The idea of owning a vineyard has grown in popularity, and there is a clear return of big-budget buyers, who are looking to diversify their investments by acquiring large, exceptional estates in the old world wine regions of Europe, alongside the professionals who are back in the hunt.
There has always been the stratospherically rich, like the Rothschilds, Francois Pinault and Bernard Arnault, who between them own half of the most acclaimed vineyards in Bordeaux.
However, there is a new breed of buyers looking for vineyard properties for sale. After having made their fortunes outside the wine industry they are now cultivating vineyards – not just as a status symbol like the next yacht or a passing fancy but because they are caught up in the thrill and the passion of creating their own great wine.
This new breed of vineyard property owners are bankers, dotcom millionaires, hoteliers, actors and pop stars – ranging from Cliff Richard in Spain and Gerard Depardieu in France to Mick Hucknall in Italy.
Although the Chinese have moved in as commercial buyers, mainly in Bordeaux, the new winemakers from France, United Kingdom, USA, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Scandinavia are buying more for lifestyle rather than focusing on immediate profit. What most people are looking for is a lovely old farmhouse or a chateau with a hobby vineyard of several hectares that is run by a local winemaker and gives wine income.
Vineyard properties for sale are among the most desired locations of exclusive private residences, but for many high-flying international buyers, a vineyard estate is one of several homes and may not be the main holiday home. They might come to this one only three weeks a year, for example, during wine harvest from mid September to October.
The rewards of winery ownership are like no other – the benefits of a long-term investment that matures like a fine wine, increasing in value, while providing a unique and enjoyable experience along the way.
Find vineyard properties for sale at International Luxury Real Estate – ilre.com
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