Business Details
Expert Wine & Spirits Appraisals and Consultation Services
Cork Counsel was founded by Neil Kaplan, Esq., DipWSET, a seasoned attorney and wine industry specialist with over 30 years of experience. Our firm specializes in wine and spirits appraisals, insurance inspections, damage assessments, and brokerage services for collectors and professionals. Neil holds a Level 4 Diploma from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust with merit and is an Appraisers Association of America certified wine appraiser. His unique combination of legal expertise and deep industry knowledge allows us to deliver authoritative, irrefutable appraisals and tailored consultancy services. We serve clients nationwide, offering solutions for estate planning, divorce settlements, bankruptcy proceedings, and charitable donations.Our commitment to precision, transparency, and client communication ensures satisfaction across all phases of service delivery. With a focus on damage assessment due to storage conditions and expert witness testimony, we provide comprehensive support for complex wine and spirits-related challenges. Our relocation and inventory management services guarantee the safe handling and meticulous tracking of valuable collections. By integrating legal analysis with industry-specific insights, we help clients avoid future complications while maximizing the value of their assets. Whether advising on market trends or facilitating transactions, our goal is to deliver distinctive service grounded in unparalleled expertise.
Services
Wine Appraisals
Spirits Appraisals
Insurance Inspections
Damage Assessments
Estate Planning
Bankruptcy Appraisals
Brokerage Services
Collection Relocation
Inventory Management
Expert Witness Testimony
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined legal and wine industry expertise.
- Our founder holds a Level 4 Diploma from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.
- We provide USPAP-compliant appraisals for IRS documentation.
- Our team includes a Stage Two Candidate for the Master of Wine.
- We guarantee authoritative appraisals that withstand legal scrutiny.
Associations and certifications
- Appraisers Association of America
Services
Wine Appraisals
Our certified appraisals evaluate wine collections for insurance, estate planning, or legal proceedings. Using industry standards and market data, we deliver detailed reports that withstand scrutiny. Neil Kaplan's legal background ensures compliance with documentation requirements for tax or legal purposes.
Spirits Appraisals
We assess spirits collections with the same rigor as wine, focusing on rarity, age, and market trends. Our appraisals incorporate storage condition analysis and provenance verification. This service supports insurance coverage, estate settlements, and auction preparations.
Damage Assessments
We inspect collections for heat, humidity, or physical damage, determining value loss and remediation options. Our reports include chemical analysis of wine degradation and photographic documentation. This service supports insurance claims and legal disputes.
Brokerage Services
We advise on optimal timing, markets, and pricing for buying or selling collections. Our industry connections facilitate private sales and auction placements. We negotiate terms and verify authenticity to maximize transaction value.
Inventory Management
Our barcode system tracks each bottle's location, provenance, and value. This service prevents loss and simplifies insurance reporting. Clients receive real-time inventory updates and storage optimization recommendations.
People
Neil Kaplan
Founder
Neil Kaplan, Esq., DipWSET, is a certified wine appraiser with 30+ years in the industry. He holds a Level 4 Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma and practiced New York law for six years. His expertise spans appraisals, damage assessments, and legal consultancy for wine collections.
Questions
What services does Cork Counsel specialize in?
We specialize in wine and spirits appraisals, insurance inspections, damage assessments, brokerage, estate planning, and inventory management for collectors and professionals.
How does Cork Counsel handle wine collection damage assessments?
We analyze storage conditions, chemical changes, and physical indicators to determine heat or humidity damage and its impact on value.
Can Cork Counsel assist with insurance claims for wine collections?
Yes, we provide detailed appraisals and expert testimony to support insurance claims for damaged or devalued collections.
What makes Neil Kaplan uniquely qualified for wine appraisals?
He combines a Level 4 Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma, legal expertise, and 30+ years of industry experience with Master of Wine candidacy.
Does Cork Counsel offer services for wine collection relocation?
We supervise temperature-controlled shipping, inventory creation, and packing/unpacking to ensure safe collection transfers.
How does Cork Counsel support charitable wine donations?
We prepare IRS-compliant appraisals to document donations and maximize tax deductions for charitable contributions.
