_Fine Wines, Fine Homes
Our latest Wealth Report attributes the popularity of fine wine as an investment to its exceptionally strong growth in key areas around the world, from Bordeux to California. The vineyards of such locations are obviously world-class, but what about their properties?
In recognition of wine topping the latest Luxury Investment Index, we’ve compiled some of our finest properties located in regions famous for their tipple.
Loire Valley, France
19 bedroom chateau for sale in St Georges Sur Loire, Loire Valley
While known for its dry whites such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, vineyards aren’t the tranquil Loire Valley region’s only distinguishing feature. Visitors to the area won’t be hard pushed to spot majestic châteaux – and this remarkable 13th century castle alone may well be worth the visit.
The chateau presents 19 luxurious bedrooms, each with its own en suite bathroom, as well as several large reception rooms and a formal dining room. Those wishing to enjoy their glass of dry white with a delicious meal need look no further than the in-house restaurant, while the family kitchen and dining area is perfect for those more relaxed evenings.
Looking to unwind after a particularly competitive session in the games room or on the tennis courts? Pop down to the wine cellar before easing the corkscrew out your favourite bottle of red in the spa or home cinema.
Chianti, Italy
5 bedroom farmhouse for sale in Gaiole in Chianti, Siena, Tuscany
Next up is an award-winning wine estate located in the heart of Italy’s Chianti.
The Chianti Classico estate is currently run as a successful Agriturismo and ticks the boxes of a luxury European home: main house, check; annexes, check; infinity swimming pool, check. But it’s the wine facilities that make this property really special.
Seven hectares of organically treated vineyards are perfectly complemented by the wine-making facilities situated at the top of the property. There, wine enthusiasts can make all the wine they desire within the confines of a workshop, ageing room with oak barrels, and a packaging and shipping room.
In fact, the property is so well equipped that it currently produces around 30,000 highly rated bottles of organic Chianti Classico, Supertuscan and Riserva wine each year, as well as the odd bottle of white vermentino and rose. Cheers!
Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
Farm for sale in Franschhoek, Cape Town
Our third property is another profit-making wine farm, nestled within the mountains of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley.
The wines produced by the 22.4ha farm has countless awards under its belt and has been nominated for a further six Platter 5 Star awards, but that’s just scratching the surface of what’s on offer.
Featuring four main accommodation structures – the manor house, winemaker’s house, historic two bedroom cottage and five self-catering cottages – the estate offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards from every angle.
When seeking a break from producing award-winning wine, the manor house provides the perfect location for entertaining guests with a spacious veranda featuring a rim-flow pool, braai areas – that’s barbeque for those of us unfamiliar with Afrikaans – and a pizza oven.
A margarita and chilled glass of white, anyone?
The Hamptons, United States of America
9 Olde Towne Lane Southampton Village, New York
Our final property takes us to the United States’ exclusive area of the Hamptons in New York. A holiday hotspot for the rich and famous, the Hamptons also produces popular wines, with more than 60 vineyards on the East End of Long Island.
One property fit to welcome even the most demanding of celebrities is Twin Peaks, an immaculate country house in the luxury estate community of Olde Towne in Southampton Village.
Spanning over four levels and comprising a colossal 15,000 square feet, the property’s main house has an allure of fresh modernity and luxury with its combination of sleek contemporary design and state-of-the-art amenities. In addition to its pristine standard rooms, the house presents a media room, library, theatre, gym, bowling alley, entertainment lounge and traditional kitchens complete with a chef.
Those seeking something other than manicured perfection need only look beyond the classic Hamptons’ privet hedge to the beautiful views of the Gold Coast – the perfect backdrop to celebrating your latest liquid investment with a good glass of wine.