A Guide to Buying Vineyard Properties in the Willamette Valley
Thinking of buying a vineyard in Oregon? Start here.
You’re not looking through rosé colored glasses — vineyard properties in the Willamette Valley really are that beautiful. And you can own one! Our seasoned real estate team put together this guide to help you through the process, make the right considerations, and find the best property.
So you want to buy a vineyard…why?
We’ve worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds, all with their own reasons for wanting to buy a vineyard property. While there’s really no one right answer, it’s still an important question to consider and one of the first things we ask our clients.
Your answer may be that you’re…
• Interested in owning a working winery or creating the next premium pinot noir
• A wine enthusiast and want to try your hand at winemaking as a hobby
• Looking for a luxury home with a stunning and private view
• Want a vineyard property for rental and event income opportunities
Knowing your answer will help us, your real estate agents, find the best property to meet your needs.
The benefits of buying a vineyard in the Willamette Valley
Move over Napa, Oregon is making a name for itself in the wine industry!
Thanks to the excellent soil and climate, the Willamette Valley is especially ideal for grape growing. Home to over 500 working wineries and two thirds of Oregon’s total wineries and vineyards, the area is known for its first-class pinot noir. In fact, the valley is one of the premier pinot noir-producing areas in the world!
If you’re a wine enthusiast, this is the place to be. But we probably don’t have to convince you of that!
Beyond the wine, owning a vineyard property in the Willamette Valley has a lot of other perks.
• Stunning landscape with views of Mt. Hood
• Great climate
• Excellent privacy
• Proximity to Portland
Not to mention the vineyard homes in these areas are stunning. You have to see them in person! And if you’re looking for something specific, most of these expansive properties have lots of room to build your dream home.
The basics of owning a vineyard property in the Willamette Valley
There’s a lot that goes into running a vineyard. There are essentially three ways you can manage this type of property:
• Handling the entire three-step cycle yourself (grape growing, wine production, and sales)
• Cultivating the grapes and sending them to a “crush facility” for production
• Growing grapes for landscaping purposes only, making wine exclusively for personal use (or not at all!)
Even if the vineyards are small, be prepared for a lot of hard work and capital investment. Expert advice and a wealth of information are needed to run a successful working vineyard. Odds are, you’ll need help. Make sure you have some resources in your corner. We recommend talking to them before you start looking at properties to get a better sense of the scope of what’s involved.
Work with a real estate agent who has experience with vineyards
Buying a vineyard property isn’t the same as buying a typical luxury property. Always choose to work with a real estate agent who specializes in and has experience buying and selling vineyard properties.
Your agent should be able to tell the difference between a good vineyard installation and a bad one, and help you understand important issues involved with the purchase of this type of property.
By working with someone who knows the ins and outs of what it means to own a vineyard property, you’ll be better informed and prepared to find the best deal possible.
Searching for properties
Your real estate agent will listen to your goals and what exactly you’re looking for, and be on the lookout for properties fitting your vision. You may also enjoy keeping an eye on new listings yourself.
We always recommend seeing a property in person before ruling it out. It’s impossible to feel the true essence of a property through pictures alone!
Questions to ask when viewing a vineyard property
Buying a luxury property like this takes special time and consideration. A few considerations you should make when viewing the property as a whole include:
• What’s the history of the house?
• Who was the home’s designer/builder?
• What do you think of the area and surrounding neighbors?
• What sort of costs for home care and maintenance can you expect?
• Are there any current issues with the home?
• Does the design and style of the home and property fit with your vision?
In addition, be prepared to find out a few things about the land and vineyards themselves:
• What kind of grapes are planted and how much of each variety?
• What water sources are available?
• Is there a soil analysis?
• How old are the vines and do they have any known diseases?
• Who buys the grapes and for how much?
• How many grapes do the vines produce per year?
• What equipment and tools are included in the property sale?
Remember: Owning a vineyard is a major endeavor. If you plan to turn it into a working commercial winery, there are also a host of business decisions to consider and make. Talk with a business attorney and/or accounting consultant before making any decisions.
About PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE
Since 1991, Peggy Hoag has been helping clients find and buy luxury vineyard properties in the Willamette Valley that exceed expectations.
As the owner and operator of her own vineyard, Peggy has 18 years of firsthand knowledge and experience. She understands the ins-and-outs of owning a vineyard and has the experience to help you find the best property.
We’ll work tirelessly to find the right vineyard for you and your family.