El Dorado Vineyard set for auction as Seller prepares for Peace Corps

Albert Burney Auction Company

Mellowood Vineyard to sell in absolute auction as owner prepares to join Peace Corps

SOMERSET, California (Jan. 13, 2018) – Eighteen years ago, Linda Neal decided to follow her dream of creating a vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. Today, she’s preparing to sell Mellowood Vineyard at absolute auction so she can pursue her next dream of serving with the Peace Corps.

Albert Burney Auction Company will market the property and conduct the auction.

Neal began planting vineyards in 1987, as owner of a vineyard management company in the Napa Valley from 1987 until 2008. In 2000, she purchased the property now known as Mellowood Vineyard, planting the vines in 2002 and opening the tasting room to the public in 2010. Its reputation has grown through its highly regarded Zinfandel and Syrah grapes and wines. Its 2014 Syrah was named as best Syrah for the state and best red wine of the region in the 2017 California State Fair competition.

Located in the Gold Country of California’s Sierra Foothills, the 25-acre property is located in the Fair Play AVA (American Viticultural Area) of El Dorado County. It has 9.75 planted acres and a tasting room/winery/office. It is irrigated, with two permitted wells providing ample water for the vineyards as well as the ranch-style home.

“There is enough land and water to plant some additional vineyards, so the next owner would have growth opportunities,” said Warren Ward, president of the auction company.

The buyer of the estate will have the right of first refusal for the purchase of the Mellowood brand, signage, inventory of approximately 300 cases, and other assets.

The auction will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, March 5, at the vineyard, 2979 Mellowood Drive, Somerset.

Albert Burney representatives will be available at the property Feb. 28 through the auction day to conduct tours and inspections. Arrangements can also be made for tours prior to that date. Individuals seeking additional information may visit albertburney.com or call 800-434-1654.

Albert Burney Auctioneers, based in Huntsville, Ala., conducts auctions and markets high-value real estate throughout North and Central America.