{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Wealthyist","title":"Wealthyist E27 | Fine Wines And How To Get Started: An Interview With Ben Christiansen From Waterford Wine","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1930,"description":"Episode Focus: The episode explores the lifestyles, choices, and strategies of the wealthy, with a specific focus on their interest in exclusive and rare wines, wine trends, and the art of collecting and storing wine.Key Points Discussed:A Memorable Wine Hunt Story:Ben from Waterford Wine (https://waterfordwine.com/) shares a story from 20 years ago when a CEO visited his store and requested a specific wine, Masetto. Initially unfamiliar with it, Ben researched and tracked down a rare three-liter Jeroboam bottle after persistent effort. This led to a valuable client relationship, showcasing the effort behind sourcing rare wines.Wine and Alcohol Trends:Ben discusses industry trends, noting that hard seltzers and craft beer have seen peaks and declines, while craft spirits are likely to decline soon. Wine remains relatively stable, but overall alcohol sales in Wisconsin have been declining over the last three years, except for THC products, which are rising due to a legal loophole.At Waterford Wines, clients typically engage seriously after 3-4 years into their careers, shifting from bar visits to dining at home, insulating the store from industry declines and contributing to slight growth.Guiding New Wine Customers:Ben emphasizes a non-transactional approach, with staff spending about 25 minutes with customers to understand their preferences. Instead of asking about budget, they explore the customer’s goals (e.g., pairing with food or building a collection).Staff are trained to taste wines across price points (inexpensive, medium, expensive) and learn engaging facts about each to guide customers effectively, avoiding limiting their choices based on cost.Investing in Wine:Wine as an investment has faded since its peak around 2000-2005, particularly with first-growth Bordeaux (e.g., Mouton, Lafite, Latour, O’Brien, Margaux). These wines, classified in 1865, were once high-growth investments but are less so now.Ben advises new collectors to start small (e.g., buying...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qGrVF3x5hFIhTcfRmZqwI5cWDYeStA3lwZ1z54k8q18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83MWRm/YWQ1NmRjOWIwNmNm/MjExZmE3MjViNTU0/Njk5NC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}