Some investors have a taste for alternatives, such as collectible wine. Depending on the vintage, prices can range from affordable to extremely expensive. You can buy through dealers, auctions, or an exchange known as Liv-Ex. Here are some examples of rare and specialty wines that have captured collectors' attention. Click ahead to see if they capture your's, too!

Posted 23 Oct 2009

Which wines to bring—or serve—with a holiday meal? It's a question that plagues many at this time of year, when plans for turkey, ham and root vegetables conquer your to-do list. Choosing which wine pairs well with what is being baked, roasted or frosted can compel one to reach for the boxed Franzia. No worry. We've consulted a handful of wine and food experts to do the work for us. Click ahead and read which wines experts like Royal wine advisor Jancis Robinson and Wine TV creator Gary Vaynerchuk recommend for your holiday soiree.

Investors looking for variation from stocks, bonds and currencies could try investing in good wine, which has provided good returns over long periods of time,  but should beware of unprofessional advice in the area.

If your traditional portfolio has left a bad taste in your mouth, you may want to consider a more flavorful investment.  Now that wine prices are down from their peak last year, experts say now is the time for new and seasoned wine investors alike to hit the bottle.

It's hard to say for sure exactly who's drinking what, but a Gallup Poll from last July found that among women who drink, 43 percent say wine is what they drink most often and 28 percent say beer. Among men who drink, 58 percent say beer is what they drink most often and 17 percent say wine.