Giving Thanks, Fall 2008

Now that the harvest is complete, we’re tucking the vines in for a winters rest.  Time to maintain our equipment for another season and starting to reflect back over the year’s events.  A quick reminder that wine country is a beautiful place to live.  What a  year it has been.  Last spring had everyone running in circles.  Frost, rain, heat and cold all occurring within one month. Now, as the tail end of the growing season is coming to an end and we are fairly confident most folks are glad the hard part of the year is behind us. Looking forward it is time to celebrate the holiday season.  It is time to get little rest and relaxation thrown in for good measure. As always we take this time to give thanks and ponder what the next year has in store for us.

Wine Country Is A Beautiful Place To Live

Wine Country Is A Beautiful Place To Live

Reflecting on the past growing season, fraught with many challenges, helps us put this season in perspective. By doing so we’re able to take the proverbial crystal ball out of storage, dust it off, and see what kind of projections we’re able to conjure up.

The Trend Is Your Friend, Or Is It?

One of the most certain trends we are going to see is the relationship between grower and winery.  The will go through yet another transition.  The phrase “How do you like me now?” comes to mind when envisioning a grower and a winery (grower relations) sitting at the negotiating table.  The grower is emboldened by the much known and publicized coming of what could be a massive shortage of wine grapes for the wine market, especially for premium grapes from Napa and Sonoma Counties.  Once again the tide is turning and there is a silver lining for the growers.  We feel that most all varietals will increase in price, even the Merlot market is starting to move in the right direction.  Our crystal ball says that the end of 2009 looks to be a much better year than 2008, for most farmers.  Even with the current economic crisis, we feel there will be price appreciation for most if not all varietals.  Of course the depth and longevity of the downturn will remain a wildcard.

While it appears that the “sky is falling”, and the hinges are definitely a little “loose” in the overall economy, our little niche of vineyard and winery sales continues to move along albeit at a more reserved pace.  Wine buyers will be more  conservative in their spending, reigning in sales, but our crystal ball rightly points out that no one will stop drinking wine.  Most consumers will move to lower price points and some may even buy less wine, but drink wine they will.  For the consumer there’s likely to be great values and bargains, and the beat goes on.  If we can collectively keep our heads and wits about us we will make it through this set back, as the great Bacchus might have once said “One bottle at a time”.

The French Are Coming!

Part of what makes this wild ride so interesting is the influx of money from abroad in the last year.  We have numerous clients from Europe, mostly French Winery owners that are looking for a special opportunity.  Some might call it an invasion but it is exciting to see that there is so much interest from across the pond.  In addition some might even call acceptance and even, dare we say, appreciation. C’est magnifique!

Did You Know?

Here’s an interesting side note…. after seeing the movie Bottle Shock which was loosely based on the tasting of Paris in 1976  (that really put Napa & Chateau Montelena Winery on the map by winning a blind tasting against numerous French wines) our curiosity  was stirred.  Where did the grapes come from that made the famous bottle of 1973 Chardonnay?  After a bit of detective work (think Inspector Clouseau) we had heard everything from the source being Estate Grapes, to blends from Napa and Sonoma as well as several far out ideas of where they came from.

An interesting clue but somewhat misleading is that the bottle is labeled “Napa-Alex”.  This is with regards to where the grapes came from. Still, there was no clear answer and it appeared that we were going to have to dig a little deeper to solve this mystery. So, as any good detective might do, I put a call into the source, Bo Barrett at Chateau Montelena, to get the real story.

Just a little bit of trivia to ponder.

The real story is that the grapes that won the number one chardonnay in the world, tasted by all French judges in the 1976 Paris tasting came from two vineyards.  One part from the Hanna Vineyards on Orchard Road, Napa.   Thee other part of the grapes came from Bacigalupi Vineyards in Alexander Valley. Chef d’ceuvre!

Sooooooooooooooo, one may say that Sonoma had a little to do with that Napa award as well.

You might be asking yourself, what took the French so long to come and buy out their American competitors? If asked, the response would likely have something to do with the value of the Euro vs. the Dollar.  Or, Napa and Sonoma are now beating them at every tasting event. Although somewhere in the message is the unquestionable quality of Napa and Sonoma wines.

Aside from the French, we are seeing buyers / investors from all over.  There has been interest from Russia, China, Viet Nam, Canada and even Central America.  Seems there is a world-wide thirst for our wine country.

Thanks!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Between the intoxicating smell of fermentation in the air I can almost smell a  freshly baked pecan pie, roasted turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.  We live in one of the most blessed areas of the world.  So far, we haven’t been wiped out by tornados, hurricanes, floods or other natural disasters like many of our fellow countrymen during the past year.  It is a pleasure to wake up every morning and overlook our beautiful wine country. We also enjoy nearly perfect weather year round.  We have the greatest wineries and restaurants in the world at  our fingertips.  Last but certainly not least this has to be one of the greatest places to raise a family.  We are very grateful to be able to live in the Northern California Wine Country.

This time of year is a great time to reflect back on the years happenings, both good and bad.  As long as we have our health, and are happy with our lives, success is sure to follow.  We have met many new people in the last few years and learned about different cultures from around the world.  We’ve made new friends, built new relationships and found exciting new opportunities.  We also remember old, tried and true friends and business relationships that have allowed us to prosper in the wine country.  And don’t forget, wine country is a beautiful place to live.

[vin - TRUE]
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Area Overview

Area Overview / Available Properties

Welcome to wine country. Sonoma and Napa counties present a spectacular setting for incredible lifestyle, world class vineyards, winemaking, numerous artisan endeavors, and spellbinding scenery with a perfect mix of sophistication and country living. The proximity to San Francisco for city adventures, the Pacific Ocean for rugged beauty, and Lake Tahoe for winter sports makes our region exquisitely unique. View all of the current properties available in each area by clicking on a city. We look forward to hearing from you with any questions or feedback and hope you enjoy the area as much as we do.

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Exclusive Inventory
State of the Art Winey and Legacy Ranch

For sale

• 479± Acres Total
• 282± Acres Planted to Vineyard
• 7 Parcels (6 in Williamson Act)
• 76,000± SqFt Wine & Hospitality Center
• 6,000± SqFt Estate Residence

State of the Art Winey and Legacy Ranch

Asking   $17,500,000
State of the Art Wine Production Facility

For sale

•44+ Acres Total
•23± Acres of Vineyard
•11,000± SqFt Tasting Room
• 65,000± SqFt Winery

State of the Art Wine Production Facility

Asking   $11,200,000
Diamond Mountain Vineyard Estate

For sale

• 53 ± Acres Total
• 4,622±SqFt Residence
• 3± Acres of Ultra Premium Cabernet Sauvignon
• Breathtaking Views

Diamond Mountain Vineyard Estate

Asking   $6,395,000
Sonoma Vineyard Property and Family Compound

For sale

• 7.73 ± Acres Total
• 4± Acres Planted to Pinot Noir
• 2,500± SqFt Main House
• Large 4 Car Garage
• One Bedroom Apartment
• Duplex, 2 Bedrooms Each Unit

Sonoma Vineyard Property and Family Compound

Asking   $2,895,000
Winery Tasting Room Events Center and Vineyard

For sale

• Winery
• Tasting Room
• Wine Cave
• Events Venue
• Two Parcels

Winery Tasting Room Events Center and Vineyard

Asking   $4,650,000
Luxury Estate Potential Among the Vines

For sale

• 47.88± Acres Total
• 27.5± Acres of Vineyard
• 6,000± SqFt Home
• Tennis Court

Luxury Estate Potential Among the Vines

Asking   $1,900,000
Napa Valley Vineyard Estate Building Site

For sale

• Gorgeous View Building Site
• Approved ECP for 2.5 Acres of Vineyard
• 1 Acre of Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Vineyard Estate Building Site

Asking   $1,395,000
Sip, Savor, and Settle in Shenandoah

For sale

•16± Acres Total
• Gorgeous Views
• 2,700± Sqft Main House
• 547± Sqft Guest House
• 2,180± SqFt Workshop / Garage

Sip, Savor, and Settle in Shenandoah

Asking   $1,847,000
View Estate Setting Among Premier Vineyard

For sale

• 160.02± Acres Total
• 66.20± Acres Planted To Vineyard
• 40± Acres Plantable
• Substantial Well
• Elevated Views

View Estate Setting Among Premier Vineyard

Asking   $1,600,000
Lifestyle Vineyard Estate Winery

For sale

• 12.3± Acres Total
• Vineyard Estate & Winery
• 2,560± SqFt Estate Residence
• 2,400± SqFt Winery / Tasting Room Building

Lifestyle Vineyard Estate Winery

Asking   $2,500,000
Historic Vineyard Ranch

For rent

• 80.60± Acres
• 65.51± Acres Planted to Vineyard
• Lot Split Potential
• Multiple Potential Homesites

Historic Vineyard Ranch

Asking   $1,200,000
Wine Country Property Search

For sale

• Search All (MLS)
• Wine Country Properties

Wine Country Property Search

Premium Vineyard in Wine Country Setting – 3 Parcels

For sale

• 146.02± Acres Total
• 97.20± Acres of Vineyard
• Reservoir
• 3 Parcels

Premium Vineyard in Wine Country Setting – 3 Parcels

Asking   $1,600,000
Lifestyle Micro-Winery Tasting Room and Residence

For sale

• 10.22± Acres Total
• Tasting Room, Winery, Residence

Lifestyle Micro-Winery Tasting Room and Residence

Asking   $1,425,000
Amador County Vineyard Estate and Winery For Sale

For sale

• 3,700± SqFt Estate Residence
• 440± SqFt Casita
• 2,400± SqFt Winery with Tasting Room
• Outdoor Event Area

Amador County Vineyard Estate and Winery For Sale

Asking   $3,895,000
Shenandoah Valley Vineyard For Sale Sierra Foothills

For sale

• 219.27± Total Acres
• 5 Parcels

Shenandoah Valley Vineyard For Sale Sierra Foothills

Asking   $2,850,000
Rancho Victoria Vineyard and Tasting Room

For sale

• Motivated Seller!
• Retail Tasting Room & Events
• Beautiful Setting & Vineyard
• 4,000± SqFt Cold Storage Building
• 1,200± SqFt Farmhouse

Rancho Victoria Vineyard and Tasting Room

Asking   $5,550,000
Stylish and Modern Tasting Room and Winery For Sale

For sale

•78.5 Gross Acres
• 13± Acres Planted to Vineyard
• Retail Tasting Room
• Hospitality & Events Space
• Winery Building
• Remodeled Home

Stylish and Modern Tasting Room and Winery For Sale

Asking   $3,990,000
Pristine Winery For Sale, Tasting Room, Vineyard & Cottage

For sale

• 67 Acres Total
• 20 Acres Planted to Vineyard
• Gorgeous Retail Tasting Room
• Outdoor Tasting & Events Space
• Immaculate Wine Production Facility

Pristine Winery For Sale, Tasting Room, Vineyard & Cottage

Asking   $8,500,000
Stunning Tasting Room, Winery & Vineyard Site

For sale

• 68± Total Acres
• Easily Accessible
• Spellbinding Views
• Gorgeous Estate Setting

Stunning Tasting Room, Winery & Vineyard Site

Asking   $885,000
Production Winery Tasting Room and Vineyard video

For sale

• 44± Acres Total
• Large Winery Production Facility

Production Winery Tasting Room and Vineyard video

Asking   $1,325,000
Bell Road Vineyard For Sale Amador County

For sale

• 413.23± Acres Total
• 91± Acres Planted to Vineyard

Bell Road Vineyard For Sale Amador County

Asking   $7,950,000
Sold!
Shenandoah Valley Vineyard For Sale

For sale

• 63± Acres Total
• 43± Acres Planted to Vineyard

Shenandoah Valley Vineyard For Sale

Asking   $750,000