How do I know if the wines have value?

Send photos and a list. We research values based on producer, vintage, condition, and current market demand, then provide a specific offer.

What if I know nothing about wine?

That is fine. Just photograph the labels and provide counts. We handle the valuation and explain what you have.

Can I sell the cellar if I am still in probate?

Consult with the estate attorney. Some items can be sold during probate with proper authorization. We will confirm requirements after reviewing your submission.

How long does the process take for a large cellar?

Initial offers typically come within two to three business days. For large cellars, the full process from submission to payment may take two to four weeks.

Do you buy mixed cellars with wine and spirits?

Yes. We buy collectible wine, bourbon, scotch, and other spirits. Submit everything together.

What if some bottles are damaged?

Let us know. We can often offer on the undamaged portions of a collection. Condition issues may reduce value but do not always disqualify.

Will you come to inspect the cellar?

For large collections, we may arrange a virtual walkthrough or in-person inspection depending on location and collection size.

How to Sell an Inherited Wine Cellar

First Steps After Inheriting

If you have recently inherited a wine cellar, take a breath. There is no immediate rush. Wine that is properly stored will remain in good condition.

Before doing anything, determine who has legal authority to sell the collection. If you are the executor of an estate, review the will or trust documents. If the estate is still in probate, consult with the estate attorney about what can be sold and when.

Once authority is clear, your goal is to document what exists without disrupting the storage.

Confirm legal authority to sell (executor status, probate completion)
Locate any existing inventory, cellar logs, or purchase records
Note the storage location and conditions
Avoid moving bottles until you have a plan

Building Your Inventory

Create a list of the wines in the cellar. You do not need to be a wine expert. Focus on recording what is visible on each label.

For each wine, note the producer name, the wine name or vineyard, the vintage year, and the quantity. If wines are in original wood cases, note that separately.

A simple spreadsheet or even a handwritten list works fine. If the collection is large, photograph sections and provide estimated counts.

Producer name (the winery)
Wine name or vineyard designation
Vintage year
Bottle size if not standard (magnums, half bottles)
Quantity of each wine
Original wood case (OWC) status

Understanding What Adds Value

Several factors affect wine value beyond just the name on the label. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations.

Provenance matters. Wines with documented storage history in temperature-controlled conditions are worth more. If the cellar was professionally maintained or has records, mention this.

Condition matters. Fill levels, label condition, and capsule integrity all affect value. Wines with low fills, damaged labels, or signs of seepage are worth less.

Producer reputation and vintage quality
Storage history and provenance documentation
Bottle condition (fill level, label, capsule)
Original wood cases and packaging
Bottle size (larger formats often valuable)

Photographing the Collection

Good photos help us provide an accurate offer quickly. You do not need to photograph every bottle, but we need to see representative samples.

Photograph the overall cellar or storage area, then individual bottles or case stacks. For bottles, capture the front label, fill level, and any condition issues.

If the collection is organized by section, photograph each section and note approximate counts.

Overall cellar or storage area
Representative bottles from different sections
Front labels clearly visible
Fill levels visible through the glass
Any wood cases with visible labels
Any bottles with condition concerns

Storage Considerations

If the cellar is in a home you are selling or a storage facility with fees, you may need to move the collection eventually. Try to keep wines in proper storage as long as possible.

Avoid moving wines to a garage, attic, or other non-climate-controlled space. If you must move wines temporarily, choose the coolest, darkest, most stable area available.

If the collection is in professional storage, keep it there until you have a buyer and plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When handling an inherited cellar, certain mistakes can significantly reduce value or complicate the sale.

Do not discard original wood cases, even if they seem old or damaged. OWC status affects value for many wines.

Do not assume common names mean low value. Some Bordeaux and Burgundy with familiar names are quite valuable in good vintages.

Discarding original wood cases or packaging
Moving wines to improper storage
Opening or drinking bottles without checking values first
Rushing to sell to the first buyer
Assuming you know values without research

Getting an Offer

When you have an inventory and photos, submit them through our form or text them to 213-770-9463. We will review the collection and provide an offer.

For large cellars, we may arrange a virtual walkthrough or in-person inspection to ensure accurate valuation.

We provide direct offers with no consignment wait and no seller fees. If you accept, we coordinate logistics and issue payment after receiving and verifying the wines.