Services
Authentication
As a Swiss-based wine authentication expert, trained and mentored by the worlds leading expert, Maureen Downey, I provide independent, expert assessments of fine and rare wine. My work combines forensic examination, provenance research and decades of industry knowledge to protect collectors, auction houses and institutions from counterfeit or misrepresented bottles.
Every inspection adheres to the strict, documented protocols of The Chai Method®, a proprietary, systematic approach to bottle inspection to assess authenticity. TCM® Inspection involves use of various forms of magnification, measurement, lighting, imaging and analysis of over 100 different individual bottle details. Professional expert opinion and findings are reported verbally, or in formal court-ready written reports.
Specific services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Authentication and verbal reporting for private collectors
Pre-acquisition or pre-sale authentication
Court-ready expert reports for counterfeit bottles
Expert witness and advisory services (for legal disputes and insurance claims)
Upon request, formal entry into the Chai Vault, blockchain ledger of authenticity
With extensive training and experience working with a community of the worlds leading experts in wine authentication, I approach every project with precision, objectivity and discretion.
Whether inspecting individual bottles or an entire collection, my commitment remains the same: to protect the integrity, value and legacy of fine wine.
Chai Vault - Ledger of authenticity
Authentic bottles in proper condition can be entered into the Chai Vault. The Chai Vault is a blockchain-supported system of tracking authenticity and provenance for the life of the bottle. A Certificate of Authenticity is visible online, in advance of purchase, assisting sales prices, retained value, and informed purchases.
The Chai Vault anti-fraud solution for wine enables potential buyers to view evidence of authenticity and provenance online prior to purchase, without being in physical proximity to the bottle. Sellers can maximize prices for certified bottles. Consumers can focus on buying wines that are authentic rather than avoiding those that are not. Chai Vault facilitates bottle-level authenticity by layering multiple identifications on top of blockchain security.
The Chai Vault solution allows for authentication and registration of bottles in the secondary market when authenticated by a certified TCM Authenticator, or a licensed vendor with provable direct provenance.
Vendors then list certified bottles online with individual bottles’ hyperlinks so potential buyers can view the online certificate of Authenticity and Provenance which lists current conditions and an image of the actual bottle. Owner information can be encrypted for confidentiality, however the chain of custody remains visible.
Chai Vault certification is available only when authenticated by a member of the team of affiliated, global TCM Certified Authenticators.
Education and training
I believe that the first step to combating wine fraud is raising awareness.
I offer bespoke training and awareness to selected audiences designed to educate collectors, trade professionals and institutions on types of wine fraud and the extent of it, and how to help mitigate the risks associated with it, from prevention, detection and response.
Types of engagements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Professional presentations to closed-groups
Professional training and awareness to trade professionals (such as auction house teams)
One-off event collaborations and private sessions
Given the sensitivity of certain information, training engagements will be selectively agreed to under certain arrangements which may include pre-screening of attendees.