With consumers that did not see financial hardship in 2020, but who saw limited outlets for spending (no travel, dining out etc.) fine wine purchasing became a passion.” “The online wine auction segment of the industry saw growth in 2020 as well as the fine wine market overall. So much so that figuring out which changes were “good” or “bad” may still be a way off,” said Grant. You can see examples of his commentary here, and you always reach out to him directly at last 18 months have changed the face of the wine industry in many ways. Grant is an adjunct professor of wine studies and author of Sharing The Grape: A Trip Around The Wine World. If you need a third-party expert to comment on the announcement from Sotheby’s and the greater alcohol industry, Torrey Grant is an expert on fine wine. Across the world the alcohol industry has boomed in unprecedented ways, reflecting an increase in consumerism and appreciation. Alcohol sales soared over the past year, and it’s no coincidence that people in lockdown became wine fanatics. Not only is the decision to open a new auction location a reflection of increasing wine connoisseurship, but it also comes on the tails of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new auctions, which will take place in Bordeaux and Burgundy, will be Sotheby’s fourth international auction hub for wine. Last week, Sotheby’s announced that it will begin hosting regular wine and spirit auctions in France. The capital of the wine world will finally have a spot on the docket at one of the most luxurious international auction houses.