Wine Country Living

From lifestyle properties to fully functioning farms, a variety of options await buyers seeking a home in wine country.

ABOUT AN HOUR NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO, the fields are draped in rows of deep green vines, the sky is a clear cobalt blue and a crisp breeze rolls in from the coast, rustling the oak and olive trees. This is Napa Valley, known predominantly as California’s leading wine region, though its enviable lifestyle and Mediterranean climate also make it an increasingly popular place to own property.

“The real estate market took off in a big way around 2010,” says Mathew Cook, a partner at MJC Development who builds turnkey vineyard homes in the area. “Prices went from USD 800 per sqft to USD 1,200 per sqft in a period of five years.” Today, Cook says prices are up to USD 1,500 per sqft. At just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa has a limited supply of homes and benefits from proximity to the Bay Area’s robust job market. Since 2012, property prices in Napa have increased by 57%. Over this time, MJC Development has tapped into a demand among well-heeled buyers for luxurious, hassle-free homes and built properties designed for seamless indoor and outdoor living.

Their latest property is a 10,000 square foot barn-like structure that shimmers white against the surrounding vines. Outside in the courtyard, palm trees sway above the saltwater pool. Inside, the home comes fully furnished and has four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, an expansive kitchen, dining room, wine cellar and library. There is also guesthouse and a two-car garage.