All Forum Posts by: Charity Mbisi

This is probably the bettet choice but again, due your DD first. Ask for historical yields, past winery contracts (who bought them) and management costs. Be sure that the vineyard is actually profitable as it is with its current average yield and management cost. 

As for planting new, another thing I forgot to mention is that development and material costs will likely only get higher. 

A middle ground is to buy a producing vineyard and gradually replant, graft or retrofit the underperforming blocks gradually. 

In terms of economics you answered your own question- the producing vineyard will make you money sooner. However if the existing vineyard has disease, poor design, wrong planting material, old vines etc it won't produce as well as a properly planted modern vineyard. If you want to make the best wine possible, the vineyard soil and weather patterns specific to your site are the most important. Depending on where this is, the best land is often developed already. 

I would also look for a property with some buildings on it and turn those into STR(s) so you can diversify your income streams. It would be a unique category.

I was a viticulturist in my past life, and still am to an extent with my day job that is adjacent to it. Feel free to PM me if you want to nerd out or need more specific info that you don't want to air publicly.