labels mould. Aim for
60–70% if you’re fancy. If not, just don’t store it next to your idli steamer.
- Invest in a wine fridge: If you’re serious, this is your best bet. Compact models are
available, and they’re cheaper than therapy.
Buying without bleeding
You don’t need
to bankrupt yourself to build a collection. Here’s how to stay liquid:
- Look beyond France: Great wine comes from everywhere. Portugal, South Africa,
Argentina, or even India’s own Nashik Valley. A Bordeaux will add gravitas
even if it’s not your style.
- Shop online: Many platforms offer curated selections, discounts, and
tasting notes that aren’t written by robots.
- Follow importers and indie
stores: Every city has that one wine shop that
looks half asleep but hides treasures behind the Rioja wall. For instance,
LivingLiquidz (India), Wine Connection (Singapore), African+Eastern
(Dubai), Wine Connection (Thailand).
- Ignore ratings: Your palate doesn’t care what someone else thinks.
Final sip
Building a
collection isn't about having wine. It's about having YOUR wine - bottles you
chose, not bottles the shop pushed. It's knowing that when Friday hits and
you're too tired to decide, you've already decided. Past You was looking out
for Present You. That's not hoarding. That's self-care with a cork.
And if all else
fails, just drink it. You can always start again.
Wine should be enjoyed. Drink responsibly.
Disclaimer: All links provided in this blog are based on my own research and are not paid or sponsored.
