Real Estate Reveries: A Toast To The Vineyard Lifestyle

All lovers of wine or even some casual drinkers have at some point fantasized about living in wine country or better yet, owning a winery. (Village Properties)

Every once in a while, when I turn down the wine aisle at the grocery store, I decide I’m going to get myself a nice bottle—a nice bottle being anything over $18. Scanning the shelves, I’m amazed by the diversity of options.

There are thousands of varieties of grapes grown all over the world in different climates, different soils and with different ingredients—not to mention the heart and soul that each winery puts into their intoxicating product. Each bottle has its own flavor and its own story, and these stories are inextricably linked to the vineyards where the grapes were grown.

wine grapes on the vine

There are thousands of varieties of grapes grown all over the world in different climates, different soils and with different ingredients.

When I uncork a bottle of, say, Chardonnay and take in the rich aromas of oak, earth and spice, I am transported to the warm air and green hills of Santa Ynez Valley. If I open a tall bottle of Tempranillo, the rich taste of black fruits takes my thoughts to northern Spain.

It seems fitting that wine is grown in some of the most beautiful places on earth—such a divine drink requires divine land.

All lovers of wine or even some casual drinkers have at some point fantasized about living in wine country or better yet, owning a winery. That’s why this week for Real Estate Reveries, I will stay at a luxury home amongst the vines where wine is made and buy a winery of my own.

Figueroa Farms at 1833 Fletcher Way outdoor courtyard

The main house at Figueroa Farms draws inspiration from the country homes of the Mediterranean (Village Properties)

“Figueroa Farms” in Santa Ynez Valley in California

Located in Happy Canyon of the Santa Ynez Valley, this 106-acre estate embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle—rolling hills covered in vines and olive trees, a warm summer climate and a large home with a terrace overlooking the countryside.

In the morning, I wake up early to watch the sunrise over the rolling hills and take in a deep breath of fresh air that smells of dew, rich earth and a little bit of the sea, which sits only 15 miles to the south. Perhaps I will plan a trip to the beach for tomorrow.

After breakfast, I take a stroll through the vineyard. Picking a grape off of the vine, I give it a taste—I am delighted to find it is juicy and sweet. I bend down and scoop and a handful of dirt and take in the strong scent of minerals. Looking around at the lushness of the hills, I think about the possibility of starting my own winery here.

Figueroa Farms is situated in prestigious Happy Canyon

This magical estate transports you to a Mediterranean countryside surrounded by unparalleled beauty as far as the eye can see. (Village Properties)

Next, a quick walk through the olive orchard to pick some olives to bring back to the house for brining.

The Mediterranean climate is not just perfect for growing Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and olives but also for taking a dip in the pool. I swim all afternoon.

That evening, sitting on the terrace, I invite some friends over for a drink. We open a bottle of red and watch the sunset. A bowl filled with olives brined from last week sits on the table. We cheers to a beautiful night.

Winery in the Rioja Alta region

This winery in the Rioja Alta region of Spain has an annual production capacity of 500,000 liters. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)

Winery in Rioja Alta region of Spain

My next reverie brings me to the famous Rioja Alta region of Spain, where some of the best wines in the world are made.

Having recently purchased this small winery, I decide to fly in from my home in Mallorca to check on the estate. The flight into Zaragoza is brief, and the drive to my winery is short.

As soon as I arrive at the winery, I am handed a glass of wine to taste. It is a full-bodied red and just what I wanted after a day of traveling.

Modern villa with plenty of green spaces and sea views in Son Servera Mallorca

The flight from Zaragoza, where this modern villa is located, to the Rioja Alta region of Spain is brief. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)

I walk through the rows and rows of barrels filled with luscious wine and I am excited at the prospect of making this winery my own. I think about possible names and logos for the bottle—maybe something humble like “Sir Spencer Elliott’s Incredible Winery.”

I am told that my new winery has a production capacity of 500,000 liters. This is great news—my little winery has a lot of potential.

After seeing that everything at the winery is going well, I head into Zaragoza to grab dinner and drink a glass of wine—of course, nothing as great as the wines at “Sir Spencer Elliott’s Incredible Winery.”

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