Vineyard Acquisition Process for First-Time Buyers (2/2) – The Key Steps

We continue our series on vineyard acquisitions with a focus on the practical process of taking over a wine estate.

See part 1: The Profiles

Outlined below are the eight key stages that structure the acquisition of a vineyard.

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Step 1: Defining the Project Specifications

Defining the Project Specifications

The very first stage in any vineyard acquisition process is the drafting of a detailed project brief. Ampelio supports potential buyers in this step, notably through a preliminary consultation.

This written brief formalizes answers to several key questions about the project, such as:

• the desired vineyard size,
• the workforce to be involved,
• the type of support required during the transition,
• the preferred location, and more.

This process also allows both parties to get to know each other better, ensuring that the properties proposed by Ampelio are more closely aligned with the buyer’s needs.

Once the project brief has been drafted, two scenarios are possible:

• Ampelio already has a property to propose under an existing sales mandate. In this case, the acquisition process will follow a classic procedure.
• If no suitable mandate is available, a search mandate can be set up. Ampelio then commits to finding a property that matches the buyer’s specifications. For the buyer, this also guarantees a certain level of discretion regarding their project.

Defining your project objectives is also an opportunity to assess the long-term value of your investment. To better understand why the Loire Valley remains one of the most promising regions for vineyard acquisitions, read our article Buying a Vineyard Estate in the Loire Valley: A Sound Investment in Wine.

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Step 2: Reviewing Files and Visiting Properties

At this stage, Ampelio can propose one or several properties aligned with the buyer’s project.

Based on the technical, financial, and commercial information provided by the sellers, Ampelio prepares detailed files that serve as a foundation for the buyer’s analysis. Using these files, Ampelio offers its expertise and guidance, answering the buyer’s questions during in-person or phone meetings. The time spent in this study phase can vary greatly depending on the buyer’s level of analysis and personal advisors.

Next, two or three shortlisted estates can be visited. Each visit is conducted in the presence of Ampelio and includes a comprehensive tour of the estate as well as discussions about the company’s projects. Buyers should plan for about half a day per visit.

It is worth noting that these initial visits often lead to an evolution of the project brief: the specifications may be refined or readjusted as the buyer gains a clearer perspective.

During this stage, understanding how each estate’s characteristics affect its price is essential. For a clear breakdown of costs and investment ranges, explore our article What Budget Do You Need to Buy a Vineyard Estate? Costs, Key Factors & Expert Advice.

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Step 3: After the Visits…

Following the property visits, several outcomes are possible:

• Some buyers choose to end their search. This often happens when they realize the amount of work required and the skills needed to run a vineyard.
• In other cases, the estate matches the buyer’s expectations, and the acquisition process can move forward.
• Finally, if the first two or three estates visited do not correspond to the buyer’s wishes but they still wish to continue searching, Ampelio will keep the project brief on file and recontact the buyer within an agreed timeframe to present new properties for sale that match their criteria.

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Step 4: In-Depth Analysis of the Selected Estate

When a vineyard meets the buyer’s initial requirements, the process continues with a more detailed analysis of the company and estate documents.

This stage is the opportunity to:

• request additional information,
• present the project to banks,
• and establish the financial forecast and projected budget for the estate.

Although an initial meeting between the buyer and the seller usually takes place during the property visit, Ampelio acts as the intermediary in all further exchanges.

The length of this phase can vary, depending mainly on the availability of the parties involved and the ease of obtaining missing information from the seller’s side.

Ampelio can also assist buyers in setting up the financial forecasts, while it is equally possible to seek advice from other professionals such as accountants or business lawyers.

At this point, surrounding yourself with the right experts can make all the difference. Discover which professionals can best support you throughout this process in our guide Vineyard Transfer: Which Advisors Should You Rely On?.

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Step 5: Making an Offer

The potential buyer decides to submit an offer. This marks the beginning of a negotiation phase, conducted through Ampelio as intermediary, which typically lasts between one and three months.

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Step 6: Offer Accepted – Drafting a Preliminary Sales Agreement

Once the offer is accepted, a notary chosen by either the seller or the buyer drafts a preliminary sales agreement.

This drafting phase can be more or less lengthy, as it may involve requests for clarifications or additional documents.

At this stage, Ampelio’s role is to verify all the information and forward it to the notary or legal advisor in charge of preparing the agreement.

The preliminary contract is then signed by both parties, either at a notary’s office or with a lawyer, depending on the chosen legal structure.

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Step 7: After Signing the Preliminary Agreement

The notary is legally required to inform SAFER (Sociétés d’Aménagement Foncier et d’Établissement Rural) of the transfer of agricultural assets or shares. SAFER then has two months to review the case and, if it wishes, exercise its right of pre-emption. Once this period has passed, the official sale may proceed.

At the same time, the buyer must apply for an operating license with the prefecture (Direction des Territoires). This requires submitting a complete application file. Here too, Ampelio can assist in preparing the necessary documentation. The operating license is generally issued within four months.

This waiting period after signing the preliminary agreement often feels long for both parties, yet these administrative steps are unavoidable and time-bound..

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Step 8: Final Signature and Handover

Once the administrative deadlines have passed, and before the official signing, the notary who drafted the preliminary agreement prepares the final deed of sale. This deed incorporates all the data from the preliminary contract, along with any additional elements if required.

The official signing of the deed takes place at the notary’s office.

After the transaction is completed, Ampelio remains involved, assisting with operational details and often facilitating the handover between buyer and seller.

For reference, Ampelio observes that the average timeframe for acquiring a wine estate is around 18 months, measured from the first consultation to the final signing.

To gain a clearer understanding of how this 18-month process unfolds and what milestones to anticipate, read our detailed guide Vineyard Acquisition Timeline: Key Steps to Know.

A well-prepared project is therefore the key to successfully completing this long-term endeavor.