A good vintage wine sells for premium prices; however, this does not mean that older wines necessarily command a better price. The reason is that some vintages are recognized universally as being better than others, depending on the year that the grapes used in making the wine were harvested. If the grapes were harvested in those years with optimal growing conditions, they will most likely be sold at a higher price than those that were harvested in years with less optimal growing conditions.
The storage conditions that affect the storage of one's wine should also be taken into consideration. If the wine is maintained at the proper temperature and in a humidity controlled environment such as a wine cellar, the value may increase. Of course, the type of wine being appraised is also important since not all wines will benefit from careful aging. Most wines are best served immediately, save those few notable wines that age well. Experts estimate that only about one percent of all wines have the ability to improve for more than a decade or so. The right balance of sugars, acidity and tannins are usually the factors that make wine suitable for aging.
If you think that your wine collection has true value, you may want to contact a wine buyer and/or wine appraiser for an appraisal of your wine collection. By doing this, you will have a more accurate value of your wine collection and the value it could bring in the marketplace. This will help you understand how much you could get should you attempt to sell your wine at a retail price or a wholesale price. Of course, if you are knowledgeable on the subject matter, then you may proceed to selling it without an official appraisal.
In the past, selling vintage wine has not been an easy task. Knowledge of the laws on the sale and distribution of wine between states and from country to country complicates the matter significantly. Working with a trusted wine buyer requires diligence and common sense, as not everyone who you find on the internet (e.g. Craigslist) can be trusted. Some brokers have ill-conceived intentions and use the anonymity of the internet to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.
Ensure that your buyer is credible. Ask question and check references or speak to them so that you are comfortable. Once you have carefully verified their claims, you can begin ironing out the details of how they get the wine, and you get the money... the part of the process that everyone enjoys.