W ine properties are experiential. A little earthiness under the fingernails ties owners to the land and to the community.
Jim and Karen Odom developed their wine palate living in Europe. Jim Odom served 20 years overseas in the United States Air Force, followed by stints as a chief executive in the defense industry. After “retiring” back to their native South, the Odoms turned their passion into a “bud-to-bottle” investment, developing a family-run vineyard in Hampshire, Tennessee.
“As chief executive I was always reporting to others,” Odom says. “Now my wife and I are the chairmen, the board of directors and the shareholders. We have our fate in our own hands and that’s very rewarding.”
Michael Dreyfus of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty in Palo Alto, California has a listing for a 6.4-acre “gentleman’s vineyard” in the premium Silicon Valley town of Woodside. The property includes a 6,000 sq ft residence, a guesthouse and an entertainment pavilion. Further south in the city of Gilroy is a 932-acre ranch that includes 22 acres of award-winning vineyards and a 1930s residence designed by modernist architect William Wurster.
For Jim Odom, the wine country life is “therapeutic”. “My wife and I sit on the patio overlooking the vineyard and drink one of our Cabernets,” he says. “I’m not sure it gets much better than this.”
Pienza, Tuscany, Italy
This vast wine estate offers unparalleled views and pristine beauty. At the centre of the property is a four-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom house that dates back to the 1800s. The estate, which provides total tranquility and privacy, also features olive groves; Chianti, DOCG and IGT vineyards; lavender farms and a private white truffle reserve.
€3,350,000 | Property ID 4FWJLP
Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
John Jonk +39 055 0751 888
Queensland, Australia
Sarabah Estate Vineyard, located at the foothills of Lamington National Park in the Scenic Rim district, is a grand 50-acre property complete with a luxurious residence, vineyard, olive grove, cellar door and restaurant facilities. The architecture embodies a chic wine country style, while offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The new owner of this property will have the opportunity to produce their own wines and to operate the cellar door and restaurant from the quaint stone chalet.
Price upon request | Property ID TVG7Z2
Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty
Michael Vettoretto +61 438 705 745
Stellenbosch, South Africa
This 10-hectare vineyard estate presents an unprecedented opportunity to experience the quintessential Stellenbosch lifestyle. Featuring a breath-taking 2,500 sq m of luxury living space and an acclaimed high-end winery business, this boutique wine estate property is gated and immensely private. It has unparalleled and forever unobstructed 360-degree views, yet is remarkably close to Stellenbosch, Somerset West and a short drive to
the city of Cape Town.
Price upon request | Property ID HM8K2N
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
Dr George Cilliers +27 (0)21 809 2760
Woodside, California
This extraordinary estate on 6.4 acres is located in a premium Silicon Valley location. It features a stunning, contemporary 6,000 sq ft main home, a two-bedroom guest house, a vineyard with grafted aged vines and a two-room entertainment pavilion with spa facilities and a wine room. A three-tree treehouse awaits smaller guests and puts a finishing touch on this magnificent property.
$34,600,000 | Property ID JDEQRB
Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Michael Dreyfus +1 650 704 7928
Sebastopol, California
This private hilltop vineyard estate, resting on 60 acres of land, offers panoramic vineyard and mountain views. Located between Sebastopol and Healdsburg in the renowned Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area, it features 25 acres of organically farmed and professionally planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There is the potential for owners to convert the 7,500 sqft main residence and detached 1Bed/1Bath Guest Home into a combined tasting room and hospitality venue. This gated property also includes 35 acres of oak woodlands; a barn and stables; riding areas; a two-bedroom caretaker’s unit; a resort-like pool and spa; and ample parking. It is just 30 miles to the coast and surrounded by numerous exclusive wineries and wine country attractions.
$12,950,000 | Property ID D56G85
Artisan Sotheby’s International Realty
Mark Stevens +1 707 322 2200
Jeannie VandeWeg +1 707 480 1541
New York-based writer Iyna Bort Caruso has contributed to the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday and others.
