How does the process work?

We begin with a one-on-one consultation—either in person or virtual—to understand your taste, space, lifestyle, and goals. From there, we design a cellar strategy tailored to you. This includes sourcing, inventory setup, aging recommendations, and regular updates to ensure your collection evolves with your needs.

What can I expect when I purchase a package?

Every engagement is fully personalized. We assess your current setup (if any), conduct a palate assessment, and begin curating wines that suit your preferences, timeline, and storage capacity. Depending on your package (Foundation, Portfolio, or Estate), we provide everything from one-time strategic plans to ongoing cellar management, sourcing coordination, and quarterly reporting.

Do you sell wine directly?

No. WCA is not a retailer or distributor. We act as your independent advisor, guiding you to the right wines and securing the best sources—without the bias of holding inventory or sales quotas. Our only priority is what's right for your collection.

Where does WCA source wine from?

We work with a network of trusted retailers, importers, and allocation channels. Based on your goals, we source from both primary and secondary markets, including auction houses when appropriate. We focus on provenance, producer reputation, and overall value—whether you're collecting for enjoyment, investment, or both.

Can WCA source a specific wine for me?

Absolutely. Whether it's a memorable bottle from a past trip, a cult producer you've been chasing, or a birth year vintage, we'll track it down. We work directly with our network of trusted retailers, importers, and auction houses—so if it's available in the U.S., we'll secure it for you (or explain why it's not). Included in Portfolio and Estate packages. À la carte fee applies for Foundation clients.

Do I need a wine fridge or cellar to get started?

Not necessarily. While proper storage enhances aging potential, we help clients at all stages—from first-time collectors storing wine in a temperature-controlled closet to seasoned collectors with dedicated cellars. We'll make recommendations based on your goals and budget, including space planning if needed.

Can you help recommend wine fridges or facilitate cellar buildouts?

Yes. While we don't build cellars ourselves, we collaborate with designers and climate control specialists and can manage the process for you—from capacity planning to racking design and installation coordination. For smaller-scale solutions, we recommend wine fridges that meet your space and collection goals.

What if I already own a wine collection?

That's a great place to start. We'll inventory what you own, assess condition and aging windows, identify gaps and redundancies, and offer strategic recommendations for organization and future purchasing. This is included in all packages, with ongoing inventory management available in Portfolio and Estate tiers.

Do you offer ongoing support or just one-time consulting?

Both. Some clients engage us for a one-time setup with the Foundation package; others retain us for ongoing sourcing, quarterly cellar audits, and continuous advisory with the Portfolio or Estate packages. We offer flexible engagements depending on the level of service and involvement you want.

Can you help me choose wines for specific occasions or gifts?

Absolutely. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, corporate gift, or wine for a wedding or anniversary dinner, we curate selections tailored to the occasion and recipient. This is available as an à la carte service or included in Portfolio and Estate packages.

Do you work with collectors outside the Boston area?

Yes. We serve clients nationwide. For those outside Boston, we offer virtual consultations and coordinate sourcing, storage planning, and delivery remotely. While our primary market is New England, we work with collectors across the country who value independent, expert guidance.

Can you help with wine appraisals or selling bottles from my collection?

Yes. We offer professional wine appraisals for insurance, estate planning, or resale purposes. We also provide strategic guidance on selling bottles through auction houses, brokers, or private sale—including valuation, market timing, and consignment coordination. Available as an à la carte service.

What's the difference between Foundation, Portfolio, and Estate packages?

Foundation is a one-time engagement perfect for early-stage collectors who want strategic direction without ongoing commitment. You receive a comprehensive cellar plan, buying recommendations, and 30-day follow-up.

Portfolio is a quarterly retainer for growing collections. You receive regular cellar audits, themed buying plans, market intelligence, and preferred access to allocated wines through our trade network.

Estate is monthly white-glove service for collectors who entertain frequently and want complete cellar management—including sourcing, inventory, event curation, and concierge-level support.

Do you work with restaurants and hospitality businesses?

Yes. We provide outsourced beverage director services for restaurants, including wine list development, distributor management, staff training, and ongoing program optimization. This is a separate service from our private collector advisory. [Learn more about Restaurant Services]

Do you work with corporate clients for events or gifting?

Yes. We curate wine for corporate tastings, client appreciation events, team-building experiences, and executive gifting. This includes both wine selection and full event coordination. [Learn more about Corporate Event Services]