Wine investments that beat the stock market

First growth Bordeaux from the 1990 vintage does better as an investment than U.S. stocks. 1998 Penfold's Grange has roughly doubled in price. Should you send your broker to the nearest wine shop?

Wine, like stocks, is subject to the vagaries of the market. Positive comments from an analyst make a stock soar; a "99" from a wine expert makes a certain bottle almost impossible to find. Doing your homework helps, but you just never know.

And, unlike stocks, you're going to have to provide controlled storage and careful transportation for those precious bottles.

Wine for the Fourth of July

Pick up some inexpensive California Zinfandel to celebrate the holiday. This thoroughly American grape has its roots in another country (Italy), just like so many Americans. It's fruity and spicy--great with a burger or some baby back ribs.