57 replies to this topic

[bret]

I like it.

-Bret

[Tomer1]

Maybe his hitting jackpot with that forgein job and planning to come back and build his own winery

[Wade's Wines]

Zac posted today on another thread, so he's around. Maybe he'll update us on this one.

[bzac]

I've been looking at some in France.
Languedoc - Corbieres , Malvois , Fitou , Nimes

http://www.vineatran...p&t0=1338233463

The Languedoc region is cheaper than back home for sure , and we already have european passports and speak french . Wife fluently , me passibly .
being that close to the med would be alright too!

There has been a quality revolution in the Languedoc , with many younger winemakers from Burgundy and Bordeaux moving out on their own to estates without Grand Cru prices and to the souths warmer sunshine and an influx of New world winemakers taking over small estates , its actualy a pretty exciting region which is able to make an interesting fusion of old world traditions with new world techniques.

Still about 3 years away from being where we need to be money wise whether its in France or BC , but thats not to far off and I'm only 40 . when we first started talking about it we were 10 years away.

still lots of work to do, plans to make and considerations to reflect on.

[DesertDance]

Wow! Did you see the ones in Italy? Dreaming now.... That was an amazing link!

I guess I'll be happy that yesterday we sold "the Money Pit," with a 30 day escrow to a very qualified buyer, so acreage in Fallbrook, Temecula and all places south are becoming a reality. Looked at one yesterday, but it needed too much fixing! Looking at one with an established avocado grove Wednesday, with lots of room for our ever expanding vineyard, olive, citrus and fig trees. About 5 acres.

Keep us posted on your ideas and decisions! We are all excited for you!
Suzi

[Wade's Wines]

Congratulations Suzi!
Check the water bills on these farms you're looking at!
Happy hunting!

[GEM]

Suzi,

Wade is correct, check the water bills. An avocado takes around one acre foot of water a year. The cost to water can be very very steep. I have 20 trees and I am sure the water costs more than the fruit is worth. Of couse we love our avocados, so between us and our "give aways" everyone is happy. Grapes on the other hand require approximately 160 gal of water a season, give or take. Happy home hunting.

bzac, following your dream is very exciting to all of us. I for one really appreciate your sharing your thoughts with the group.

Gary

[bzac]

here is one in one of my favorite villages, the numbers don't work for me, looking for something with a different mix of varietals and a little more turnover but it gives you an idea of whats out there.

Attached Files

•  1470_book.pdf   416.28K   40 downloads
•  Corbieres site 1470 lr_simp_gb.pdf   587.65K   39 downloads

[Doyle]

Suzi,

Wade is correct, check the water bills. An avocado takes around one acre foot of water a year. The cost to water can be very very steep. I have 20 trees and I am sure the water costs more than the fruit is worth. Of couse we love our avocados, so between us and our "give aways" everyone is happy. Grapes on the other hand require approximately 160 gal of water a season, give or take. Happy home hunting.

Gary

Hmmm.... Maybe that is why my Hass Avocado tree just barely blooms and doesn't set fruit after 3 years in the ground. Time for me to do some more reading.

[GEM]

Doyle,

Once it gets warm, which for you may be right now, you need to water the trees for several hours, with a micro sprinkler, at least every 2 weeks, more in the heat of summer. Lack of water, especially when fruit sets, is often the cause of low fruit. Give more water during flowering and fruit set, at least until each avocado is at least 3/8 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Like wine, the avocado's are worth the effort! My vines, which I planted 3 months ago, are going gang busters and are up above the grow tubs by 6-12 inches. Gives me a very big smile!

Gary

[Chris_Austin]

here is one in one of my favorite villages, the numbers don't work for me, looking for something with a different mix of varietals and a little more turnover but it gives you an idea of whats out there.

From the PDF is looks like the averge selling price per bottle is only 3.63 euros?? That is pretty crazy cheap. Of course, if it is already moving 55,000 bottles / year, then a small uptick in price against the existing demand could see a pretty remarkable change in turnover / expected profit (note: many assumptions here)

I also note the differences in who pays the transactions costs: from pdf, it looks like the buyer pays commissions and VAT rather than the seller???

[bzac]

oh yeah the french have the most bizzare real estate laws . a friend of mine bought a house there , it took 9 months to finalise the deal !!

[lodestone]

Zac, I wish you the absolute very best of luck with this. My Dad had a co-worker who always wanted to have a vineyard/winery in Tuscany. He never lost sight of the dream, and he eventually got there, and is living his dream now. I've had the wine, and it's good, too.