It’s not all about the house, when you’re looking for a vineyard property, the vines take centre stage…
Vineyard properties in France
Many of us have a romantic notion of owning some vines so we can produce our own wine to bottle and share with friends and family. It’s a trend that has grown internationally with Chinese and American buyers dreaming of having their own Grand Cru.
But buying a vineyard where the vines are too young, too old, or not planted to the correct density can turn your dream sour. It’s essential you seek the advice of a specialist vineyard agent. Leggett Immobillier’s Xavier Routurier comes from a vineyard-owning family and advises buyers in his native Bordeaux, Bergerac and Lot-et-Garonne areas.
He says that the typical hobby vineyard is 1 to 2 hectares (15,000 bottles of wine a year), with a nice house attached, and costs €400,000 to €1,000,000. This compares with a professional vineyard of 15 – 25 hectares costing €1.5 – €3 million, depending on the renovation and size of the chateau/house. Of course prices will be lower outside the internationally famous Bordeaux region. “The biggest mistake buyers can make is to buy a vineyard that doesn’t conform to the latest regulations – and/or the quality of the vines and terroir is poor. The peak age for vines is around 20 years.”
By Liz Rowlinson for Legget Immobillier
See a selection of Vineyard properties for sale at www.frenchestateagents.com
Expats living the good life in Bordeaux
The British expats making rose wine in Provence
