What Does $1 Million Buy in Wine Country?

Forget Tinder. If you really want to get hot and bothered these days, head on over to Zillow, where you can swipe right on your steamiest remote work fantasies. 

Working to live—and living well— became foundational to many wine lovers’ paradigms during the pandemic, and ever since, the fantasy of making a more permanent investment in a home in wine country is becoming less of a pipe dream, and more of a palpable reality.

But, in many regions, this dreamy new life won’t come cheap. To get a better sense of exactly how much your vine-filled fantasy would cost you, we took a look at how much $1 million will get you in six of the most gorgeous wine country destinations across the globe. 

Napa Valley, California 

Napa is at once the most obvious and most unattainable region in which to purchase a home. It is undoubtedly the best known U.S. wine region, but it is also one of the priciest real estate markets in the country. 

According to Zillow, the average home value in Napa is $910,762—well over double the $398,400 median home price in the U.S. overall. 

Napa Valley has long been among the most desirable wine regions in the U.S., not just for its pricey Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, but also for second homes. Proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley has only pushed the market higher over time. 

“Napa is definitely the adult Disneyland, with as many great wineries as you could want,” says Aaron Austin, a real estate associate with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. “Plus, there are world-class restaurants like Oenotri, Bouchon and Tra Vigne. It’s attracting all different types of home buyers now, from first-time couples starting a family, to people looking for a second home for rental income. Or retirees looking to downsize.”

And the downsize—if they’re moving from a Southern or Midwestern state, where buyers get a lot more space for every dollar spent—may be considerable. 

“For around $1 million, you can expect a well-maintained three- to four-bedroom home, with around 1,800 to 2,200 square feet,” Aaron says, pointing to this four-bedroom in North Napa with a pool. “No huge amenities at $1 million, but maybe a pool. This range will definitely be in a beautiful neighborhood though, close to good schools.”

While this recent three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom listing at $999,000 may just get you 1,925 square feet, the amenities are priceless. 

“What really makes living in Napa special isn’t just the homes, it’s the lifestyle,” says Marc Afzal, a real estate advisor with Investly in Napa. “There’s great live music, art festivals and cultural events like BottleRock and Napa Valley Film Fest, plus abundant outdoor activities from hiking to kayaking.”

Bordeaux, France

For those who dream of a foreign, but still familiar, destination in wine country, Bordeaux beckons. The city has a lower cost of living than most cities in France, a thriving expat culture and a devotion to gastronomy unrivaled almost anywhere. Plus, its perch just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, easy public transportation system, mellow winters and 7,000 nearby wineries and vineyards make it pretty darn attractive places for wine lovers to land. 

“Bordeaux and the small villages surrounding Bordeaux have a real charm,” says Etienne Delpech of Bordeaux Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s sunny, and there are stone houses with tiled roofs all over the countryside. The villages are quiet, gentle and safe with little squares, churches and small food shops, like bakeries and butchers. There’s definitely less hype than the French Riviera, but so charming.”

At the $1 million price point, Delpech says options abound. 

In the city proper, those options include this three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a balcony and a garage on one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious streets. Listed for $992,693, it’s set in a high-ceilinged circa 1900 building with ample 20th century charm (think: parquet floors, fireplaces, flawless marble and wood finishes) but with 21st century conveniences, including an elevator.

But if a modest stone mansion in the countryside with its own vineyard is of interest, this three-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home and vineyard, on the Left Bank (about 35 minutes outside the city) is available for $674,536.  

The 19-hectare property boasts 11 hectares under vine in the Cérons terroir, famous for both dry and sweet wines. It also features an onsite winery with modern winemaking equipment, but the home itself could use a little work (hey, it’s about priorities here). 

Mendoza, Argentina 

For lovers of raw beauty and adventure, Mendoza is where it’s at. The city itself is situated at an elevation of 2,497 feet, and it offers stately streets framed with towering trees and stunning historical, broad squares, public parks, a rich Italian-influenced culinary scene and architecturally significant buildings. Wine country, meanwhile, offers views of the snow-capped Andes and access to some of the best Malbec in the world. 

Michael Evans, CEO of The Vines, fell so hard for the jaw-dropping scenery and lifestyle, he extended his vacation to the region in 2004, and ended up never leaving. He co-founded The Vines to help wine lovers purchase their own small parcel of wine country. (The Vines offers access to vineyard land, winemaking facilities and residential homes). 

“Most people who buy a home here are second-home buyers and future retirees from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil or Europe,” he explains. “They’re drawn by opposite-season weather, outdoor lifestyle and of course, the wine. Many are also eager to turn their wine passion into something hands-on, and ultimately make their own blends with winemakers.”

The amenities, lower prices and potential to create their own wine is drawing people to The Vines Resort & Spa, a community Evans and his partners built in the Uco Valley. A budget of around $1 million offers buyers two-bedroom villas with indoor and outdoor spaces, private decks with panoramic views of the Andes and vineyards, a pool, rooftop terraces and spa bathrooms. 

The resort itself features a restaurant from the celebrated chef Francis Mallman, four other top restaurants and a spa. 

But there are other luxe properties to be found throughout the area, too, such as this $940,000 three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Lujan De Cuoy, Mendoza. Completed in January of 2024, it offers sleek, modern design, right in the middle of wine country, with views of the Andes, a heated pool and a private neighborhood. 

Or, if you’re on the hunt for raw land, there are lots of options, including this five-acre property in Las Heras, Mendoza, available for $880,000.

South Africa

It would be hard to find a country with a richer cultural heritage and more stunning natural setting than South Africa. Between the 12 official languages spoken there, the iconic wildlife (lions and leopards and elephants, oh my!) that roams free and a unique UNESCO-protected floral kingdom, wine could be an afterthought. But in many ways, it embodies South Africa’s allure.

“What makes the wine regions of the Boland and Overberg so desirable is the unique combination of deep-rooted viticultural tradition, breathtaking natural beauty, the outdoor lifestyle offered, great schools, social activities and world-class dining,” says Annien Borg, regional head in the Boland & Overberg regions for Pam Golding Properties. “In these areas, which include towns like Stellenbosch and Paarl, there are a diverse array of properties available for around $1 million, from boutique wine estates to homes in unique lifestyle estates like Val de Vie Estate and Pearl Valley Golf Estate.”

And because the dollar is so much stronger than the rand, South Africa is incredibly affordable for U.S. buyers. 

At the Pearl Valley Golf and Country Estate, $882,035 buys a dreamy four-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home with a dine-in modern kitchen and butler’s pantry, three-car garage, solar-powered system and spacious deck with a pool. 

Stellenbosch, a university town surrounded by vineyards in the Cape Winelands, offers small-city charm defined by Cape Dutch architecture, art galleries and swoon-worthy boutiques and cafes. A four-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home with open plan dining, a home theater, solar-power, enclosed patio and a salt pool set within a gated estate just minutes from town and wine estates, is $989,870. 

Barossa Valley, Australia 

South Australia’s Barossa Valley moves at a relaxed pace, even for wine country. The region is defined by rural charm, nearby beaches, an everybody-knows-your-name-vibe and a genuine love of wine and bountiful produce that emerges from the vineyards and farms. All of that makes it a stunning place to settle. 

Those in need of a brisker pace should know that Adelaide, ranked one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, offers the big city buzz with incredible walkability and historic interest, especially for those interested in Australia’s Aboriginal culture.

There are a range of beautifully appointed, well-positioned apartments in Adelaide. That includes this three-bedroom, light-filled penthouse with an open living space, two north-facing balconies, a home office and parking spaces for around $770,000. 

The real estate market amid the vines also affords a lot of space at a $1 million budget, with a “wide range of buyers looking at properties, and even vineyards currently,” says Rohan Semmler with Homburg Real Estate. “In recent years, there’s been a much stronger interest from international buyers.”

In the heart of Tanunda, a buyer with a budget of $860,000 can afford two charming, updated cottages built in the early 1900s with three bedrooms, polished hardwood floors, well-appointed bathrooms and an area for grilling. The easy access to wineries and downtown rural Tanunda make it an excellent retreat for a large family who wants to spread out, or as a rental property. 

Sicily

Anyone who wasn’t already obsessed with Sicily before Season 2 of The White Lotus is now. Italy’s largest island, Sicily, is often called the “crossroads of the Mediterranean,” and the influences from Africa and Europe can be seen everywhere, from the architecture to the plate. 

Diletta Giorgolo, head of residential Italy at Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, says that interest from international buyers is especially strong along the coast. Cities, like Noto, Ortiglia, Scicli and Palazzo Acreide, are also attracting inquiries from afar. 

“Sicily offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, rich history and cultural diversity,” Giorgolo says. “The island has been shaped by centuries of influence from various civilizations—most notably Arab and Norman—which have left a unique mark on its architecture, traditions and way of life.”

A $1 million budget goes far in Sicily, for buyers seeking a coastal location or the charm of an island village. 

For $1.05 million, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-level home is just steps from the Castellammare del Golfo, which has the Zingaro Nature Reserve within its bounds. Pristine beaches, a picturesque port and walking trails are within easy reach. 

For those dreaming of the country, $961,000 delivers a three-bedroom, three-bathroom early 20th century building perfect for a large family or anyone looking for a potential rental property. The home in the heart of Modica consists of two apartments, both with large terraces and panoramic views. The main space includes a large living area, two bathrooms, a dining room and sitting room. The adjacent flat offers a separate entrance. The pair share a large outdoor laundry room. 

Unlike some parts of the world, American buyers aren’t treated differently from Italians, says Giorgolo. Sotheby’s bilingual agents assist throughout the process and can provide bilingual notaries and lawyers, as well as recommend renovation companies for those buyers brave enough to restore a historic home.

More Wine Country Travel Coverage

• These five wine regions are vying to become the next Napa.
• Seven up-and-coming wine regions that should be on your radar.
• Here are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit right now, according to industry insiders.
• And these 12 Napa wine tours are actually worth it, say local pros.
• Heading on a wine trip? Consider these 10 expert-recommended travel hacks.

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