Ellisons has advised Dedham Vale Vineyard Limited on the sale of its operational vineyard and events business, together with associated land including a residential development plot and woodland.
The transaction represents an important step for the long-established Colchester-based vineyard. Set in 40 acres of vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the vineyard is a well-known site within the local rural landscape.
The Ellisons team advising Dedham Vale Vineyard Limited was led by Petra Sharp (Partner in the Corporate Team), with the property sale led by Lewis Barber (Associate in Ellisons’ Rural Affairs Team). Their combined experience ensured a coordinated approach to the business, land and operational elements of the transaction.
Petra Sharp commented: “This transaction brought together a number of specialist considerations that reflect the unique nature of a working vineyard and events business. It has been a pleasure to work with Michael Roberts and Janice Wilson on this project, and I am pleased we were able to support the transition to new ownership with an outcome that opens the next chapter of the Vineyard development.”
Lewis Barber added: “Vineyard and rural property transactions often involve a wide mix of assets and land uses. Drawing on our Rural Affairs and wider viticulture expertise allowed us to guide the client smoothly through the process and ensure each element was handled efficiently.”
Michael Roberts, director of Dedham Vale Vineyard Limited, said: “Completing a transaction involving both an operational vineyard and rural land brings together a lot of moving parts, and having advisers who understand the transactions complexities in the context of the sensitivities of the local area was as impressive as it was professionally undertaken.”
Ellisons’ viticulture offering brings together the firm’s rural, commercial and specialist teams to support vineyard acquisitions, disposals and broader winery operations, providing tailored and practical advice to clients across the sector.