Lifestyle Vineyard Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the principle activities of Gayda Vineyards Ltd. and Ford Record SARL?

Domaine Gayda provides to the market a freehold vineyard purchase opportunity. Domaine Gayda owns and manages vineyards in the Languedoc and produces and distributes wine.

Domaine Gayda owns and manages vineyards in the Languedoc and produces and distributes wine.

The experience and knowledge of the local laws, regulations and farming expertise enables these businesses to provide for the purchaser a Title Deed to their own freehold vineyard and manage the estate for a period of 10 years (renewable) whilst providing to the vineyard owner a regular amount of good quality wine.

What do I own?

Investors will acquire freehold title of a plot of Languedoc vineyard of their choice from those available and have the right to a 10-year supply of wine at 96 bottles per annum. The only encumbrance subjected to the property is that it must stay as vineyard and cannot have a change of use during the term of the management (Fermage) agreement.

What is the Fermage Agreement ?

An agreement between Domaine Gayda and the Title Deed holder whereby Domaine Gayda under contract acts as the farmer of the land held under title deed and maintains the vineyard in order to produce good quality fruit which in turn is vinified into wine of which the Title Deed holder receives his annual allocation.

What does (FRS)actually do look after my land?

Before the vineyard was sold, it will have been prepared for the relevant season in which it was acquired, pruning during the winter months, any trellising work required, the thinning process to ensure low yield/high quality grapes, any necessary environmentally friendly fertilization treatment and harvesting of the fruit by hand and it's transportation to the Gayda France Winery.
In addition Domaine Gayda will insure the vines against the normal natural perils such as Hail damage etc.

What do I receive?

The Lifestyle Vineyard management 10-year package includes 960 bottles of L'Archet wines per plot of vineyard freehold held which is delivered annually. In addition under special request in advance and at a small supplement we can produce customised labels for example "Simon Taylor Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2005".

The freehold purchase date will define when the first wine delivery will be, due to the harvesting and production process, however it is likely that deliveries will be in April for vineyards purchased before July the year before. The wine can also, for an additional shipping and handling charge be sent to specific recipients of your choice, as gifts etc.

What do I get from my investment and what does it cost now and over next 10 yeears?

The Lifestyle Vineyard Package price includes the following: Title Deeds to your property with Rights of Access, the Management of the vineyard as above, the wine allocation as above and membership to the Wine Fellow Society.
Prices vary dependant on the exact size, location and terroir of the vineyard but the price is based on sites of around 1200 sq m (just under 1/3rd of an acre) at approx Euro 21.00 per square metre of land including Title, Estate Management and wine allocation for 10 years from purchase date.

What other costs do I bare?

Probably your own travel costs to visit Languedoc and your own lawyer's fees for the transaction document review.

How much is the deposit and when is the balance payable?

The deposit is payable at the time of signature of the preliminary contract, the 'compromis de vente' and is 35% of the total price. You then have 7 days under French Law in which (if you wish) to cancel the preliminary contract which you have signed. The balance of 65% is payable on receipt of the formal deed of sale 'acte de vente' which normally takes 10-12 weeks from the date of the preliminary contract. The sale is in € Euros and if paying in L Sterling will be converted at the prevailing Bank Rate.

What risks are involved?

As an investment your freehold property can appreciate as well as depreciate, however from the regional trends in Languedoc this is very unlikely. The quality of the wine will depend on the ability and skill of the winemakers, however to date they have proven to the market that their techniques are resulting in excellent wines which are being distributed to many hotels and restaurants of top class standing. A list is available on request.

Is there an on-site Manager?

Managing Director Tim Ford, Winemaker Vincent Chansault and the rest of the team live and work in Languedoc and are available for any queries you may have, but you are more likely to taste some wines with them!

What is the Value of L'Arcbet Wines per bottle?

Wine sales prices vary by type and vintage and there is a current price list available on www.gaydawineshop.com. But if you assume a minimum of L7-L9.00 Retail, then your wine value is 960 x say L8 = L7,680 before any inflation over the 10 years or improvement in quality, reputation and value.

What happens after 10 years?

You can enter into another 10-year agreement on terms to be negotiated nearer that time. As you already own the land, the 'fruit for management exchange' would be calculated on current costs at that time and the sales value of the wine. Alternatively you could sell your vineyard to any third party or we will endeavour to sell it on your behalf for a fee of 15% of sale price.

What happens if I want to sell my vineyard before 10 years?

You can either sell it to any 3rd party with the remaining 'Fermage' Agreement in place or again we can endeavour to sell the vineyard on your behalf.

What about accomodation when I visit the Languedoc?

We would be happy to assist you with websites of companies specialising in holiday lets in the area and there are some nice hotels in many towns in the area.

What is the Wine Fellows Society ?

Membership is limited to selected members of which there are currently about 150. Members have access to permanent discounts on the Domaine Gayda wines and in addition special offers through the L'Archet Collection offers. Vincent Chansault, our Winemaker is available for all your queries. There is a newsletter informing of our winemaking progress and invitations to UK and Languedoc events.

Can I join in on the harvest and maybe a blending session?

By all means, the more the merrier, Gayda Vineyard owners are always welcome at their vineyards and our Winery. Visit www.gaydavineyards.com

Do I pay in Euros?

Yes, and payments in other currencies would be calculated at the bank's rate of exchange on the day of deposit payment.

When are the vineyards available?

Immediately.

I am interested, what do I need to do next?

Give us a call and we can show you which vineyards are currently available, talk you through the process and share a glass of L'Archet wine with you!