Kevin O’Leary Invests in Wine as a Connoisseur and Deal Maker

Kevin O’Leary invests in wine as a connoisseur, vineyard owner and a cost-conscious deal maker who enjoys the finest varieties himself and strikes like a “shark” when he is presented with an opportunity to buy the best vintages to re-sell profitably.

Nicknamed “Mr. Wonderful” on the “Shark Tank” television program that features him as one of the wealthy panelists to whom entrepreneurs pitch to fund their fledgling businesses, O’Leary invests in wine strategically when he finds a deal he likes. In fact, O’Leary invests in wine with a syndicate of other investors who are knowledgeable about what versions are the most valuable and the likely price range they will receive upon re-sale.

O’Leary invited me to join him at the Shark Bar at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, where he ordered sushi and wine to share with me and other guests at our table during my July 18 interview with him. I passed on his first offer for me to try a glass of the Chardonnay he was drinking but I accepted as the interview was nearing its end due to his reputation as a wine aficionado and his conviction that I would be served something special.

Paul Dykewicz interviews Kevin O’Leary at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

My acceptance proved propitious. It not only was the finest glass of Chardonnay I had tried but the best wine overall. I learned firsthand that O’Leary not only knows investing and deal-making but wines, too.