Why buy fine wine?
On the face of it, fine wine may seem an extravagance. However, consider how much of the price of a bottle is absorbed by transport, distribution and other costs, duties and tax. These account for an estimated 75% of a £4 bottle, but nearer 50% of one costing £12. It stands to reason that every extra pound invested adds excitement, complexity and value in the glass, a point appreciated by Society members, who elect to spend, on average, about £8 on a bottle of wine and more for a special occasion.
Some iconic wines have become so expensive that their rarity value and status symbolism have displaced the wine itself as the main event. We leave these to collectors and investors. Our long-established relations with some of the world's best producers give us access to many treasures, but fine wines, for The Society, are purely for pleasure.