Val du Soileil Vineyard, 68277 Jolon Road,
Lockwood, Southern Monterey County
Val du Soleil Vineyard in Lockwood is just 22 air miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, over the Santa Lucia Mountains. The land is nestled among the beautiful estates, flourishing pastures and stunning vineyards of the Southern Monterey County Wine Country. When meandering along the scenic Jolon Road corridor, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife such as elk, deer, wild pigs, hawks and more. Val du Soleil Vineyard encompasses approximately 150 total acres, with roughly 40 acres planted in producing wine grapes. The remaining 100+/- acres is nearly level to gently rolling and is suitable for a wide variety of uses. Currently the land is used for cattle grazing but the vineyard could be expanded. The property is bisected by Jolon Road, allowing convenient paved road frontage to both portions of the property. The seller has joined the Monterey County Wine Growers Association, this network of professionals provides access to a unique mix of local vitners who have dedicated their lives to delivering high quality wines throughout the west coast and united states.
The House:
The charmingly appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house was built over the garage to take advantage of the best views possible from each window. The structure totals about 1,680 square feet. Upstairs you will find a beautifully designed space, with two private suites, an open concept living area, dining space and kitchen, with vineyard views from every direction. Originally, a garage was designed under the house with a half bathroom and storage space. During the pandemic, the garage was converted to two private offices, a conference area and wine storage. The garage door remains, if someone would like to convert it back. However, other uses for the space could be a second unit (possibly for an onsite caretaker or renter) or incorporated as additional living space. Don't need the extra space? Converted into your own home wine making space and make quality handcrafted wines from your estate vineyard (verify this, and other uses, with the county).
The Vineyard:
Approximately 40 acres are planted in four varieties surrounding the house. The varietals break down to roughly 10 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 acres of Syrah, 5 acres of each Dolcetto, Mourvedre and Tempranillo. The vineyard is currently leased to a local vineyard professional who maintains the vineyard and sells the crop. The vineyard professional has been improving the vineyard, it shows magnificently, and the 2023 harvest is expected to be prolific. This a perfect getaway for someone who wants to relax amongst the vineyard without having to maintain the vineyard full time. Historically the fruit was sold to Bogle Winery, more recently it is sold on at market price to wineries around Monterey, Soledad and Paso Robles, on a year to year basis. The vineyard benefits from the long growing season and unique climate offered by foggy mornings and hot summers. The unique Mediterranean climate creates the perfect balance in the wine that wine lovers enjoy.
The property is established within the San Antonio Valley AVA, one of the nine AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) within the Monterey wine country. Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Arroyo Secco, San Bernabe, and Hames Valley are all close by and produce exceptional wines. Wines from the Central Coast, including Monterey and San Luis Obispo County, have been scoring very well in wine competitions. This proves to the wine industry that the area produces high-quality wines, and our exceptional weather, makes the central coast one the best places to produce great wine.
Here in the San Antonio Valley we have a few wineries along with many small and medium sized vineyards. 12EC winery is a family-owned winery where you can visit by appointment to taste, visit them here- https://12ecvineyard.com/.
Location and General Area
The community of Lockwood is short 2-2.5+/- hour drive from San Francisco, San Jose or the Central Valley. If you love what Monterey County has to offer, you could easily spend the day in Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, Carmel Valley or the quaint communities of Carmel-By-The-Sea or Big Sur. All are approximately an hour to an hour and a half away. Just think, meandering around the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then down Cannery Row. Taste a flight of wines at Taste of Monterey or spending the day golfing in Pebble Beach and making it home to relax in the peace and serenity of your own vineyard. If wine tasting is what you are looking for the River Road Wine Trail is an association of some of the best wineries in the area, although many have estate vineyards, some get additional fruit from right here in the San Antonio Valley. Visit wine tasting rooms and try the exclusive wines from names such as Odonata Wines, Pessagno Winery, Manzoni Winery, Puma Road and Ray Franscioni Wine, Hahn Family Wines, Scheid Vineyards and Chalone Vineyards. The River Road Wine Trail website recommends three tour companies to guide you, and drive you, while you taste these incredible Monterey County Wines.
The area is also known for Lake San Antonio, located within the Lockwood/Bradley area and offers great fishing, water sports, camping and hiking. Lake Nacimiento is approximately 30 minutes to the south, in San Luis Obispo County, and also provides ample water sports, camping, fishing, paddle boarding and more. Hiking and dirt bike riding are popular pastimes on the ample amounts of public land. Often professional and ameture cycleists can be seen training along the rural roads between Lockwood and Paso Robles. Speaking of Paso Robles, we are only 30-45 minutes north and they offer over 200+ wineries and tasting rooms. Fort Hunter Liggett Army Base has many social events throughout the year, that the community can attend and often participate such as a 4th of July celebration, a fall festival. Another notable attraction is Mission San Antonio which a historic landmark, established in 1771, it was the third mission in California established by Padre Junipero Serra. Today it still hosts Sunday mass as well as many other events, weddings and fundraisers. Coming up on November 4th, the Mission is offering "Afternoon in the Garden". This event is put on by the Mission and offers an opportunity to taste local wine and enjoy appetizers in the stunning garden of the mission. Find out more details here: https://www.missionsanantonio.net/evening-in-the-garden
Financing
Financing a property like this is not like financing a house. Typically lenders like to see at least 30% down and often they are portfolio loans. A portfolio loan is a loan that the lender is going to keep. The seller has a loan with American Ag Credit at 4.95% fixed, the lender says it is assumable!! This low interest rate makes a big impact on the monthly payment. Download the Marketing Package
