CELLAR AUCTION ESTIMATES
The first step is to understand what your wine and spirits collection could achieve at auction with Brightwells. Our auction estimates draw on decades of specialist knowledge and experience. Brightwells' Head of Wine Sales, Paddy Shave, has over 35 years' experience in the fine wine industry and has been with Brightwells since 2006. Wine Consignor Will Binnersley joined Brightwells in 2017; he holds a WSET Level 3 qualification.
Your wines and spirits are in demand, and Brightwells has the expertise and facilities to sell them safely and effectively. We offer free, no-obligation auction estimates, whether you have a single bottle or an entire cellar collection. Our knowledgeable specialists will appraise your collection and provide a realistic auction estimate.
How To Receive An Auction Estimate
The most straightforward way to receive an auction estimate is to create a list of the wines and spirits you are considering selling and submit it via our online valuation form, along with photographs.
Alternatively, please call 01568 619719 or email wine@brightwells.com for further information.
Request a Valuation
SELLING FINE WINE, PORT, CHAMPAGNE & SPIRITS
Speak with one of our experienced auctioneers to have your collection assessed and receive advice on the most competitive, cost-effective approach to selling at auction. To discuss your items in confidence, please contact our sales team on 01568 619719.
Exceptional presentation is essential to achieving the best possible results. Every consignment benefits from:
- Professional catalogue descriptions
- High-quality photography
- Detailed condition reports where required
- Extensive marketing to collectors and buyers
Your lots will be prominently showcased on our website, reaching a substantial audience of collectors and buyers throughout the UK and internationally. We further maximise exposure through targeted social media campaigns and promotion across specialist industry platforms, helping to generate strong visibility, engagement and buyer interest.
Access to an Established Global Buyer Network
With over 20 years of experience in the fine wine market, we have developed an extensive database of loyal buyers and collectors. Our established international buyer base extends across Hong Kong, the United States, France, Belgium and Singapore. Our continually expanding mailing lists reach audiences throughout the UK and overseas, ensuring your wines and spirits are presented to serious and motivated buyers worldwide.
SUBMIT AN ENTRY
Our Wine, Port, Champagne & Whisky Department will accept most types of well-cellared and collectible investment wines and spirits. You can submit your entry by contacting us. We will then organise with you an idea of auction estimates and discuss how to get your parcel of wine to our auction rooms, which we are delighted to help make a really easy process.
Once we have received your consignment, we will begin the process of a full investigation of it’s provenance, condition and the story behind it, because these are the selling points which mean so much to collectors and investors.
The lots which sell best are marketed without a reserve price, but it is not a requirement that we will only accept wine without reserve. The reserve price is the value a seller would like the item to make at the least.
You will be asked to sign an Auction Sale Agreement, if you haven't already signed one for the company, and we will keep you informed about sale dates and marketing.
COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
Our auction centre is based at Easters Court, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0DE. As we own and operate the site, we can accept wine deliveries between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year.
Our ten-acre site is conveniently located just off the A49 at Leominster, with secure access, comprehensive insurance, a fully alarmed premises and 24-hour security monitoring.
Once received, wines are stored in carefully controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Our stock management system also ensures that bottles are handled as little as possible while in our care.
Transporting a wine collection requires careful consideration of timing, security, storage and cost. We work with a number of specialist transport providers, including a private, fully insured wine courier, and can help arrange the safe transportation of your collection to our auction centre.
Alternatively, you are very welcome to deliver your consignment to us personally. Leominster train station is conveniently located within a ten-minute walk of our site, with connections to destinations across the UK.
AUCTION DAY
All of our sales are conducted exclusively online, with buyers submitting bids directly through the Brightwells website. We own and maintain our own auction software, meaning buyers do not incur additional fees for bidding through a third-party auction platform. This helps keep the buying process straightforward and competitive.
On sale day, we regularly speak with sellers to discuss bidding activity and the level of interest their lots are attracting. This allows us to keep them informed throughout the auction and discuss the progress of their consignment as the sale develops.
Our auctions have achieved a sale rate of over 90% during the past 18 months, reflecting strong buyer demand and carefully considered auction estimates.
POST-SALE PAYMENT & PROCESSES
Following the auction, sellers will receive a Post-Sale Advice detailing the results of their consignment, followed by a Vendor Statement providing a full breakdown of charges and the total proceeds due.
Sale proceeds are paid 21 days after the auction, either by bank transfer or cheque.
While there are further details involved in the auction process, the information above covers the key stages of selling with Brightwells. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your collection with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
For full details of our trading terms and Conditions of Sale, please click here to view our current Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your collection with us, please 01568 619719 or email wine@brightwells.com.
