When it comes to luxury collecting, the world’s billionaires are more aware that an exquisite wine cellar is the real asset and status symbol and they pour a portion of their vast fortunes into the rarest bottles of wine and whisky ever produced. These are not merely drinks, but liquid assets steeped in history, craftsmanship, and scarcity. While not all may own such rare commodities or may rather be so invested that they produce it altogether, there are a select few known names who are greatly lauded for their supreme collection. This article uncorks the most expensive wines and whiskies ever sold and reveals which bottles sit in the prized collections of some of the world’s wealthiest business people.
1. 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (wine)
Pierre Chen, Taiwanese billionaire (Net worth: $6.2 billion): Pierre Chen, founder of Yageo Corporation, owns one of the world’s most valuable wine collections, including ultra-rare bottles of DRC 1945. This particular vintage, with only 600 bottles produced, fetched $558,000 at auction and is considered a pinnacle of Burgundy winemaking. For Chen, DRC isn’t just wine, it’s art in a bottle.
2. 2XO “Occupy Mars” Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey
Elon Musk (Net worth: $342 billion): This limited-edition bourbon whiskey was a tribute to Elon Musk and space pioneers. It featured premium 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, known for its rich notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spices. The bottle showcased a stylized profile of Elon Musk and the phrase “Occupy Mars,” with deep etching and hand-painted detailing. While not officially released by Tesla, this collector’s item was part of a bundle that included Tesla Mezcal and CyberBeer.
Also read: Inside Jay-Z’s $5M Hublot Watch– Luxury Taken to the Next Level!
3. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti 1999 (wine)
Joseph Lau, Hong Kong Billionaire and Real Estate Tycoon (Net worth: $13.6 billion): Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau is celebrated for owning one of the most valuable wine collections in the world. Among his most prized bottles is a seven-bottle lot of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti 1999, estimated at HK$900,000–1,300,000. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious wines globally, this vintage from Burgundy’s most exalted vineyard is famed for its rarity, elegance, and aging potential.
4. Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 (wine)
William Koch, American Billionaire and Collector (Net worth: $2 billion): William Koch, an American businessman and collector, has been recognized for his extensive wine collection. Among its many treasures, the standout is a 10-bottle lot of Château Mouton Rothschild 1945, which fetched an impressive $343,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2016, far surpassing its presale estimate of $80,000–$120,000. This particular vintage is celebrated for its exceptional quality and historical significance.
5. Château Péby Faugères 2005 (wine)
Silvio Denz, Swiss Entrepreneur and Owner of Lalique Group (Net worth: $4.8 billion): Silvio Denz, a Swiss entrepreneur, owns a private cellar containing more than 35,000 bottles, primarily from Bordeaux. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for vintage wines and complements his interests in art and luxury goods. Among his prized possessions is the Château Péby Faugères 2005, a 100% Merlot wine from Saint-Émilion. This vintage achieved a perfect 100-point score from renowned wine critic Robert Parker, highlighting its exceptional quality. His integration of art and wine is exemplified by the collaboration between Lalique and Niepoort, producing the Niepoort in Lalique 1863 decanter. This limited-edition Port wine, encased in a Lalique crystal decanter, set a world auction record by fetching over $120,000.
6. Eagle Red (wine)
Eugene Shvidler, Russian-American Billionaire and Businessman (Net worth: $1.57 billion): Eugene Shvidler owns Château Thénac, a vineyard in France producing fine wines and spirits. Château Thénac produces a variety of wines, including the Eagle Red, a bold Bordeaux-style blend crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. This particular wine gained attention for being produced exclusively for Crystal Palace Football Club, reflecting Shvidler’s penchant for unique collaborations. His investment in winemaking underscores his commitment to producing high-quality wines that rival those of neighboring Bordeaux.
7. Macallan 1926 “Fine and Rare” Whiskey
Viet Nguyen Dinh Tuan, Vietnamese Businessman (Net worth: undisclosed): Viet Nguyen Dinh Tuan, a Vietnamese businessman based in Ho Chi Minh City, holds the Guinness World Record for the most valuable whiskey collection globally. His assemblage comprises 535 rare and vintage Scotch and Japanese whiskies, including three bottles of the iconic Macallan 1926 “Fine and Rare” often regarded as the “Holy Grail” of whiskies. Notably, he also acquired “The Intrepid,” the world’s largest bottle of whisky, a 311-liter Macallan 32-year-old single malt, for £1.1 million.
Written by Teertha Ravichandran
