A
wine auction is an
auction devoted to
wine, sometimes in combination with other
alcoholic beverages. There are two basic types of wine auctions:
first hand wine auctions, where
wineries sell their own wines, and
second hand wine auctions, arranged by
auction houses or other auctioneers to make it possible for any owners of wine to trade it. In most cases, the wines traded at wine auctions are collectible wine, so-called "fine wine". These are wines which are typically suitable for extended cellaring, and where some of the buyers are looking for mature wines which are no longer available through first-hand retail channels.