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Step 1
Consider the location of your collection. Wine must be stored at a certain temperature. It is also affected by the level of moisture present in the air, especially when stored for a significant period of time. Because of this, some wines may not preserve well if your wine bar is located in a basement with lots of moisture or fluctuating temperature.
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Step 2
Budget your purchases. If there are certain wines or years of a vintage with a price tag slightly higher than what you can comfortably spend, space out your purchases over a period of time and buy them as you can afford them. It may take a bit longer to stock your wine bar this way, but you will be able to stock it with the wines you really want.
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Step 3
Expand your horizons. Having a new wine bar can be a great reason to try an unfamiliar vintage. While some wine connoisseurs have a preference for a cabernet from a particular year or an extra-dry chardonnay, that doesn't mean there isn't opportunity to discover new favorites.
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Step 4
Shop around the world. There are a multitude of excellent vineyards across the United States, but there are also amazing wines to be found in other parts of the world. If you've never tried German wine or a vintage from the south of France, use the opening of your new wine bar to stock it with a few international flavors in addition to your favorites from local vineyards. Check that your international selections can actually be brought into the United States, however, as many countries have strict regulations about the import and export of alcohol across their borders.
