2014 marked another year of solid growth in vineyard values.
The Knight Frank Global Vineyard Index has recorded another year of solid growth in vineyard values, with wine-making regions in the US and New Zealand leading the rankings.
Kate Everett-Allen, Partner, International Residential Research at Knight Frank said, ‘Sonoma County in the US recorded the strongest price growth with vineyard values rising by 17.9% in the 12 months to June.’
Indeed, vineyards continue to be seen as a worthwhile investment by those looking to broaden their property portfolio and follow a passion. The survey suggests vineyards are acquired by a mix of buyers: some are purchased as early retirement projects and others are purchased as holiday homes, visited three or more times each year, with a manager employed to oversee the day-to-day running of the estate, including both production and sales.
Further key findings:
- The price of a lifestyle vineyard increased by 4.5% on average in the year to June 2014, down from 6.8% last year
- Sonoma County in the US recorded the strongest increase in vineyard prices year-on-year, rising by 17.9%
- Asian buyers are looking beyond Bordeaux to the US, Italy, New Zealand and Australia
- France and Italy are still top of buyers’ wish lists, some regions such as Piedmont have seen prices decline creating potential buying opportunities