To buy a vineyard is quite a complex process, because it is not just a house you buy but also the whole wine production with the pleasures and obligations that go with it.

Vingaard i Frankrig works in partnership with specialist estate agents who are experts in the field and have experience and fundamental understanding of all aspects of viticulture.  This partnership and the cooperation with other experts will ensure that the purchase of a vineyard can be completed safely and in the simplest way for the buyer.

The buying process can be divided into ten main points.

1. The Buildings

As with all other property deals in France the buildings of a vineyard have to be checked for asbestos, lead (especially in paints) and termites.  In certain cases it may also be necessary to measure the buildings, inspect their structure, building permissions and district development plans.

2. The Viticulture

GPS-measurements are used to check the size of the vine growing areas, the vine stocks are checked for diseases and any classification are confirmed by the customs authorities. Furthermore, possible climatic risks are evaluated.

3. Production Plant

The production plant is checked with regard to safety, waste water, etc.  

4. Production Equipment

All equipment is listed and surveyed with regard to condition, guarantees, pledges, leasing contracts and ownership.

5. The Business and the Trade Mark

It is very difficult to establish the good will value of the business as it depends on the output of the vineyard and the quality of the wine, both of which are very dependent on the wine maker. However, it is important to ascertain whether the trade mark (the name of the vineyard or the Chateau) is registered.

6. The Stock and the Coming Harvest

Since wine is a live product wine tasting and analysis have to be taken into consideration in any deal. Any expenses the seller may have had in respect of the coming harvest have to be covered in addition to existing stock.

7. Staff

Normally existing employment contracts are taken over together with the vineyard. On completion (the day the deed is signed) all legal aspects of staff must be up-to-date (payment of wages, bonuses, sick leave and holiday).

8. The Co-operative Wine Cellar

Should the buyer wish to discontinue a contract with a co-operative wine cellar a written agreement to that effect must be signed before completion.

9. Leased Property

In the event of a sale seller must make sure that all legal and financial obligations towards the tenant are upheld.

10. Estimating Capital Gain

Obviously the interests of the seller and the buyer are different with regard to valuation of the various assets. For instance, buyer will want to optimise the value of the production equipment, vine stocks, etc. whereas seller wishes to reduce the price as these items often are written down already. On the other hand seller would like to maximise the value of the residential building (no capital gains tax applies) whilst buyer has the opposite interest.

Vingaard i Frankrig and our working partners will see you safely through the whole procedure