When owners of large-scale agricultural assets seek discretion, expertise, and qualified buyers, they turn to specialists who understand both the vineyard business and institutional capital. Project Riverstone—a confidential sale represented by Vineyard Professional Real Estate (VPRE)—is a powerful example of how strategic, private marketing can unlock value for sellers of complex agricultural holdings.
Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Project Riverstone comprised an expansive 3,400-acre vineyard and agricultural operation, offering income-producing vines, plantable ground, water assets, cattle acreage, and full operational infrastructure. The asset sold privately for approximately $17 million, representing one of the region’s largest contiguous vineyard transfers in recent years.
The Seller’s Challenge: A High-Stakes, Low-Visibility Transaction
The ownership group, faced a unique set of needs:
- Confidentiality to protect operations and workforce
- Targeted exposure to qualified agricultural investors rather than the general market
- Accurate valuation for a diverse income-producing asset
- Streamlined due diligence for a multi-parcel, multi-use property
With institutional-scale vineyard land, water resources, and a lengthy operational history at stake, a conventional MLS listing or broad public marketing campaign was neither appropriate nor advantageous.
The Property: A Rare Large-Scale Vineyard & Ag Offering
Project Riverstone | Paso Robles, California
Approx. 3,400 Acres | Six Parcels | Confidential Institutional Sale
Key Components of the Asset
- ~1,130 acres of vineyard land
- 359 acres producing wine grapes
- 259 acres of wine grapes in development
- 122 acres of table grapes in development
- 392 acres previously planted or plantable
- ~1,200 acres of cattle ground
- Robust infrastructure: paved internal roads, operational facilities, reservoirs, wells, offices
- Attractive production history: historically averaging 4–5 tons per acre, with seven-figure annual net profits
This combination of scale, income, and water security made Project Riverstone a rare acquisition target for institutional buyers seeking California agriculture investments.
VPRE’s Strategy: Quiet Power, Targeted Reach
To achieve the seller’s goals, VPRE—backed by Jenny Heinzen’s vineyard expertise, institutional relationships, and two decades of wine-industry credibility—executed a tailored, high-touch representation approach.
1. NDA-Gated, Confidential Marketing
- No MLS exposure
- Limited, controlled release of information
- All inquiries screened for operational discretion and financial capability
2. Precision Targeting of Institutional Ag Investors
VPRE leveraged:
- A proprietary database of thousands of vetted Ag investors, funds, and large-scale operators
- Direct personal outreach cultivated over decades
- Established trust within the agricultural investment community
3. High-End Offering Materials
- Custom Offering Memorandum (digital + bound)
- Drone videography
- Soil and topo mapping
- Professional narrative copywriting
4. Project-Management Style Escrow Coordination
For a property of this scale, VPRE coordinated:
- Mapping and parcel research
- Water and infrastructure documentation
- Vineyard development schedules
- Production history
Ensuring the buyer’s due diligence process was smooth, efficient, and fully supported.
The Result: A Confidential $17 Million Transfer to an Institutional Buyer
The targeted strategy generated qualified engagement and ultimately secured an institutional agricultural investor with the operational capacity and financial strength to steward the asset into its next chapter.
The property closed confidentially at ~$17M, preserving operational continuity and meeting the seller’s objectives. This transaction stands as one of Paso Robles’ most significant private vineyard transfers in recent years.
Why Project Riverstone Matters in Today’s Vineyard Real Estate Market
As institutional interest in California vineyard land increases, sellers benefit from advisors who combine deep agricultural expertise, strategic confidentiality, and high-level investor relationships.
Project Riverstone demonstrates how a thoughtful, private approach can lead to exceptional outcomes for complex, large-scale agricultural assets.
Considering a Confidential Vineyard or Agricultural Sale?
VPRE specializes in institutional-grade vineyard transactions, private offerings, and large agricultural assets throughout California wine country.
If you’re exploring your options, a confidential consultation is available.
Let’s talk strategy—privately and effectively.
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