How to Choose a Wine Appraiser

Wine enthusiasts and serious collectors have valuable allies in their wine appraisers. These experts help wine lovers protect their wine collections by inventorying them and giving them value. Obviously, a good wine appraisal and inventory are essential when wine collections are insured. An appraisal is often necessary for divorce settlements, estate planning, charity donations, tax purposes, and personal investment.

Finding a qualified wine appraiser may be a bit tricky. A good place to start looking is your insurance company. They often have appraisers on staff or available as independent consultants. Your lawyer can also suggest a good appraiser, especially if your legal representative handles large estates that include art, jewelry, and other collectibles. Likewise, auction houses will often have appraisers on staff or on call. Finally, you can contact the American Society of Appraisers to find a certified wine appraiser.

Qualifications

A wine appraiser is usually certified first as a personal property appraiser. People can be certified once they have completed training by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). That organization has been supplying appraisers since 1936 and was one of eight national appraisal societies that founded the Appraisal Foundation in 1989. It has been enforcing national appraisal standards and training as established in 1986 by federal guidelines for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).