A Study of the Evolution of High-End Wines in Switzerland

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the evolution of fine wine prices over the period 2000-2010 on the Swiss market. We first estimate a fine wine index with several sub-indices (e.g. Bordeaux index, First growth index) using hand-collected hammer prices from Steinfels – the leading wine auction house in Switzerland. We then study the evolution of these wine indices. Not surprisingly, we find that high-end wines have achieved impressive returns over the last decade, with first growths from the Médoc being the very best performers. They have significantly outperformed Swiss stocks whilst maintaining a weak correlation with traditional asset classes like equities and bonds. These results confirm previous evidence that fine wine can be considered as an appealing alternative investment vehicle.

Keywords: wine, alternative assets, portfolio diversification, risk

JEL Classification: G11, G19, N50, Q14