Want To Buy A Winery?

Filed in archive Wineries on August 24, 2007

Have you always dreamed of owning a vineyard and making your own wine? Occasionally my husband and I see what's for sale here in New York. It's fun to daydream about it, but I'm not sure I'm up for the tremendous amount of work involved. I'm lazy when it comes to wine - I'd much rather just uncork a bottle. But if you're up for the challenge, there are three Michigan wineries up for sale. All three are on the Leelanau Peninsula, which is the area that is sometimes called "Michigan's Napa Valley."

From Wines & Vines:

Dan Matthies of Peninsula Properties, a Leelanau real estate brokerage specializing in vineyards and wineries, said he has written offers on Willow Vineyard and Bel Lago, both boutique operations. Matthies was also listing agent for Bel Lago, priced at $3.95 million. Willow was listed at a local agency for $2.35 million.

A third winery, Chateau de Leelanau, is now on a local auction block, with a suggested starting bid of $3.5 million. Earlier this year Matthies had it listed for $4.2 million. Bids are being accepted through Sept. 30, said Dennis Kubesh, president and chief auctioneer of Century Asset Management in Leelanau County.

Last month I wrote about the push to increase the amount of vinyards planted in Michigan, which is gaining attention as a serious wine producing state. If you have the money, this could be a wise investment.