Buying a wine estate

These prestigious acquisitions, with a few tax advantages, rightly whet the appetite of investors. Whether French or foreign, the majority of them are looking for a "French way of life". But who are these budding neo-vinegrowers really?

70% of the investors are French, the remaining 30% share around thirty nationalities dominated by Anglo-Saxons, Belgians, Swiss and a handful of Russian investors. As for the emergence of Asian capital, it is concentrated in Bordeaux. The choice is above all guided by the fascination of the historical heritage, château's life is an absolute must for Mao's grandchildren, without losing sight of massive export objectives, China is on the way to becoming the world's leading consumer of wine.

There is no doubt that the forecast dedicated to this acquisition varies from one region to another, and depends on the notoriety of the vineyard and the classification of the terroir.

In France, vine selling prices are almost transparent thanks to the Safer, Société d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Établissement Rural, which monitors rural areas. It is a valuable comparison tool for apprentice winegrowers. It can start at around 140.000€/ha for a small bare vineyard, without any buildings or equipment, and can go up to 650.000€ for the same hectare in Burgundy.

The American businessman Stanley Kroenke, owner of the Arsenal, did not hesitate to write a cheque for 100 million euros to acquire the 11 hectares of the mythical Domaine Bonneau du Martray, a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the Côte de Beaune.

Optimising the management of these extraordinary living spaces, traditionally a historic residence and hectares of land, and having the chance to live and even make a living there is no easy task. Becoming a winegrower is an arduous job if ever there was one. It requires, a certain farming common sense and a real connection with nature, genetically transmitted over generations or acquired through solid experience in the field.

Common denominators imposed to start this new slice of life, a deep attraction to the world of wine and a well-informed entrepreneurial sense. Moreover, for the most part, nearly 50% of these new owners do not come from the agricultural world. They have made their fortunes at the top of finance, electronics, sport or international business... Leaders who know the value of people on the road to success. The team already in place or the personnel recruited when the estate was acquired will be the guarantors of the skills, technical qualifications and know-how that will make the difference in optimising the future.