Frequently asked questions

What can the Wine Advisory Consultation cover?

The Wine Advisory Consultation can be used for a range of specific wine decisions, including:

An auction lot or selection of lots
A merchant offer or allocation
A significant wine purchase
Cellar strategy or acquisition priorities
Producer, vintage or regional selection
A restaurant wine list or sourcing question

The scope is agreed in advance so that the consultation remains focused and relevant.

What does the Wine Advisory Consultation include?

Each consultation is prepared in advance to make the discussion as focused and useful as possible. Depending on the agreed scope, this may include:

Targeted preparation and research based on materials shared in advance
A focused advisory discussion centered on your decision or priority
An independent perspective, free from merchant, producer or auction-house influence
Clear guidance on what to pursue, what to defer and what to avoid
A concise written summary of the key recommendations and next steps

How much does the consultation cost?

The Wine Advisory Consultation is charged at a fixed fee of CHF 275. The fee includes agreed preparation and research, the advisory consultation, and a concise written summary of recommendations.

If the scope is significantly more complex, for example, a full cellar review, extensive auction catalog, or broader restaurant wine program, a separate engagement and fee may be proposed in advance.

Is the consultation suitable for restaurants?

Yes. Restaurants may use the consultation to assess a specific wine-list question, sourcing decision, pairing challenge, or broader wine-program priority.

More extensive support, including wine-list development, sourcing strategy, range balance, or ongoing advisory, can be scoped separately where appropriate.

Is this a full cellar analysis or comprehensive auction evaluation?

The Wine Advisory Consultation is designed to provide focused guidance on an agreed question or scope.

A complete cellar assessment, extensive auction review, or longer-term acquisition strategy may require a broader engagement. This would always be discussed and agreed in advance.

Is there any obligation to continue after the consultation?

No. The Wine Advisory Consultation is a standalone service. There is no obligation to proceed with further advisory support.

If a broader engagement would be useful, we can discuss this separately.

Is Grand Cru Select independent?

Yes. Grand Cru Select does not sell wine and does not accept commissions from merchants, producers, or auction houses.

Recommendations are therefore based on the client’s objectives and the merits of the opportunity being considered.

Grand Cru Select operates independently and does not sell wine or accept commissions.

How does the complimentary introductory conversation work?

The complimentary 15-minute introductory conversation is an opportunity to briefly discuss the decision you are facing and determine whether Grand Cru Select can add value. There is no obligation to proceed.

Where a Wine Advisory Consultation is appropriate, the scope and next steps will be agreed before any paid work begins.

Considering your next wine decision? Whether you are reviewing a cellar, considering an auction lot, building a collection, or rethinking a restaurant wine program, an initial conversation can help clarify the right next step.

Independent fine-wine insights, vintage analysis, and advisory for private collectors, fine-wine buyers, and restaurants. No commercial bias.