In this post, a Fox News writer takes the leap and bids on a white Burgundy offered for auction at WineBid. With a few pointers from WineBid's CEO, the author wins a bottle of Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s most prestigious estates. The author notes that though perhaps not “as thrilling their live counterparts, online auctions offer casual drinkers ...a great opportunity to experiment with their palates and pick up some great bargains, all in the anonymity of cyberspace....”

Unlike brick and mortar, live auctions, the author notes, “most Internet-based auctions include smaller lots that may contain just a single bottle, which is a selling point for novices looking to experiment with their palate. Equally enticing is affordability. Depending on the site, you can bid in as low as $1 increments, and online offerings are typically at a much lower price points.”

There are strategies for successful bidding. Do your homework. Read up on pricing before you place your bid. Do the math. Your bid doesn't include the extra 15-25 percent "premium" paid to the auction house, nor does it include shipping and insurance. Watch the calendar. Online auctions are busiest at the start and the finish.

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