How To Spot Fake Wine And Wine Bottles This Holiday Season

The holiday season is synonymous with celebration, and wine often takes center stage in these festivities. Whether you’re toasting with a fine vintage or savoring a simple glass of red, wine adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. However, with the rising prevalence of counterfeit wines, that perfect experience can be easily compromised. Even more concerning, fake wines can pose serious health risks. If you’re worried about falling victim to counterfeit bottles, rest assured—you don’t need to be a sommelier to spot them. With a little knowledge and keen attention to detail, you can confidently select authentic wines and enjoy the true essence of the season.

Here are six practical ways to spot fake wine like a professional this holiday season and beyond…

#1. Examine the label

The wine label is often the first and most telling sign of authenticity. Reputable wineries invest considerable effort to ensure their labels are difficult to replicate, incorporating several key features to set their bottles apart.

• Typography and Printing: High-quality labels are typically produced using specialized printing methods, such as plate presses. When inspecting a label, look closely for any inconsistencies in ink or color separation. Counterfeit labels often reveal subtle flaws, like blurry text, uneven fonts, or incorrect spacing.
• Authenticity Details: Many wineries go a step further by adding authenticity markers, such as embossed logos, serial numbers, or holograms. If you notice missing or duplicated serial numbers, that’s a major red flag.
• Historical Accuracy: A little research into the wine’s history can go a long way. For example, if a label claims to be from a vintage that predates the winery’s founding or features a bottle size that wasn’t available during that time, it’s a clear sign of fraud.

#2. Inspect the cork

The cork is another crucial element in identifying fake wines. Authentic corks from fine wines are often branded with the winery’s logo or name, serving as a signature of quality and provenance.

• Tampering Signs: Examine the cork for any grooves or marks left by a two-pronged cork puller. These could suggest that the cork has been removed and replaced, a common practice in counterfeiting.
• Wine Stains: Older wines typically leave stains or sediment deposits on the cork over time. If you come across a perfectly clean cork in an aged bottle, it’s worth questioning whether the wine inside has been swapped.

#3. Check the fill level

The amount of wine in the bottle, known as the fill level, can also be a telling sign of authenticity.

• Proper Fill Levels: Genuine fine wines are typically bottled with a small gap (3–10mm) between the wine and cork. Over time, this gap may slightly increase due to evaporation and absorption through the cork, a natural part of the aging process.
• Suspicious Overfilling: In contrast, counterfeit wines are often filled to the brim, leaving no room for these natural aging processes. This is a clear red flag and a reliable indicator of a fake bottle.

#4. Look for sediment

Sediment is a natural byproduct of aging in red wines and vintage ports, offering valuable insight into a wine’s authenticity.

• Presence of Sediment: In older wines, you should be able to see sediment that moves when the bottle is gently shaken. This indicates the wine has aged properly over time.
• Baked Sediment: On the other hand, sediment that appears glued to the bottle’s interior or fails to move could signal improper storage or tampering, raising doubts about the wine’s authenticity.

#5. Beware of unicorn wines

Some counterfeiters go so far as to invent “unicorn wines”—bottles that never existed in the first place.

• Research the Wine: Always verify the wine’s existence and production history. For example, Burgundy’s Clos Saint-Denis 1945 is a known counterfeit, as the appellation didn’t begin production until 1982. This discrepancy is a clear sign that the bottle is a fake.

#6. Inspect the bottle

Yes, you can often tell if wine is fake simply by examining the bottle. The bottle itself offers valuable clues about authenticity:

• Glass Quality: Hand-blown glass bottles from the 19th century typically have imperfections and may not sit flat on a surface. These subtle irregularities are a hallmark of older bottles.
• Modern Features: Bottles produced after 1930 in France should have their volume embossed directly on the glass. Additionally, newer bottles may feature markers like the “recyclable” symbol, which can help distinguish authentic bottles from counterfeits.

Why authenticity matters

Fake wines not only ruin your experience but can also pose significant health risks. Counterfeiters often use substandard ingredients that may be harmful to your health. To avoid these dangers, it’s crucial to purchase from trusted suppliers who source directly from reputable wineries, ensuring both authenticity and safety.

Tips for safe holiday wine shopping

• Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase your wine from licensed vendors or directly from the winery.
• Use Technology: Apps and online resources can help you verify label details and serial numbers.
• Seek Expert Opinions: If you’re unsure about a bottle, consult a sommelier or wine expert.

Drink up

This holiday season, don’t let counterfeit wines spoil your celebrations. By carefully examining labels, corks, fill levels, and other telltale signs, you can ensure that every bottle you open is authentic and enjoyable. Armed with these tips, you’ll not only impress your guests but also protect yourself from potential health risks.

Remember, great wine doesn’t have to be expensive—it just needs to be real. Cheers to a festive and authentic holiday season!

Shop editor’s choice

Featured image: @lobjet/Instagram 

For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_

—Read Also