Do I need to know the value of each bottle before contacting you?

No. Send photos and a list of what you have. We will research values and provide an offer based on current market conditions.

What if I cannot identify some bottles?

Send photos anyway. We can often identify wines and spirits from label images and help you understand what you have.

Can I sell just part of the collection?

Yes. You can choose to sell specific bottles or the entire collection. We will provide offers for whatever you want to sell.

How long does the process take?

We typically provide offers within one to two business days. The full process from submission to payment usually takes one to two weeks, depending on shipping and logistics.

What if the bottles were stored improperly?

Let us know what you know about storage. Some bottles may still have value even if storage was not ideal. We evaluate each situation individually.

Do you buy both wine and spirits?

Yes. We buy collectible wine, bourbon, scotch, champagne, and other spirits. If you have a mixed collection, submit everything together.

Is texting really okay instead of using the form?

Yes. Texting photos and a list to 213-770-9463 works just as well. We understand forms can feel like too much right now.

Selling a Late Spouse's Wine or Whiskey Collection

Before You Start

We understand this is a difficult time. Dealing with a loved one's belongings while grieving is never easy, and you should proceed at your own pace.

There is no rush. Wine and spirits stored properly will maintain their value. Take the time you need to gather information and make decisions that feel right.

Creating an Inventory

Start by making a simple list of what you have. You do not need to be an expert. Just write down what you see on the labels.

For each bottle, note the producer or brand name, the type of wine or spirit, any age statement or vintage year, the bottle size, and the quantity you have. If bottles are in cases or boxes, note that too.

If you find a cellar log, spreadsheet, or purchase records, include those. They can help establish provenance and storage history.

Producer or brand name (what is on the label)
Type of wine or spirit
Vintage year or age statement
Bottle size (standard, magnum, etc.)
Quantity of each
Any boxes, cases, or original packaging

Taking Photos That Help

Good photos help us provide an accurate offer quickly. For each bottle or representative bottles from a larger collection, photograph the front label, back label, capsule or seal, and the fill level.

Natural light or a well-lit room works well. You do not need professional equipment. Phone photos are fine.

If there are many similar bottles, photograph a few examples and note the total count.

Front label clearly visible
Back label with any codes or vintage info
Top of the bottle showing the seal or capsule
Fill level (the liquid line visible against the bottle)
Any boxes or original packaging
Any visible damage or condition issues

Storage and Condition Notes

If you know where and how the collection was stored, include that information. Wine cellars, wine refrigerators, and temperature-controlled rooms are all good signs.

Note if the collection was in a dedicated storage unit, at home in a cool area, or somewhere else. If you do not know the storage history, that is okay. Just say so.

For spirits, storage matters less than for wine, but knowing the collection was kept away from heat and light is still helpful.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Value

Several common mistakes can reduce the value of a collection or make it harder to sell. Being aware of these helps you protect the value.

Moving bottles unnecessarily can cause problems, especially for older wine. If bottles are stored properly where they are, leave them in place until you have a plan.

Throwing away boxes, tubes, or original packaging reduces value significantly for many collectible bottles. Keep all packaging even if it seems unimportant.

Discarding original boxes, tubes, or packaging
Moving bottles from proper storage to a garage or warm area
Drinking or opening bottles that may be valuable
Letting bottles sit in direct sunlight or near heat sources
Rushing to sell to the first buyer without getting multiple perspectives

Avoiding Scams and Lowball Offers

Unfortunately, some buyers take advantage of people unfamiliar with wine and spirits values. Protect yourself by being cautious of buyers who pressure you to decide immediately, who refuse to give you anything in writing, or who ask you to ship bottles before payment.

A legitimate buyer will explain their process clearly, provide written offers, and not rush you into a decision.

If something feels off, trust your instincts. It is okay to say no and seek another opinion.

Be wary of high-pressure tactics or artificial urgency
Get written offers before agreeing to anything
Never ship bottles without clear terms and payment arrangements
Research buyers before committing
Ask questions and expect clear answers

When You Are Ready to Sell

When you are ready, submit your inventory and photos through our form or text them directly. We will review what you have and provide an offer, typically within one to two business days.

If forms feel overwhelming right now, texting photos and a simple list to 213-770-9463 (213-770-WINE) works just as well. We will take it from there.

We provide direct offers with no consignment, no auction waiting, and no seller fees. After you accept, we coordinate shipping or pickup, and payment is issued after we receive and verify the items.