Seepage and Leakage: What It Means for Wine and Spirits Value
How to identify seepage and when a bottle is likely disqualified.
Quick Answer
Seepage (ullage) is when liquid escapes past the cork or closure. It is a distress signal.
- It signals the seal has failed.
- Air has likely entered, oxidizing the contents.
- It significantly devalues the bottle.
- Sometimes caused by heat (expansion) or just old cork failure.
Identifying Seepage
Look closely at the neck and capsule.
- Sticky residue under the foil.
- Wine stains running down the label.
- Crusty sugar deposits around the capsule rim.
- Smell of wine/vinegar near the unopened bottle.
Old vs Active Leaks
Timing matters.
- Old Seepage: Dried stain, level is stable. Could be from one event years ago. Still devalues, but might be drinkable.
- Active Seepage: Wet, sticky. The bottle is actively failing. Do not ship it—it will leak in transit and ruin others.
Why It Matters
Collectors pay for perfection. A leaking bottle is a ticking time bomb.
- Value Drop: Usually 50% to 100% loss depending on severity.
- Risk: We buy risks, but we pay risking pricing.
- Spirits: Leaking whiskey closures (often wax or cork) can sometimes be resealed with parafilm (for preservation, not sale), but value is hit.
Common Mistakes
Trying to hide it.
- Wiping off the stain before taking photos (we will see the low fill level and corroded foil anyway).
- Shipping a leaking bottle sideways (it will empty itself in the box).
- Ignoring low fill levels.
What to Do Next
Audit the collection.
- Stand leaking bottles upright immediately.
- Do not lay them down even for storage.
- Photograph the leak clearly so we can assess it.
- Mark them as 'Leaking/Low Fill' on your list.
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
Can I re-cork it?
No. Only the original winery can re-cork, and that is a rare, expensive service (reconditioning). You cannot do it yourself.
What is parafilm?
A laboratory film used to wrap closures to prevent further evaporation. It is okay to use for storage, but remove it or disclose it before selling.
Do you buy leaking bottles?
Rarely. If it is a very valuable bottle (e.g., 1945 Mouton), we might buy it as a 'drinker' for a fraction of market price.
What about wax seals?
Wax often hides seepage. If the wax is stained or sticky, the cork underneath has failed.
Does shipping cause seepage?
Yes, if the bottle is subjected to heat or extreme pressure changes in a plane. That's why we use insulated shipping.