Article continues from Part 1.
VB – In the Bordeaux vineyard market, it is essential to manage confidentiality and discretion. What is most important to buyers and sellers in your market.
The same is true in our market – confidentiality is key to uninterrupted business unless the brand has been sold separately or is being retained by the Seller.
VB – Digging down into the detail a bit further, what is a typical sale consist of? In Bordeaux, for example, it is common for there to be a house, winery, equipment and vineyards all sold together by a single family or owner.
This is typical in Napa Valley as well. Even though a trend started about 15 years ago where new vintners began to keep their personal residences separate from their winery properties for two reasons; privacy and as a long-term investment strategy. In this way, at retirement or anywhere in between, they could sell their winery and still remain in their family home.
VB – Does your region have a defined “appellation” with rules, restrictions and regulations in the way that we do in Bordeaux? For example, irrigation is forbidden in Bordeaux.
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated appellation for American wine in the United States distinguishable by geographic, geologic, and climatic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States Department of the Treasury.[1] As of May 2024, there are 273 recognized AVAs in 34 states[2]—several of which are shared by two or more states. Over half (152) of the AVAs are in California.
American Viticultural Areas range in size from the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA at 29,900 square miles (77,000 km2) across four states, to the Cole Ranch AVA in Mendocino County, California, at only 62 acres (25 ha). The Augusta AVA near the town of Augusta, Missouri, was the first recognized AVA, gaining the status on June 20, 1980.[3]
There are no regulations prohibiting irrigation. In general 85% of the fruit in the bottle stating a specific AVA must be at least 85%. The creation of an AVA is costly, time consuming and takes years to obtain. The belief is that once identified the AVA will shortly brand itself and command a higher price in the bottle.
VB – We know that Napa is famous for her Cabernets but does Napa grow a lot of white wines. What are the most common grape varieties grown?
Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Napa Valley!
This variety is practically synonymous with Napa Valley. There are 18,200 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon vines, which make up 60 percent of the region’s overall wine crop. This variety thrives in Napa’s warm Mediterranean climate, but styles vary significantly.
Napa Valley also grows all the Bordeaux varietals as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
VB – How would you describe the soils of Napa?
Napa Valley soils are almost completely of volcanic origin. Soils range from rocky, stony loam on the hillsides, to gravelly or cobbly loam on the alluvial fans, and heavier clay-silt soils in the valley center areas.
Because of its unique geologic history, Napa Valley has a remarkable diversity of microclimates, weather and geography, as well as some of the most diverse soils found on earth. As a result, an array of premium wine grapes thrives here.
VB – what do you love about your job?
First and foremost, I love working with my family. Secondly, I love working with other multigenerational families. Assisting vintners transition into or out of the wine business in a smooth harmonious way brings me joy as well as knowing that my family will continue to help the generations to follow. I have four grandchildren. All, or (at least) one, I hope to see joining us in the not-too-distant future.
VB – what are top five greatest challenges for buyers considering the purchase of a Napa winery?
- Finding the right combination of use permit, production facility, vineyards and location to meet their budget and overall goals.
- Water
- Insurance
- Working with Napa County to modify an existing permit
- Interest Rates
VB – what are the top five greatest challenges for the wine industry in your region? For example how is climate change affecting Napa Valley?
Sufficient water supply is the top challenge today in Napa Valley and almost all US viticulture areas.
Napa Valley farmers/growers have been adjusting to weather and growing trends since the beginning of making wine 100 years ago. Today Napa Valley plans on continuing their legacy of world class wines by utilizing more heat and drought resistant root stock, canopy adjustment for shade as well as new forms of irrigation that target the roots of the vines.
VB – what are common misconceptions or even mistakes that buyers make when they are considering the purchase of a Napa Valley Winery?
Number 1 – not having a business plan. It is relatively easy to make good wine but it is very hard to sell good wine. Passion, commitment, time and money cannot be out-sourced. The brand must have a leader with a clear vision and a plan for success. We assist by introducing all of Buyers and Sellers to our team of consultants that help them in their journey to success.
VB – how would you describe the service that you provide your clients?
We provide our clients with a high level of professionalism that is grounded in honesty, respect and service. This is cultivated by our passion to help others reach their highest potential and success. Together with our team of industry consultants we provide or connect our clients with the best quality of expertise and care. We all works as a team and want to see each client exceed even their own expectations of success.
VB – What is the one thing that you would like our readers to know about you?
Besides my love of real estate, wine and art, I have a deep love of the ocean. My husband and I spent two years sailing the Caribbean chain between the Virgin Islands and Venezuela and it was an amazing experience. We have since shared our love of sailing with the whole family and enjoy watching our grandchildren learn to navigate the waters.
VB – You must see hundreds of wonderful wines all the time. What is your all-time favourite wine and which wine would you say is a standout representation of the Napa Valley region?
My current favorite is made by good friends and clients – Vida Valiente! Two families have joined together to create the “best of the best” Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. With a large portion of the proceeds going to the Vida Valiente Foundation that supports first generation Americans to attend college.
The Estate CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Planted in 2018 to four Cabernet Sauvignon clones, The Vida Valiente Estate is composed of the Cortina soil series: extremely well drained cobbled rock and sand.
The vineyard is also laced with large chunks of black obsidian, hence the name Glass Mountain, which borders it. This incredible site was formed after thousands of years of alluvial fallout, slowly creating this unique composition.
Stand out representation must go to Screaming Eagle. The creation of Jean Phillips, real estate broker / vintner in 1986.
VB – What are you most excited about as you look forward to the next 5 years in your markets?
I very much look forward to the new partnership we have with Christie’s International Real Estate because of the additional expertise and global reach they offer to further allow us to support our clients’ goals. The direct link we now have with Vineyard-Bordeaux to serve clients will be especially exciting to watch along with our growth with the other wine regions throughout the world. I am also excited to continue to assist our clients in successfully navigating the cycles within the wine and real estate industry as well as connect with the Christie’s art and wine auction houses to learn how we can help our clients with those investments as well.
VB – How can folks get in touch with you?
Best is to drop me a line at bentley@winecc.ne with full contact information below
Robyn Bentley
Wine Country Consultants
+1 707 477 8420
