There is a particular pleasure in a first auction — the slow study of the catalogue, the wine that catches your eye, the quiet anticipation as bidding closes. It is also, understandably, a moment that may carry a question or two. This is your considered companion to the experience.
Before the auction
Become a Member. A LANGTONS membership is the starting point for bidding. It takes a few minutes, and you must be 18 or older. See Becoming a LANGTONS Member.
Browse the catalogue. Each auction features lots drawn from cellars across Australia and beyond. Lot descriptions include the wine, vintage, bottle size, estimated price range and — where relevant — notes on condition, fill level and provenance. Reading carefully is the single most useful habit a new bidder can form. See The language of fine wine and auction and A glossary for the collector.
Set what you are watching. If a lot catches your eye but you are not yet ready to bid, the Watch feature lets you follow it quietly. Watching also makes you eligible for second chance offers, should the lot pass in. See Watching lots of interest.
Understanding what you will pay
Your total purchase price is the Hammer Price (your winning bid) plus the Buyer's Premium. Delivery, the optional Delivery Guarantee, and any Storage fees are additional.
For a full glossary of auction terms — from reserve to passed in to AutoBid — see The language of fine wine and auction.
Placing your first bid
When you place a bid, you are making an irrevocable offer to acquire that lot at the bid amount. We encourage bidding with intention.
You have two ways to bid:
- A single bid at a chosen amount.
- AutoBid — set your maximum, and the system bids on your behalf only as required, in measured increments, never exceeding your nominated limit. For most new bidders, AutoBid is the more considered choice. See AutoBid: bidding with intention.
If you are outbid before the auction closes, you will be notified by email and may revisit your maximum if you wish.
Worth knowing A bid is binding. If a bid is placed in error, please contact us as quickly as possible — but cancellation cannot be guaranteed.
As the auction closes
Auctions close at the time stated in the catalogue — Australian Eastern Time. The current leading bid is visible throughout. If a lot's reserve is not reached, it will be passed in; you may then be invited to acquire it at reserve through a second chance offer. See Second chance offers explained.
If you are the successful bidder
A tax invoice is issued once the auction closes, and the result will appear in your account.
- Auction purchases of $10,000 or less — your nominated credit card may be charged automatically.
- Auction purchases above $10,000 — you will be invited to nominate your preferred payment method within four calendar days.
All purchases are to be settled within 30 calendar days. See Settling your purchase.
Receiving your wines
Once settled, you may choose standard delivery, auto or consolidated shipping, Pick Up from a participating Dan Murphy's store, or Storage in our cellaring facility. See The journey to your door.
A final thought
A first auction is also a first step into a wider world — one of producers, vintages, regions and the quiet thrill of discovery. Our specialists are here whenever you would welcome a guiding hand.
Suggested articles
- The art of bidding at LANGTONS
- AutoBid: bidding with intention
- The language of fine wine and auction
- Settling your purchase
A conversation is often the easiest place to begin.
Whether you are discovering a single bottle or building a cellar, our specialists are here to guide you. Share your enquiry through our Customer Experience contact form one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
You are also welcome to speak with your Private Client Manager, or call us on 1300 946 347.