Where can I find an expert in wine to estimate the value of my wine collection?

Question

I have a large collection of fine wine that I would like to have estimate. I am looking for a reputable business or person that can provide this service. Where can I find this kind of information?

Answer 1

The best way to get a good estimate is through an auction house like Sotheby's, Butterfields & Butterfields and others. They will look not just at which wines you have but how they are stored, how the bottles look, etc. They will estimate their price and give an estimated range that they will sell for at auction.

Also, if you have a good local high-end wine shop, you can ask their buyer to come evaluate yoru cellar. They will only do this if you are interested in selling your wine to them. If they like what they see and the storage conditions look good, they will make you an offer to buy your wine from you. However, while this may be faster and easier than selling through an auction house, you are more likely to get higher prices through the reputable auction houses.

Answer 2

The problem with experts on any subject is that they can be extremely boring to others. I enjoy a glass of wine now and again - don't know anything about the 'bouquet' or the 'aftertaste' because I don't want to know; I only know whether it tastes good to me. It's the same with men who rattle on in detail about the engineering merits of a particular car - yawn, yawn; my only requirement is that it starts ok when I turn the key! I neither like, nor dislike these people, I just try to steer clear of 'their' subject when in their company. I enjoy a cup of tea too - usually green during the day and cammomile before bed! Sweet dreams! (And of course there are tea experts too - Lapsang Souchong and all that!).

Answer 3

In the back of "Wine Spectator" magazine and other wine-oriented magazines are classified ads for wine auctioneers. They have appraisers. Give one (or more) of them a call.

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