9 Wines to Collect: Building Your Dream Cellar in Singapore

You’ve always dreamed of having your own wine cellar stocked with prized bottles from legendary vintages. It gets even better if you’re living in Singapore — this cosmopolitan city is a paradise for oenophiles looking to start a collection. But with so many options, where do you begin?

Do not fear! We’ve researched comprehensively to provide you with the inside scoop on the types of wines to collect in Singapore’s climate. From age-worthy reds to vintage Champagne and dessert wines, you’ll learn which bottles have what it takes to create a wine collection worthy of envy. You will also learn how Storefriendly’s wine storage solution can help your wine age more gracefully!

Top 5 Red Wines Every Collector Should Have

Building a wine collection is a lifelong passion for any oenophile. To make this passion worthwhile, there are certain bottles of reds that simply must grace your cellar, and they include:

1. Bordeaux

No collection is complete without the king of wines: Bordeaux. Look for wines from the left bank, like Chateau Lafite Rothschild or Chateau Margaux, made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These wines can age for decades. On the right bank, a bottle of Chateau Petrus, made from Merlot, is the holy grail for any collector.

2. Barolo and Barbaresco

From Piedmont in Italy, the Nebbiolo-based Barolo and Barbaresco are complex, full-bodied wines that evolve beautifully over time. With aromas of rose petals and truffles, these wines deserve the title; “the wine of kings, the king of wines.”

3. Rhone Wines

Don’t overlook the Rhone Valley in France. A bottle of Hermitage or Chateauneuf-du-Pape brings the depth and spiciness of Syrah to your collection. These wines are perfect for hearty stews and game meats.

4. Rioja

An avid wine collector would be remiss not to have a Rioja from Spain. Look for Gran Reserva, which indicates that the wine has been aged for a minimum of 5 years before release. Made from Tempranillo, these wines offer flavours of spice and dried cherries.

5. Napa Valley Cabernet

Finally, consider a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. These bold, fruit-forward wines have a steadily growing reputation. Cult wines like Screaming Eagle or Harlan Estate would be the ultimate prize in any collection. For most collectors, a bottle from a well-known producer like Joseph Phelps, Silver Oak, or Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars would make a fine addition.

A good knowledge of the major world wines brings you one step closer to building a world-class wine cellar. But your wine collection would still be lacking without the addition of some white wines — you want to have the best of both worlds in your coveted cellar!

4 Impressive White Wines to Add to Your Cellar

As a wine collector in Singapore, having some age-worthy white wines in your cellar is a no-brainer! We’re not just talking about the usual Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blanc, though they certainly have their place. Some truly special white wines can develop intriguing flavours over time.

Here are our 4 impressive picks:

1. Elegant Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc from France’s Loire Valley, like a Vouvray or Savennières, is a versatile grape that can produce crisp wines for early drinking or complex, honeyed wines that age beautifully. With notes of apples, nuts and minerals, a well-made Chenin Blanc is a delightful find.

2. Refined Riesling

A German Riesling, especially from the Mosel region, is a classic choice. With vibrant acidity and flavours of citrus, peach, and slate, top Rieslings can age for decades. As it matures, a fine Riesling takes on a nutty, petrol-like aroma and richer mouthfeel while still retaining freshness.

3. Textured Garganega

The Garganega grape produces Soave Classico from Italy’s Veneto region. A premium Soave from a top producer, made mostly from Garganega, has substance and texture that allows for long cellaring. With age, its citrus and almond notes are joined by honey and dried fruit flavours.

4. Age-Worthy Chardonnay

While many Chardonnays are meant for early drinking, those from Burgundy in France, with their minerality and balanced oak, can age beautifully. A premier or grand cru Chardonnay from Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet may gain honey, nut and toasty brioche flavours when aged well.

With the right cellar conditions, these white wines can be enjoyed for years to come. Start collecting, and you’ll have a world of flavours to explore right in your own home. However, there are some key factors to consider to ensure a successful venture into the world of wine collection — more details below!

Important Considerations When Building Your Wine Collection

Building up a wine collection takes time, money, and dedication. Before you start snapping up cases of wine, it’s important to have the following considerations in mind to ensure you end up with a cellar of wines you’ll actually enjoy.

1. Set a budget.

Wine collecting can become an expensive hobby if you let it get out of hand. Decide how much you can afford to spend on wine each month and stick to that budget. Look for reputable yet affordable wines, especially if you’re just starting. Don’t feel pressured to buy super-premium wines right away.

2. Choose wines you like.

Focus on varieties and regions you already enjoy drinking. If you love big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons, collect those. If you prefer a lighter Pinot Noir, stock up on those instead. Buy wines you know you’ll want to drink to avoid ending up with a cellar full of bottles you have no interest in opening.

3. Consider cellaring potential.

For the most rewarding collection, look for wines that can age well. Typically, fuller-bodied reds with good tannin structures like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Malbec and Petite Sirah have excellent cellaring potential. Well-made white wines with good acidity, like Chardonnay and Riesling, can also age beautifully.

Check the bottle for the winemaker’s recommended drinking window to ensure it’ll last for years to come. You can also check in at a wine club to see what others are collecting or check websites like Wine Spectator and Decanter to gain extensive wine knowledge.

4. Diversity your collection.

A collection with a range of varietals, regions, and vintages is ideal. Don’t just load up on one particular type of wine — diversify to provide options for any occasion. As a good rule of thumb, aim for a mix of 30–40% full-bodied reds, 10–20% lighter reds, 10–20% full-bodied whites, and 10–20% crisp, acidic whites. Throw in a few dessert wines and sparkling wine for even more variety.

With the right strategy and patience, you’ll build a wine collection as impressive as any master sommelier’s. Stay within your budget, choose wines you love, and consider cellaring potential and diversity, and your collection will gradually grow into a cellar you can be proud to show off. As your wine collection grows, it’s important to understand how to properly store your bottles. To ensure your wine ages well, it should be stored at the right temperature, humidity, and condition, as we’ll see below.

Protecting Your Wine Investment With Proper Storage

Storage conditions are key to ageing wine properly and ensuring it maintains its quality and flavour over time. As a wine collector in Singapore’s hot and humid climate, investing in a temperature and humidity-controlled unit should be a priority.

Here are some tips to adhere to:

1. Keep it cool.

The ideal temperature range for storing wine is 10–15°C. At higher temperatures, the ageing process accelerates, causing the wine to spoil at a faster rate. Wine stored above 24°C for an extended time may develop a stale, cooked flavour. On the other hand, a refrigerated wine cabinet, wine cellar or wine storage unit set to the proper temperature will keep your collection tasting its best.

2. Maintain optimum humidity.

Humidity levels for wine storage should be kept moderately high, between 65% and 70%. If the humidity is too low, especially below 50%, the cork can dry out and let too much oxygen in, spoiling the wine via an oxidisation process; similarly, high humidity above 90% can lead to mould growth. A humidity control system using a humidifier and dehumidifier helps regulate levels for the best environment.

3. Store in a dark environment.

UV light exposure has damaging effects on wine. As light passes through a bottle, it creates a chemical reaction that can spoil the flavour and aroma compounds in the wine. Keep your collection in a dark room away from any windows, or use a special UV-blocking wine glass or a cabinet to protect it from light damage.

4. Store wines in a vibration-free zone.

Excessive vibration and shaking can disturb the sediment in ageing wine and speed up chemical reactions that damage the wine. Place your collection in a spot away from loud music systems or mechanical equipment that generates vibration. You should consider investing in a dedicated wine storage unit with an anti-vibration system.

By properly controlling these four factors—temperature, humidity, light exposure, and vibration—you’ll provide the perfect environment for your fine wine collection. For further reading, we have detailed guides on storing red wines and storing white wines.

Controlling the storage conditions for your expensive wines may not always be feasible as an individual collector. In such a scenario, we advise storing your wine collection at a wine storage facility to ensure the best result!

Utilising Self-Storage for Your Expanding Wine Collection

As your wine collection grows, you may find yourself running out of space in your home to store all those bottles properly. You might even discover that some of your wines are going bad due to inconsistent room conditions. This is why many wine enthusiasts in Singapore are turning to wine storage facilities to house their cherished collections.

A professional wine storage facility offers the following advantages:

Temperature-Controlled Units

Maintaining consistent temperatures is key for long-term wine storage, ensuring your wines age gracefully over time. Self-storage facilities like Storefriendly’s wine storage have the right equipment to keep temperatures optimum 24/7. What’s more, high-end collectors can utilise our dedicated wine storage vaults.

Security and Monitoring

In addition to temperature control, security is another top priority for wine storage. Wine storage facilities often offer 24-hour video monitoring, restricted access, and individually alarmed units. Some facilities use biometric scanners for entry and have on-site staff during business hours. For valuable collections, you may consider purchasing additional insurance, which most facilities offer.

Convenience and Accessibility

Despite being tucked away in storage, you’ll still want easy access to your collection. Most wine storage facilities allow 24-hour access to your unit so you can inspect or retrieve bottles whenever needed. Some even have secured loading areas where you can open and enjoy a bottle on-site before taking it home.

For serious collectors, self-storage provides the perfect solution for an expanding wine cellar. These facilities prioritise temperature, security, and convenience, giving you the confidence that your collection will be well protected until the next tasting or special occasion. Above all, the cost of wine storage facilities is a small price to pay to prevent your expensive wine from spoiling due to improper storage. Protect your collection today — request a quote from Storefriendly now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wine worth collecting?

Yes! Wine collecting is a rewarding hobby that grows richer over time. By cellaring wines, you give them a chance to mature, enhancing their complexity and taste. This patience allows you to enjoy aged wines at their peak rather than settling for a younger vintage wine. Plus, there’s a certain joy in curating a personal collection that reflects your tastes and experiences.

Which wine is best for collection?

The best wine for collection depends on its ageing potential. Age-worthy wines like the burgundy reds are a great choice; with a lifespan of 10–50+ years, they develop exquisite nuances over time. Likewise, a Gran Reserva Rioja is a stellar choice for white wine collectors, boasting a maturation window of 10–30 years, during which the wine’s character deepens.

How many bottles of wine is a good collection?

A good wine collection could start with as few as 12 bottles of wines that resonate with your palate and bring you joy at any stage of their development. This approach ensures you have a personal stock of favourites to enjoy across various occasions. It’s an investment in both pleasure and satisfaction, allowing you to savour familiar tastes while potentially exploring the world of wine collecting further.

What makes a wine collectable?

Collectible wines possess the ability to age gracefully for at least 5 years, improving in complexity and flavour. This ageing potential is key, as it allows the wine to evolve and develop a richer array of nuances over time.

Conclusion

With our 9 exclusive picks, you’ll never run out of ideas for the best wines to collect. Take it slow, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from fellow oenophiles. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and the thrill of the hunt as you build your cellar. Finally, remember that your priced bottles are safer in a wine storage facility than in your basement. Contact Storefriendly now to protect your wine collection!