By Maureen C. Petrosky

A wine auction doesn’t have to equal big bucks. Many wine lots on the auction block can fetch a pretty penny, but there are one-of-a-kind selections and vintage steals on which the every day wine-lover can bid and win. By participating, you can even take hot air balloon trips and African safaris – embellished by wine, of course. Here are a handful of ways you can build up your cellar and maybe snag your next wine adventure.

Online Auctions
If you find yourself constantly checking E-bay, this type of wine auction is ideal for you. To enter the auction "room", users usually have to register with credit card and address info to participate. Once you’ve registered you can bid and watch the items live, or have email updates sent to your inbox. Auction items usually have a reserve price, meaning that is where the bidding will begin and that the item--even if you are the only bidder--will not be sold for less than the reserve.

Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions on your lot of interest. Most auction lots consist of one bottle, but many can be cases or large sized bottles like Magnums. This will increase your shipping and handling rates, so be sure to account for that before deciding your highest bid amount. (And keep in mind that wine shipments are illegal in many states, so make sure you can actually receive your purchase before making that bid.)

Check out:
www.winebid.com
www.ebay.com

Silent Auctions
Most live auctions have a silent auction portion—opern for a limited amount of time--as well. The silent auction is usually a room or tables filled with lots similar to those auctioned off during the live event. Each item has a clipboard or sign up sheet with a reserve price listed, where you jot down your name, contact information and bid. The winners may be announced during the live auction or contacted at a later date (the winning bidder does not have to be present). This type of auction is particularly inviting to first time bidders, as they can get their feet wet without the pressure of participating in the live event.

Live Auctions
Now this is where the real excitement lies: the auctioneer is babbling at the speed of light and paddles are constantly flicking into the air. Live wine auctions are exactly as you’ve seen in the movies. However, unlike other auctions, wine auctions often resemble a festive soiree or glamorous gala complete with plenty of parting gifts. The party atmosphere is buoyed by the fact that some or all of the proceeds often go to charity.

In most cases, lot descriptions are listed in a catalog that is available ahead of time, and there is usually an auction preview where you can go and actually see what is going to be auctioned off on the block.

Doing your research will most definitely give you the edge, especially when it comes to scoring the "sleeper lots". These are usually lesser- known wines that can be had at bargain prices. But pay attention, or you’ll be hearing "SOLD" before you can sip and swallow.

Wine auctions offer everything from award-winning varietals, rare wine collections and wine futures (wines that have been made but not yet bottled). The key to participating is to attend the entire auction. Bargains can be found at both the beginning of an auction as well as at the end. Remember you must be present, or have someone physically there representing you to bid.

Have fun and good luck!

Note: In the United States you have to be 21 years of age to participate in wine auctions.

Maureen C. Petrosky is author of The Wine Club: A Month-By-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends.