Why now?

The market experienced a downturn in 2008, in common with most assets, as some investors sold their wine holdings. However the falls were smaller than in other asset classes and of shorter duration. The market stabilised rapidly in the first half of 2009.

This was followed by a return of confidence and hence a return to growth: in the second half of 2009 the main indices were up 11-14%. 2010 saw the market shift into another gear with price rises averaging some 3.0% per month. The continued growth of demand from Asia is one factor which suggests the market remains well positioned for further growth.

The Wine Investment Fund is an "unregulated collective investment scheme" as defined in s235 FSMA and has not been approved by the FSA or any other regulatory authority. The Fund's promotion is subject to strict controls by authorised persons and, accordingly, can only be marketed to eligible investors including, but not limited to: (a) "established" or "newly accepted" investors of any such authorised person in respect of whom that authorised person has taken reasonable steps to ensure that an investment in the Fund is suitable within the meaning of the FSA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook 4.12 and "professional clients" and "eligible counterparties" of such authorised person; (b) "investment professionals" within the meaning of article 14 of FSMA; (c) "high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, partnerships or trustees of high value trusts" within the meaning of article 22 of the Promotion of Collective Investment Schemes (Exemptions) Order 2001; or (d) "sophisticated investors " within the meaning of article 23 of the Promotion of Collective Investment Schemes (Exemptions) Order 2001, being a person who has a current certificate in writing or other legible form signed by an authorised person to the effect that he is sufficiently knowledgeable to understand the risks associated with participating in unregulated schemes.