According to Sotheby's, value trends for wine tend to follow along with those of other investments, such as the S&P 500. Which is to say that values go up over time, making wine a good bet for those looking to diversify their portfolios.

Consumers don't have to have a discerning palate that can point out the amontillados among the standard sherries to be a wine investor, though. They also don't need a wine cellar at all, much less one that costs thousands and can hold the bodies of their enemies.

Like other wealth-building strategies, wine investing has evolved, opening the door for almost any one to enter this world. The first evolution that makes it easier to become a collector of fine wines and vintage vinos is the fact that anyone can hire out the storage. Businesses across the globe create climate-controlled warehouses to expertly store wine until the owner is ready to divest or drink it.

Renting wine storage offers a number of money-saving benefits. Individuals don't have to splurge on hundreds or thousands for wine chillers or built-in cellars to keep vintages in pristine condition. They also only pay for storage when they're actively holding physical wine as an investment. As soon as they sell and make a profit, the expenses related to wine storage come to an end.

The fine wines that grow in value are those that get better with age, are scarce, have high ratings from critics, and have good pedigrees. That means they're made by companies with pristine reputations in the niche. Before investing in actual wine, it's important to research what bottles are a good bet.

Those who aren't interested in ever drinking a well-aged wine or paying to store bottles can still invest in wine by buying wine-related stocks. Some wine stocks to watch — and possibly buy in 2022 — include Andrew Peller (ADW-B), Constellation Brands (STZ), and Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVVI).