Should I allow 84 various vintages of wine to be auctioned for charity without knowing the value of each?

Question

Some wines are past their prime, some are drinkable now, and some are of high value. Stored on wine racks in downstairs walk in closet but not temperature controlled. I have a local restauranteur who will auction them for me for charity.

Answer 1

You should understand the value so that you can determine the correct opening bid.  

You should also be prepared for bid winners to come back to you about wine that had gone bad.   What is your policy?    Most liquor stores will honor returns of bad wine EXCEPT wine beyond a specified age where the risk goes to the buyer.

Answer 2

You aren't going to know the true value of the bottle until it's been opened & sampled!  Some of them could have "turned" from not being stored properly.......so, a bottle that appears to be valuable from the label, could now just be good wine vinegar!   You'll definitely need to add a provision saying you aren't responsible for the quality of the wine, and make sure everyone knows that they weren't properly stored

Answer 3

What are they asking or the entire package? Consider it before selling it per bottle

Answer 4

Value them all high.  Take the tax write off.