Most million-dollar homes have wine cellars, but few come with a full-blown vineyard. Those who want a never-ending supply of Sauvignon Blanc would do well to invest in the latter, which is good timing, because a $16 million estate in Santa Barbara just listed with 26 acres of vines.
The property is being shopped by lawyer Robert Lieff, who has owned many wineries over the years. Lieff Ranch represents the most recent entry in that portfolio, and the businessman sells Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and other wines from the vineyard via an online store. One of the more appealing aspects of buying the home off him is that you can do the same and perhaps turn a tidy profit from the venture. The ranch is located in Santa Ynez, an area rife with wineries, so you’ll certainly have some competition.
The informal dining room Gavin Cater Photography
In terms of housing, the estate has not one but four cottages, plus a barn and equestrian facilities, should you want to bring some horses when you move in. Lieff made many improvements to place over the years, too, including adding a bocce ball court. Also on the grounds is a lap pool.
The kitchen in one of the cottages Gavin Cater Photography
The main home is a five-bed, five-bath structure; altogether it’s a 56-acre property, with 26 acres reserved for the vineyard. According to The Wall Street Journal, Lieff expects the vineyard to produce 6,000 cases of wine or about 72,000 bottles next year. That will likely be too much vino to imbibe on your own, so it may be worth selling it off just as its current owners have.
The primary bedroom. Gavin Cater Photography
In addition to the bottles, the property can also generate income via its many different structures, which can be rented out for weddings or other events. Alternatively, you can keep it all to yourself—wine, real estate at all—and use the vineyard as a personal retreat.
Randy Solakian, Deanna Solakian Williams and Jessica McLernon of the Randy Solakian Estates Group, a team affiliated with the Montecito office of Coldwell Banker Realty, hold the listing.
Check out more photos of Lieff Ranch below:
The living room. Gavin Cater Photography
The entryway Gavin Cater Photography
The office Gavin Cater Photography
One of the bedrooms Gavin Cater Photography
The barn Gavin Cater Photography
