At Catawiki, we curate auctions for rare, premium-quality spirits that excite collectors and connoisseurs. Each bottle is carefully reviewed by our in-house experts for authenticity, presentation, and value to ensure a trusted experience for both buyers and sellers.
Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of a successful sale.
What we accept
We’re looking for collectable, high-quality spirits and related items. To be accepted, your object must:
- Fall within our accepted categories:
- Cognac & Armagnac:
- Vintage (Millésime) bottles
- XO or higher quality levels
- Limited editions and special releases from reputable producers
- Indie/single cask bottlings (e.g. Grosperrin, Darroze)
- Collectable porcelain bottles (e.g. Limoges)
- Older bottlings (1980s or earlier)
- Rum / Rhum / Ron:
- Single vintage or stated bottling year
- Agricole rum from Martinique or Guadeloupe
- Single cask or small batch bottlings
- Bottles from respected bottlers (e.g. Velier, La Maison du Whisky, Rom de Luxe, Compagnie des Indes)
- Older or discontinued releases (1990s or earlier)
- Fine Spirits & Liqueurs:
- Calvados, Grappa, Mezcal, Eaux-de-vie, Gin, Vodka, Tequila
- Limited editions, vintage or well-aged bottles
- Special editions of iconic brands (e.g. Chartreuse, Moutai, Clase Azul)
- Bottles with hand-drawn or artistic labels (e.g. Levi grappa)
- Bitters (Campari), vermouths, or liqueurs from the 1970s or earlier
- Cognac & Armagnac:
- Be in good visual condition: labels, capsules, and glass must be in good condition or any flaws clearly described
- Be properly sealed, unopened, with the original seal intact and in original packaging (if available)
- Be collectable or premium: bottles must be of special interest to collectors (due to rarity, age, producer, or format)
- Meet the minimum expected value of €75, at least €25 per bottle for spirits and €15–20 for liqueurs
(You can combine objects in one submission to meet this threshold) - (Fine Spirits & Liqueurs only) Be a coherent group, meaning have a common theme if you offer more than 1 bottle:
- A single Brand collection with different spirits: e.g. Buton - Triple Sec, Brandy, Cherry Liqueur from the 1950s until now
- A single product from a single producer Spirit/Liqueur: e.g. 6 Gordon’s Dry Gin
- Different expressions from a single producer: e.g. Pedro Domecq - Fundador & Carlos I brandy
📌 Examples of accepted objects:
What we do not accept
To keep our auctions high-quality and trustworthy, we do not accept:
- Opened bottles or those with broken or missing seals
- Empty bottles or decorative decanters
- Mass-market or widely available bottles (e.g. recent VS Cognac or supermarket rums)
- Bottles under €25 in value (spirits) or €20 (liqueurs)
- Objects with a total estimated value below €75
- Incoherent grouped submissions that include several bottles with different brands (for Fine Spirits & Liqueurs only).
📌 Examples of rejected objects:
Getting your submission ready
1. Fill in all the object details following the submission flow and write a clear description
When you submit a bottle, you’ll see fields to guide you in providing the right information — such as type, brand, year, bottle size, etc. These fields ensure your listing is clear, searchable, and easy for bidders to understand.
Please also use the object description field to share:
- Tax seal details, serial number, rotation number, or laser-etched code (if applicable)
- Any relevant backstory, e.g. limited edition, discontinued release, or distillery info
- Packaging details (original box, display case, etc.)
- Storage and condition notes, if relevant
- If the object has any flaws
- Note: All submissions with multiple bottles must have a description that includes:
- Bottle 1, Name Edition, Size, ABV
- Bottle 2, Name Edition, Size, ABV
- …
Tip: The more detail you provide, the easier it is for bidders to understand the value of your object – and the more likely it is to sell. Find here more tips on how to write a clear, accurate description.
2. Great photos matter
Photos are the first thing bidders see – so make them count! We recommend including high-quality images that clearly show the condition and details of your object. This helps bidders make informed decisions and increases your chances of a successful sale.
Your photos should include:
For all submissions:
- Full bottle images (front and back) - when there's original packaging, always add an image of the bottle(s) next to the box(es)
- Close-ups of label, capsule, tax seal
- Fill level — if not visible, weigh the sealed bottle and include the weight and photo
- Packaging (e.g. original box or case)
If available, also include:
- Serial numbers, rotation or laser-etched codes
- Base glass marks (especially for older or high-value bottles)
- Signs of damage or wear
Tip: Use a neutral background (white or black), avoid low-quality or stock images, and aim for natural lighting. Find here more tips on how to take professional photos.
📌 Examples of good vs. bad photos:
3. Additional proof of authenticity
We pay extra attention to ensure authenticity of objects to protect bidders and ensure a trustworthy marketplace. While most bottles are self-evident, high-value or rare bottles may require:
✔ Clear photos of stamps, tax seals, or etched codes
✔ Photographs of the original box or paperwork
✔ Photographs of embossed codes or markings on the bottle base (If pre-1990 or over €300 in value)
4. Shipping guidelines
Proper packaging and clear communication are essential to ensure your spirit or liqueur arrives safely and meets buyer expectations. Follow the guidance below to help protect your object during transit and avoid delivery issues.
Packaging
Use protective materials such as inflatable bottle airbags, bubble wrap or thick polystyrene bottle protectors to prevent breakage. Place the (wrapped/protected) bottle in a sturdy cardboard box.
We recommend wrapping the capsule with cling film or parafilm to protect against (minor) leaking. Wrapping the label with cling film to avoid scuffs or moisture damage.
Shipping method
Always use insured shipping with a Track & Trace code. This provides security for both seller and buyer and helps resolve any delivery problems quickly.
Import/export regulations
Some countries restrict the import of alcohol. If you're aware of any restrictions from your country to others, include this clearly in your object description.
Being transparent about shipping conditions builds trust with bidders and ensures a smoother transaction.
📌Example of a sentence to be included in the description:
“Before placing your bid, please check your country’s regulations regarding alcohol imports.”
Ready to sell? List your fine spirits and liqueurs today
Listing with us is free – commission is only applied if your object sells.
Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of success.
Register as a seller and submit your object for auction now.




