Starting a wine collection isn’t about having a huge cellar or chasing only rare bottles. It’s about building something personal—something that reflects your taste, your curiosity, and how you like to enjoy wine. Whether you're in it for the long haul or simply want a few favourites on hand, collecting can be one of the most rewarding parts of enjoying wine.

A great place to begin is by asking a simple question: do you enjoy older wine?
The best way to find out is to try one. Consider buying a mature bottle through a trusted source Webbs Auction House. Taste it, sit with it, and see if the flavours and textures of a wine that’s had time to age are something you enjoy. This will help guide your collecting path—whether you're choosing wines to drink in the next couple of years, or to cellar and watch develop over a decade or more.

Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, explore the collection at Normanby Fine Wines. We’ve curated a wide range of wines—from iconic producers to small, niche finds—so you can taste broadly and build your preferences. Try different grapes, regions and styles. Keep a simple note of what you like (and what you don’t). Over time, you’ll start to see your palate take shape.

We also host a regular calendar of tastings and events, designed to help you discover more without having to invest in full bottles every time. These tastings are one of the best—and most affordable—ways to experience a wide variety of wines, meet like-minded people, and learn from our team.

As your preferences grow, you’ll be in a much better position to start collecting with confidence. You’ll know what styles appeal to you, how long you like to keep wine before opening, and what wines are worth revisiting.