What to Do If Labels Are Torn, Stained, or Fading
How label condition affects value and what photos help us evaluate bottles fairly.
Quick Answer
The label confirms the Producer, Vintage, and Vineyard. Damage to any of these key facts hurts value significantly.
- Legibility is key. If we can't read the year, we can't buy it.
- Minor tears or nicks are acceptable for old wines.
- Stains (red wine stains) suggest seepage, which is a bigger problem than just the label.
- Do not tape or glue the label back on unless expert.
Types of Label Damage
Not all damage is equal.
- Bin Soiled: Dust/dirt marks. Low impact.
- Nick/Tear: Small piece missing, not affecting text. Low/Medium impact.
- Stained: Wine or damp stain. Indicates potential condition issues. Medium/High impact.
- Faded: Text illegible. High impact (unsellable as specific vintage).
- Missing: No label. Unsellable (unless capsule has vintage).
Value Impact Matrix
Rough guidelines for deduction from 'Pristine' market price:
- Minor scuff: 0-10%
- Large tear (away from text): 10-20%
- Stained/Damp damaged: 20-50%
- Illegible Vintage/Producer: 80% to Rejected.
How to Photograph Damage
Honesty saves time.
- Take a close-up of the damage.
- Use a side-light to show if the label is peeling.
- If text is faded, use a flashlight to try and illuminate the embossed date.
Common Mistakes
Making it worse.
- Using clear scotch tape to fix a tear (acid in tape turns yellow and destroys paper over time).
- Gluing a fallen label onto the wrong bottle.
- Assuming a 'Reference No.' (SKU) is the vintage.
What to Do Next
Sort your bottles.
- Group 'Damaged Labels' separately from 'Pristine'.
- Note the damage on your inventory spreadsheet (e.g., '1982 Latour (torn label)').
- Submit them for a quote—we still buy many damaged label bottles for 'drinker' stock.
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 you buy 'shiners' (unlabeled bottles)?
No. Without proof of what is inside, the risk is too high.
What if the cork says the vintage?
That helps! If the label is gone but the branded cork is visible and legible, we might make an offer.
Can I get a replacement label?
Only from the winery, and they rarely do it. Do not print your own (that is counterfeiting).
Does US strip label matter?
No. The US import strip label can be torn or removed without affecting value.
What about back labels?
Back labels are irrelevant to value. They can be missing entirely.