How to Document Provenance for Wine and Spirits
What documentation helps value and trust, and what to do when you have none.
Quick Answer
Provenance is the history of ownership and storage. It proves the bottle is authentic and drinkable.
- Original purchase receipts are the best proof.
- Photos of the cellar or storage unit prove good conditions.
- Original Wooden Cases (OWC) add significant credibility.
- Auction tags or previous sale records are valuable.
- Even without receipts, a consistent story and inspection can work.
What Counts as Provenance
Buyers want to know two things: Is it real? Has it been cooked by heat? Documentation answers both.
- Receipts: Proves you bought it from a reputable merchant.
- Cellar Logs: Shows how long you've held it.
- Service Records: Invoices for cooling unit maintenance prove temperature control.
The Gold Standard
The highest value is achieved with 'traceable provenance'. Ideally:
- Purchased En Primeur (futures) or direct from winery.
- Stored in a professional wine storage facility (with records).
- Never moved until now.
What to Do If You Have No Receipts
Don't panic. Many collectors lose paperwork. We can still authenticate based on the bottle itself.
- Physical Inspection: We check corks, color, and labels.
- Context: A dusty bottle in a cool basement is better than a shiny bottle in a warm garage.
- Reference Letters: A letter describing how the collection was formed can help.
Common Mistakes
Destroying value by throwing away paper.
- Discarding the original wooden cases (OWC).
- Removing price stickers (can damage labels, better to leave them).
- Cleaning off 'cellar dust' which actually hints at undisturbed storage.
What to Do Next
Compile your evidence.
- Dig up any old emails or invoices.
- Take a photo of the temperature gauge in your cellar.
- Keep the bottles in their boxes.
- Submit your list for evaluation.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the original box?
For wine, Original Wood Cases (OWC) add value. For spirits, the presentation box is critical for value.
What if I bought it at auction?
Auction purchase records are excellent provenance. Provide the invoice or lot numbers.
Does a gift require provenance?
Gifts are harder to trace. If known, write down who gave it and when. We will rely more on inspection.
Does my personal cellar count?
Yes, a home cellar with a cooling unit is considered professional-grade if maintained.
Should I fake receipts?
Never. That is fraud. It is better to admit no records than to forge them.