How We Price Wine and Spirits

Market Demand

The primary driver of value is what the market is currently paying for a bottle. We track recent transaction data across auction houses, retail channels, and private sales to understand current price ranges.

Prices fluctuate based on availability, collector interest, and broader market trends. A bottle that sold for a certain price last year may be worth more or less today depending on these factors.

For wines, vintage quality and critic scores can significantly affect demand. For spirits, limited releases, discontinued bottlings, and allocated products tend to command higher prices.

Condition

Condition is critical for valuation. We assess multiple aspects of each bottle:

• -Label condition: Tears, stains, scuffs, or fading reduce value. Pristine labels are preferred.
• -Capsule or seal: Intact capsules with no signs of seepage or damage. Tax stamps should be present and legible for spirits.
• -Fill level: For wine, fill is measured from the bottom of the cork. Low fills indicate potential oxidation or evaporation.
• -Cork condition: For older wines, cork integrity matters. Signs of leakage or push-up affect value.
• -Bottle clarity: Excessive sediment or cloudiness in wine can be a concern, though some sediment is normal in aged wines.

Provenance and Storage History

Where a bottle has been and how it has been stored affects both its condition and its perceived value. Provenance is especially important for wine, where improper storage can ruin even the finest bottles.

• Professional storage (temperature-controlled warehouse, wine storage facility)
• Home wine cellar with consistent temperature and humidity
• Purchased directly from the winery or distillery
• Acquired from a reputable retailer or auction house
• Part of a known collection with documented history

Bottles stored in poor conditions (hot garages, fluctuating temperatures, bright light) are worth less regardless of their label condition. For spirits, storage is less critical but still relevant for older or rare bottles.

Original Packaging

Original packaging can add meaningful value, especially for collectible bottles:

• -Original wood cases (OWC): For wines sold in cases of 6 or 12, having the original wood case adds value.
• -Presentation boxes: Many premium spirits come in decorative boxes or cases that collectors want.
• -Tubes and sleeves: Cardboard tubes for Scotch, velvet bags for certain bourbons.
• -Documentation: Certificates of authenticity, winery release notes, or purchase receipts.

Even damaged packaging is worth mentioning. A worn box is better than no box for many items.

Why Photos Matter

Photos allow us to assess condition without seeing the bottles in person. The more detail you provide upfront, the more accurate our initial quote can be.

We look for:

• Label legibility and condition
• Capsule integrity and any signs of seepage
• Fill level relative to the cork or cap
• Any damage, staining, or cosmetic issues
• Original packaging condition

Good photos reduce back-and-forth and help us respond faster. See our photo guide for specific examples of what to send.

Quotes vs Final Offers

Initial quotes are based on the information and photos you provide. They represent what we expect to offer assuming the bottles match your description.

Final offers are confirmed after we review the items. If bottles arrive in better condition than expected, we may increase our offer. If there are issues not visible in photos, we may need to adjust.

We always discuss any adjustments with you before finalizing. You are never obligated to accept a revised offer, and we will return items at our expense if we cannot reach agreement.

What We Do Not Buy

Some items are outside the scope of what we purchase:

• Opened bottles or bottles with broken seals
• Items we cannot verify as authentic
• Bottles with severe condition issues that affect drinkability
• Items that cannot be legally sold or shipped
• Extremely common bottles with minimal secondary market value

If you are unsure whether your bottles are of interest, submit them anyway. We will let you know what we can work with.