Oeno Group, a global leader in fine wine investment, has introduced its first regulated fine wine investment fund. This new fund aims to transform alternative investments, offering investors a chance to access the growing fine wine market.
A Growing Market with Strong Returns
The global fine wine market is worth over $5 billion and continues to grow as investors seek tangible assets amid economic uncertainty. According to the Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 Index, fine wine has delivered an average annual return of 10.6% over the past 15 years. This outperforms many stock markets and even gold during volatile times.
Founded in 2015, Oeno Group combines industry expertise with advanced data analytics. The fund is structured as a Portuguese Collective Investment Undertaking (UCI) and aims to leverage fine wine’s strong returns and low correlation with traditional assets.
Fund Details and Objectives
The Oeno Wine Investment Fund plans to raise 20 million euros initially, with a minimum investment of 50,000 euros for qualified investors. It will focus on acquiring high-quality wines from top regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.
Michael Doerr, CEO of Oeno Group, said the fund offers investors access to rare vintages through a regulated and transparent structure. The fund is managed by FundBox, an accredited entity regulated by Portugal’s CMVM (similar to the UK’s FCA or the US SEC). The fund also follows ESG principles, ensuring ethical and sustainable wine sourcing.
Proven Track Record and Market Advantage
Between 2018 and 2023, Oeno Group’s private client portfolios achieved annual returns exceeding 12%. The company’s strong relationships with wineries and collectors worldwide help secure rare, investment-grade wines at competitive prices.
Fine wine is seen as a reliable store of value amid geopolitical instability, inflation, and fluctuating interest rates. Its supply is limited, while demand grows, especially in Asia and the Middle East, supporting long-term price gains.
Democratizing Fine Wine Investment in Portugal
This launch marks a milestone for Oeno Group and the fine wine industry by making this exclusive market accessible to a broader investor base. Portuguese investors now have a local, regulated option to invest in fine wine, a luxury asset class traditionally available only in major financial centers like London and New York.
Tiago Stattmiller, Oeno’s regional director for Portugal, described this as a “paradigm shift” that connects Portugal’s rich wine heritage with modern investment opportunities.
Portugal’s Emerging Role in Alternative Investments
Oeno Group’s CMVM-approved fund arrives as Portugal’s financial sector embraces innovation and diversification. With growing global interest in sustainable, tangible assets, Portugal is positioned to lead in fine wine investment.
Following the fine wine fund, Oeno Group has launched the Oeno Fine Wine & Whisky Fund, the first regulated whisky investment fund in Portugal. This fund taps into the booming global market for rare and collectible whiskies.
Whisky Market Growth and Investment Potential
The global whisky investment market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $6 billion by 2030. Rare whisky prices have surged 322% over the past decade, outperforming luxury assets like art and classic cars.
The new fund targets rare casks and bottles from top distilleries in Scotland, the US, Japan, and Ireland. It focuses on limited editions and discontinued whiskies prized by collectors and auction houses.
Fund Structure and Investment Strategy
The whisky fund is a Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) headquartered in Portugal. It welcomes both qualified and non-qualified investors, with a minimum investment of 50,000 euros (recommended 100,000 euros).
The fund emphasizes ESG criteria, supporting sustainable and ethical whisky production. Management is handled by experts with luxury spirits market experience, using advanced technology for asset tracking and liquidity management.
Why Invest in Whisky?
Whisky barrels naturally increase in value as they age, and their limited supply boosts scarcity. Investors can hold barrels to mature or bottle them later, creating rare editions with high market demand.
Whisky is a tangible, low-risk asset with little correlation to stocks or bonds. It combines cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and emotional appeal, making it a unique investment class.
Tiago Stattmiller highlights this fund as a new, secure way for Portuguese investors to diversify outside traditional markets.
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