The BC real estate market continues to thrive, fueled by a steady influx of retirees seeking a warmer climate and Chinese money looking for a safe home. This makes it more difficult for small BC wineries < 2000 cases to survive.
A glance at the current winery/ vineyard listings shows the strategy of turning apple orchards into vineyards, to reap the benefits of the more expensive grape crop, has driven BC vineyard land costs to over $100,000 per acre.
Muse Winery Vancouver Island $2.8M
Muse Winery is a highly successful business with proud owners that are ready to retire & pass the torch. Set in Deep Cove, this 3.05-acre parcel is magical & offers a fantastic opportunity for a family business where revenues could easily increase by the addition of hosting weddings.
The main winery building is over 7000 sq ft including tasting room, gift shop, Bistro Muse & huge private banquet room for events. New barn, crush pad & private residence allow for various options.
Estate Varietals produced are Pinot Gris, Bacchus, Ortega, & Marechal Foch. Muse grows grapes under the warm sun of the Saanich Peninsula & selects grapes from notable vineyards in B.C.
Black Sage Bench – Okanagan Valley $1.18M for 10 Acres
10-acre vineyard located on the renowned Black Sage bench in Oliver near many acclaimed South Okanagan wineries. The loamy, coarse sandy soils, gently sloping bench and the sun-soaked southwestern exposure provide one of the best red grape growing micro-terriors in the region, Grape Altas rated #1. Nine acres cultivated, GPS planted, in five varietals: Merlot/ Cab Sauv/ Cab Franc/ Pinot Gris/ and Sauvignon Blanc. This property offers a spectacular building site with views of the entire valley, abundant well water and a Quonset building for storage.
A premium location on the wine route; a great vine investment package.
Bighorn Ridge, Okanagan Falls 21+ acres vineyard land for $4M
Superb vineyard and winery potential. Stellar lake and valley views. Very natural and private setting. Great location for a luxury estate.
Okanagan Falls Vineyard Potential ( Top Quality Mixed Apple Orchard) 11.56 Acres for $1.1M
Income producing orchard with an Executive home and secondary residence located just 5 minutes from Okanagan Falls. 10 acres are fully fenced with a top quality mixed apple variety orchard on a gentle slope east to west for perfect morning and afternoon sun. The orchard is on a year to year lease for easy hands-free income. The property is well suited for viticulture as per the grape atlas. Convert to a vineyard or Estate Winery or sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet while your property produces income.
By comparison, you can buy vineyard land in the lesser known California appellations for a third the going BC price. For example:
Five parcels for approx. 161 acres. Good water, strong agricultural water area, the property has one well. Approx. 138 acres under 30% slope, with an additional 10 acres between 30-40% slope. Clearing bid for $12K. The property offers spectacular views and is surrounded by established vineyards & wineries. One of the last remaining parcels of this size in the Red Hills Appellation.
The next time you complain about the price of BC wine keep in mind the high land cost base for the local grape growers and wineries.
Source: Vinesmart