Photos courtesy of LUXE Christie's International
LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate is a boutique, full-service agency serving clients from around the world. As Oregon and Washington’s exclusive Christie’s affiliate office, LUXE has been a market leader for five consecutive years for exclusive residential and commercial properties, vineyard/wineries and equestrian facilities. With the growing number of clients interested in vineyards and winery properties, LUXE Christie’s happily shares some of their thoughts on purchasing a vineyard and why Oregon is a hot spot to buy.
What should you look for when searching for a vineyard and winery property?
Doing your homework is very important. A vineyard or winery is not only a huge financial investment, it’s also a lifestyle choice. First, while not essential, its a good idea to look for property that has already been planted with wine grapes or has had it’s soil tested to ensure the variety of grapes you are interested in growing will thrive there. A vineyard is a farm and a winery is a business so having experience in those two areas or being willing to dive in and learn are key to success.
Having a real estate broker with knowledge of the wine industry and experience in both the buying and selling sides of wine properties is also imperative. LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate is the market leader in Oregon and Washington for vineyard and winery properties. We love working with domestic and international buyers who have the desire to live the wine country lifestyle, as well as sellers who have incredible wine properties ready for the market.
What makes Oregon’s Wine Country special?
Oregon, in general, is a beautiful place to live. The diversity of climates and landscapes - from ocean beaches to mountain ranges to the high desert - give those looking to call Oregon home so many options. If you are interested in buying a vineyard or winery, Oregon has incredible real estate opportunities all across the state.
Oregon’s wine growing regions are now more than 50 years old and have drawn international acclaim for the vast varieties and quality of wine produced. Having said that, the vibrant Oregon winemaking community has retained its handcrafted, artisan approach to agriculture and viticulture. Even though Oregon is the third largest wine grape-producing state, most wineries, in fact, have remained small and produce fewer than 5,000 cases a year.
The two main growing regions in Oregon are the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon. The Willamette Valley is known for its “salt of the earth” people, exceptional Pinot Noir growing conditions (some say the best place to grow Pinot Noir grapes outside of France), and its many farm-to-fork dining experiences. Southern Oregon has a seven-month growing season similar to Europe which creates an ideal place to grow wine grapes, grows more than 70 different varietals in its various microclimates, and has a striking number of family-owned and operated wineries.
Red Lily Vineyards, located in scenic Jacksonville in the Applegate AVA of Southern Oregon, is a perfect example of a charming Oregon winery. Situated on 254 acres, Red Lily is a terroir-driven, small cuvée winery that not only has a charming, 1,885 sq. ft tasting room, but also has a historic pole barn used as event space, private, custom-designed 4,470 sq. ft residence, a 1,800 sq. ft. guest house, and additional barn and shop buildings. The property is an amazing find that sits among rolling hills between a meandering river and Pacific Coast Range mountains - the quintessential Oregon vineyard landscape.
With more than 650 wineries in these two Oregon wine regions alone, successfully acquiring a vineyard, winery or agriculture property takes an experienced real estate firm. As Oregon and Washington’s exclusive Christie’s affiliate office, LUXE has the unique ability to offer our clients the same expert service that Christie’s art clients have trusted for more than 250 years. Christie’s legendary service coupled with our vast knowledge and experience buying and selling Oregon and Washington wine country properties makes us the market leader. We’re ready to help you make your winemaking dream a reality!
