Bourgogne Vineyards selling for 30 Million per hectare..
Chinese Investors Quietly Acquire Bourgognes’ Most Prestigious Vineyards
The famous vineyards of the Côte-d’Or, among the most prized in the world, are increasingly attracting the attention of wealthy Chinese investors. Parcels of Grand Cru and Premier Cru land are reportedly being purchased at record prices, often through discreet transactions that bypass traditional local networks.
Land prices in Burgundy have reached extraordinary levels, with some plots selling for as much as €30 million per hectare. According to industry observers, each time a Grand Cru or Premier Cru estate is put on the market, bidding wars erupt among international buyers eager to secure a foothold in one of the most prestigious wine regions on the planet.
This trend is partly facilitated by regulatory loopholes in the oversight of vineyard ownership. The FN Safer, the national agency responsible for monitoring rural property transactions, has acknowledged its limited ability to intervene in such high-end deals. The exclusivity and scarcity of these vineyards make them difficult to regulate or influence once negotiations are underway.
Local winemakers fear that speculative purchases will transform Burgundy’s cultural and agricultural heritage into a luxury investment asset detached from its traditional roots. For small and young winegrowers, the surge in land prices makes it nearly impossible to acquire or expand vineyards, threatening the long-term sustainability of family estates.
While the phenomenon does not affect the broader regional appellations, the most prestigious plots—the so-called jewels of Burgundy—are being absorbed by global investors. Analysts warn that bottles from these vineyards risk becoming financial trophies rather than products of artisanal winemaking.
The situation recalls earlier controversies, such as the 2012 sale of the Château de Gevrey-Chambertin to a Chinese billionaire, which sparked public outcry at the time. Despite local winemakers attempting to purchase the estate for €4–5 million, the final sale reached €8 million for just two hectares of vines.
Recent transactions underline the scale of investment in Burgundy’s elite vineyards. The Clos de Tart was acquired by French billionaire François Pinault for over $230 million for 7.5 hectares, while Bonneau du Martray was purchased by American businessman Stan Kroenke for around €200 million for 11 hectares. Even LVMH has entered the market, securing a 1.3-hectare Grand Cru plot for €15.5 million.
For now, the acquisitions continue quietly, with few willing to speak publicly. Beneath the region’s tranquil landscapes and beautifully restored châteaux, Bourgognes identity as a land of winemakers is increasingly intertwined with the world of global finance.
