While winery appraisals focus primarily on the physical facility where the wine is created and the equipment inside of it, vineyard appraisals in Napa, CA focus on the property where the grapes are grown before being turned into wine. As a result, there are a variety of different factors that go into determining the value of a vineyard, as much of what is being inspected is outside and there is a much different kind of equipment used in those locations.
Here are just a few of the factors that play a role for vineyard appraisers in Napa, CA:
- Location: The location of a vineyard can affect its convenience, quality and overall value. You want a vineyard in a prime location to make distribution much easier.
- Climate: Most vineyards in Napa Valley generally share the same climate, but each individual vineyard can also have its own microclimate and mesoclimate. So we do not just analyze minimum and maximum temperatures for the area and the amount of precipitation—we also take into account individual climatic features at each site.
- Soils: There are a number of major soil issues that affect the value of a vineyard. These include general soil types and characteristics, the fertility of the soil, capacity to hold water, mineral content, erosion and more.
- Water: As the amount of water in California continues to become an even more important issue, access to water at vineyards and other agricultural sites is proving to increase their value. Water distribution systems also factor into this, so having high-quality irrigation systems, sprinklers and pumps in place can all help enhance value.
Looking to schedule a meeting with our vineyard appraisers in Napa, Salvador, Imola, Napa County, or Union, CA? Contact us today at County Appraisals Inc by calling 707-257-1040, and we will be happy to schedule your vineyard appraisals. Feel free to get in touch with any questions you have about the acreage and estate appraisal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impacts the value of a vineyard property in Napa Valley?
Key factors include the specific location and neighborhood within the 17 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) of Napa County. Additionally, the vineyard’s specific development characteristics, the overall condition, and the crop and contract history are evaluated. Site specific considerations include the specific microclimate, soil quality, available water, and other factors.
Do you evaluate both producing and non-producing vineyards?
Yes. We appraise both active, producing vineyards and undeveloped vineyard acreage with agricultural potential, known as plantable land. Some older vineyards near the end of their economic lifespans may reflect only plantable land value, while new/modern vineyards, planted to the varietals in demand, reflect the greatest values. Undeveloped vineyard land may include readily plantable, flat land under 5% slope, to more challenging hillside sites that require permitting with regulatory agencies prior to development.
Can I request an appraisal before buying vineyard land?
Definitely. A professional vineyard appraisal gives you accurate insight into market value before you purchase or invest, which will detail all the vineyard’s attributes, grape sale contracts, farming costs and return on investment.