What to Send for a Fast Quote
The more information you provide upfront, the faster and more accurate your offer will be. This guide covers what to include when submitting bottles for evaluation.
Why Details Matter
Wine and spirits values depend on specifics. The same producer can vary dramatically by vintage. Condition affects value significantly. Storage history matters for older wines.
When you provide clear details upfront, we can research values accurately and provide a fair offer quickly. Incomplete information means we need to ask follow-up questions, which slows the process.
You do not need to be an expert. Just share what you can see and know.
The Basics We Need
For each bottle, we need to know what it is and how many you have. The basics include producer or brand name, wine or spirit type, vintage or age, and quantity.
For wines, vintage year is important. For spirits, age statements and any special edition names help. Bottle size matters if it is not a standard 750ml.
A simple list or spreadsheet works well. If you have cellar management software, an export is perfect.
- Producer or brand name
- Wine or spirit type
- Vintage year or age statement
- Bottle size if non-standard
- Quantity of each
- Original packaging status
Photos That Help
Good photos allow us to verify details and assess condition. For each bottle or representative bottles from a collection, photograph the front label clearly.
Show the fill level. For wine, this is the distance from the cork to the wine surface. For spirits, show the liquid line. Fill level affects value.
Include any original packaging. Wood cases, cardboard boxes, and tubes can add value. Photograph any condition concerns like damaged labels or seepage.
- Front label in focus and legible
- Fill level visible through glass
- Capsule or seal intact
- Original wood cases with labels
- Any damage or condition issues
- Back labels if relevant
Condition Notes
Mention anything notable about condition. Labels that are stained, torn, or faded. Capsules that show corrosion or seepage. Bottles with particularly low fills.
Be honest. We will see the condition when we receive the bottles. Surprises create problems. Accurate descriptions upfront lead to offers that hold.
If everything is in good condition, say so. If you have concerns about specific bottles, note which ones.
Provenance and Storage
Provenance is the history of where bottles came from and how they were stored. For valuable wines especially, provenance affects value.
If you bought from a reputable retailer, auction house, or directly from the winery, mention that. If you have purchase records, include them.
Describe how the collection was stored. Professional cellar, home wine refrigerator, temperature-controlled room. Note the approximate temperature if known.
- Where bottles were purchased
- How long you have had them
- Storage method and location
- Approximate temperature if known
- Any purchase receipts or records
What If You Have Partial Information
Send what you have. If you do not know the storage history, say so. If you cannot identify some bottles, send photos and we will help.
Missing information is okay. We would rather receive a submission with gaps than have you delay because you cannot answer everything.
We will follow up with specific questions if we need more details. Submitting sooner starts the conversation.
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 I need to photograph every bottle?
For small collections, individual photos help. For larger collections, representative photos with counts by section work well.
What format should my inventory be in?
Any format works. Spreadsheet, PDF, handwritten list, or photos of your cellar log. We can work with whatever you have.
What if I cannot read some labels?
Send photos anyway. We can often identify wines and spirits from partial label information or bottle shapes.
Does original packaging always add value?
For many collectible bottles, original wood cases, boxes, and tubes add meaningful value. Always mention and photograph packaging.
How accurate do counts need to be?
Reasonably accurate. For large collections, estimates are fine initially. We verify counts when we receive bottles.
Can I text photos instead of using the form?
Yes. Texting photos and a list to 213-770-9463 (213-770-WINE) works just as well. We take it from there.
What if I am not the original buyer?
That is fine. Many sellers inherit or receive bottles as gifts. Just share what you know about the history.