The 2004 movie Sideways was wildly popular for its humorous (and at times depressing) commentary on modern life, so much so that it actually impacted the wine industry, specifically merlot, which was disparaged by Paul Giamatti’s character. It also revealed a fascinating subculture of people for whom wine is not just a beverage, but an intellectual pursuit and a way of life – and no doubt inspired others to join its ranks.  Whether you are a veteran oenophile looking to move from sipper to collector, or new to the wine game altogether, there are important steps you must take in order to ensure that your investment is included in the inventory of your physical assets and properly cared for. As a collectible, wine is something of a hybrid – it can be used (consumed) like a sports car or…

One of the most common problems when it comes to managing physical assets is that people simply don’t know that they have anything to manage. Sure, they love their latest couture gown or new furniture, but they don’t necessary think of these things as part of their portfolio, or stay abreast of their fluctuating values. And that doesn’t begin to cover stuff that’s been stored away and likely forgotten. If it’s been a few years since you ventured into the basement, chances are there is something of value that you need to have appraised, whether it’s the antique chandelier you inherited or the painting by an unknown artist whose is now commanding top dollar for their work.  This becomes much more complicated if you have multiple residences, especially those you don’t spend much time in. Regardless of your circumstances,…