01/29/07 Email Auction

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we are answering questions from the email. A listener writes to ask "my wife and I are attending a charity wine auction and I want to know how I can get the best deals." The question of attending a wine auction looking for deals is one that comes up at least a couple of times a year. However, it seems to me you might be missing the point. As you stated, the auction is a charity. The donors of the wines made their contribution in the hopes you will bid high and make a meaningful contribution to beneficiary of the event. Traditionally, attending an event such as this identifies you as a supporter of the beneficiary. You pay an admission price for the privilege of donating even more money while you attend. The auction format is a method of giving you something in return for your donation. Very often items in a wine auction are not available through normal retail channels or they are very difficult to acquire. Their rarity is valuable right away. The retail value of the item is often listed in the auction catalogue. I believe your tax deduction is only the amount you pay in excess of that amount. My recommendation  don't attend any charity auction looking for "deals" - go because you truly support the cause. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.