The French are numerous, each year, to embark on the acquisition of a wine property. This enthusiasm is explained by a real passion for the world of wine, but also by the desire to surround oneself with a new living environment or to give oneself the means for a professional retraining. These tips can help you acquire your winery in the best possible way.
Summary
The state of the vineyard
Before taking possession of a wine estate, you must check the grape variety, that is to say the mapping of the grape varieties present on the property. It is also advisable to control the surface of the parcels classified as Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC).
It is also important to accurately check the area of the domain. In addition, a precise inventory will make it possible to know the sanitary state of the vineyard. It is necessary to know if the local climate poses risks, in particular of frost or drought, to the considered vineyard.
By using the services of a specialized site offering wine properties for sale, you benefit from the expertise and know-how of connoisseurs of the wine world. Advised by these specialists, you will discover easier a wine estate that meets your expectations.
What is the domain worth?
Before you decide to acquire a wine estate, you want to know if it is profitable. As the turnover depends on the commercial strategy of the current owner, there is no guarantee a priori that you will be able to retain all the customers.
You can still check that the trademarks relating to the domain are registered and protected against possible counterfeiting. Moreover, the protection afforded to trademarks by accredited bodies does not always extend to foreign markets.
The value of the domain: other elements to take into account
To appreciate the value of the wine estate, you must also assess what the stock of wine is worth that we leave you.
It is also necessary assess the amount of work carried out by the current owner to carry out the coming harvest, the profits of which will go to the new owner.
The seller’s interest
Even if the domain appeals to you, the seller must still be interested in the sale.
To do this, he must in particular verify that the tax regime applied to capital gains realized at the time of the sale is favorable to him. This will depend in part on the nature of the tax regime chosen by this seller.
Buildings to check
The residential and farm buildings are an integral part of the wine estate. Their condition must be strictly in accordance with the regulations.
To be sure, you need to do a number of diagnostics. They will aim in particular to check whether the buildings are free of asbestos or do not contain, in the paint or the pipes, traces of lead, a possible cause of lead poisoning.
It is also necessary to ensure that the structures of the buildings are not threatened by xylophagous insects. The energy performance diagnosis must also be requested.
Take into account the staff
Most often, the acquisition of the estate involves taking over the staff working on the property.
It is then necessary to check the nature and validity of employment contracts. Check that the balance of any account given by the current owner contains the inventory of the sums paid by him to each of the employees.
The presence of farmers
In addition to the staff employed at the estate, part of it can be used within the framework of renting.
It’s up to you to see if you can cope with the presence of farmers. Otherwise, check with the current owner whether the rental contracts expire or whether it is possible to exercise a right of repossession, with a view to personal exploitation of the leased plots.
A compliant cellar
This place must allow a suitable treatment of phytosanitary effluents and ensure the protection of the wine against possible contamination.
Also check the conformity of the electrical installation and make sure that the cellar, by its layout, guarantees safe working conditions.
It must also comply with strict regulatory standards in terms of environmental protection.
The condition of the equipment
Before you decide, also check thecondition and potential value of farm equipment.
Make sure that the viticultural tools presented contain the instruments suitable for the various cultivation methods.
To carry out the work in the vineyard, you will need in particular a mulcher, a rotary hoe, a plow or a sprayer. Check that this material complies with the regulations.
Check some commitments
The current owner, in fact, was able to make certain commitments, in particular with a cooperative cellar. In this case, he brought her his grapes which, along with others, were vinified, stored and packaged.
If you do not wish to continue this collaboration, it must be mentioned before the sale. In this case, it will be necessary to reimburse the shares that the transferor owned under the cooperative cellar.
