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Charity Wine Auctions

Well here's an idea that will lift your spirits. Wine, spirits, and yes even beer charity auctions are becoming one of the hottest trends emerging in the charity auction industry. I have written about fundraising auctions in the past and how they can be a wonderful and lucrative addition to an auctioneer's dossier of services that are offered to their clients. If you perform fundraising auctions, then this is definitely an area that you will want to explore.

Charity wine auctions are becoming so popular and trendy that they are literally creating their own specific niche in the special events fundraising niche. The good news regarding charity auctioneer job security is that wine consumption is at an "all time high" according to the Wine Spectator magazine, and as such, the demand for wine is increasing, especially in benefit auctions.

There is balance in everything, and for every upside, there is also a downside. The upside in charity wine, auctions is the obvious financial opportunities created for charity auctioneers, but the converse is that true wine appreciation requires a tremendous amount of knowledge (i.e. pronunciation of the name, grape varietals, taste description, terroir, appellation, vintage, and dollar value of the wine being sold, etc.). If some of this terminology threw you, then needless to say, you have a lot of study ahead of you.

The last thing you want to do is place yourself in an embarrassing situation with your nonprofit client, or destroy your credibility with your bidding audience. Believe me, they often know much more than we do! You never want to rely on the just the master of ceremonies description (if applicable) to the audience either. Also don't ever fake your knowledge or lack thereof to the audience, as they will spot it right away.

Some sobering advice: Don't be intimidated! What you don't know now, you can always learn. So if wine is not your forte`, then perhaps you know about Spirits or Beer? Become an expert in your area. When you are able to answer a client's question's asking you to explain the differences between a double or single malt scotch, or you are able to discuss the differences in alpha factor between Northern Brewer's hops or Saalz hops used in brewing beer, then you will be well on your way to becoming an expert or at least knowledgeable about your area of interest.

How do you gain the knowledge? Read everything related to Wine, Spirits, or Beer. Take Classes. Taste (Hey it works for me, and its fun) different wines, spirits, etc. Join clubs. Ask the experts (sommeliers, winery owners, brewers, distillers, etc.). As a certified sommelier, this has provided me with an edge and my clients a real value added opportunity.

When I got into the charity wine auction niche, a fellow wine auctioneer asked me, "Are you ready to upgrade to a new lifestyle?" I knew exactly what he had meant, and briefly his question and the thought had terrified me. I had the epiphany that this could be the opportunity I had always wanted and been searching for. Let me tell you, it was the opportunity I had been searching for, and I have never turned back since.

Charity wine auctions will introduce you to influential people, master sommeliers, master chefs, frommagiers (cheese experts), winery owners, etc. These charity auctions create the networking opportunities of a lifetime. These auctions inevitably create more opportunities for your business. Go out and succeed.

Tom DiNardo is a Benefit Auctioneer and founder of DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers. He is also certified master appraiser, expert witness, and sommelier and wine educator. To contact To, please call (888) 503-0828. © 2010 Tom DiNardo. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Tom DiNardo is the founder of DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers. He is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, licensed auctioneer, certified master appraiser, expert witness, and sommelier and wine educator. DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers is ranked as one of the nation's "Top four benefit auction firms," and has raised over $50 million dollars for charity.www.DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com

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