Trust Administrator Guide: Selling Wine and Spirits

Quick Answer

Selling wine and spirits from a trust requires clear authority and distinct steps.

• Verify you have the specific power to sell personal property or chattels.
• Secure the physical assets immediately to prevent theft or spoilage.
• Create a preliminary inventory (photos or list).
• Get a professional quote before moving any bottles.
• Document the transaction for the trust's beneficiaries.

Legal Authority and Documentation

Before soliciting offers, ensure you have the correct documentation ready. Buyers will require proof of ownership and your authority to act on behalf of the trust.

You typically need:

• Certificate of Trust or Abstract of Trust naming you as trustee.
• Photo ID matching the trustee name.
• A written statement confirming the assets are free of liens.

Inventory and Valuation

You do not need to be a wine expert to build a sufficient inventory. Speed and accuracy are key.

Start by photographing the spines of bottles in the rack if legible, or group them by type (e.g., all Bordeaux together).

For spirits, group by brand (e.g., Macallan, Pappy Van Winkle) and take clear photos of the labels and fill levels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trust administrators often make avoidable errors that reduce the estate's value.

• Moving bottles without temperature control, causing heat damage.
• Cleaning bottles with water or chemicals, ruining labels.
• Selling to the first local shop without getting a specialized market quote.
• Assuming all old wine is valuable (condition matters most).

What to Do Next

Ready to move forward? Follow this checklist to liquidate the assets.

• Take wide shots of the cellar and close-ups of key bottles.
• Gather your trust documents.
• Submit photos to us for a preliminary valuation.
• Review the offer with legal counsel if required by the trust.