Rudy Kurniawan didn’t just sell fake wine - he exposed a blind spot that still exists in the market today.
I sat down with Nick Pegna, Head of Wine & Spirits at Sotheby’s, and asked him straight: has anything really changed since the Rudy days?
His answer was simple, and every collector needs to hear it.
Nick’s advice: always go for the bottle with the best provenance, the best history, and the best condition - and be willing to pay for it. Fraudsters rely on buyers chasing the bargain.
The fine wine market has evolved, but the tactics haven’t changed much. Know what you’re buying, know where it’s been, and never let price alone make the decision for you.
🍷 Full interview, link in bio.
#finewine #wineinvesting #sothebys #winecollector #fakewine
5 months agovaultsomm
Completely agree! 🙌 having the appropriate records and history to support value is everything
6 months agojlc_wine
His comments assume counterfeiters aren’t smart. The problem with well done counterfeits is that they don’t stick out, whether on bottle or label condition or fill or label details or pricing. Unfortunately most consumers at auction or retail, myself included, have to trust the auction house or retailer, and whether that trust is justified is typically unclear since it’s usually based on a black box of inspection and integrity.
6 months agonico_vino_
For every one faker you catch there are ten that were never caught. I realize that brokers and auctioneers can't really be held accountable for issues out of their control, but the industry is deluded if we don't acknowledge the likelihood that many many expensive old bottles are fake. This is not Sotheby's fault but we have to accept it.
6 months agotimjohnston3408
Have friends that have those kind of wines from Primeur stage in their cellars. Do not buy "collectors wines" - all Collectors are potential crooks. Only buy real wines at the proper prices ! Don't be a snobby Duffer !😂
6 months agogibsonhughes
Not just good advice on wine but on many things in life where the art of “Thee Craft” is involved. If you’re buying a luxury car, watch, or collector’s item. You should ask yourself, “Why is it a steal of price?”
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