Europe dominates the wine industry and France is at the helm. Many people dream of owning a French vineyard, but just an exclusive bunch actually make their dream come true. Imagine taking a stroll through green vines exploding with colorful grapes. Behind the vineyard, the sunset washes everything with a warm glow. You sip a glass of wine that was made from your own land.
France is a desirable country to relocate to thanks to its rich history, dynamic culture and diverse beauty. While a holiday home may be enough for some, others aren’t satisfied until they own french vineyard property. Over the last few years, there’s been exponential growth in overseas buyers looking into and purchasing vineyards.
Wine is a dominant part of French culture, not just because it’s symbolic in Roman Catholicsm, France’s primary religion, but also as the drink of both commoners and the elite. Aside from prestige, the main draw of owning a vineyard is the large variety of wine styles to choose from, thanks to the broad range of climates in France. The home of Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy, France has produced a greater quantity of wine at a higher quality than any other nation for centuries. Various types of grapes are grown in France, including ones that are well-known throughout the world and other more unique varietals. Every year, France turns out over 50 million hl from approximately 1.9 million acres of vineyard.
France has a wide selection of vineyards for a multitude of purposes. Small property with limited hectares will let you indulge in your hobby or open a small restaurant on location. Sprawling vineyards with modern equipment will give you the opportunity to maximize per-bottle sales. Estates vary, too, from traditional stone homes and restored farmhouses to sprawling, luxurious manors.
Choosing the right location for your French Vineyard Property
Vineyards are often located in stunning, tranquil locations. In the south-west, popular vineyard locales are Aquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon, and the Midi-Pyrénées. Bordeaux property often comes with the potential to renovate. The Eastern regions, namely Burgundy and Alsace, are warm and dry during the summer, and cold during the winter. Located in the south-east, the Rhone Valley is warm and dry year-round. Provence, in the south, has a Mediterranean climate: hot in the summer and mild during the winter. Champagne, the most northern wine region in France, is one of the coolest climates in the entire wine-growing world. For the best value, look in the Pécharmant appellation.
Labour considerations
Hard work has its perks, and for people looking to stay busy, there will be plenty to do when you’re in charge of a grape plantation. From tending to and protecting the vines to dealing with competitors and abiding by local laws, there’s no lack of work to be done. To maintain the vines without putting in the physical labour, some owners hire staff. Running a vineyard comes with risks, but if you have the right outlook, preparation and dedication, it can be an extremely rewarding lifestyle.
Ensuring quality
Created in the early 20th century, France’s appellation system is a complex set of laws that define every wine region and its boundaries. Strict rules are imposed on the winemaking practice in order to protect the name of French wines. This guarantees the quality of the products and helps consumers trust wine from French vineyards.
Vineyard property is rewarding monetarily, because it’s a long-term investment that tends to mature. Even when the winemaking itself isn’t particularly successful, the land and property will still likely increase in value.
