Frequently Asked Questions
SHARES, FEES AND INTEREST
Is this a timeshare?
No, this is not a timeshare. The unit of ownership is an actual ownership interest in the property and operational winery. You will share in the appreciation of the property and winery, and will have an authentic ownership interest in a Delaware LLC that owns the property interest.
Are there any HOA fees?
There are none of these kinds of fees whatsoever — there are no homeowner association fees, capital calls or requirements to participate monetarily in further investments. Your ownership interest in the real property will grow along with the other owners in value as property values, tourism and Italian wine sales grow. As the Italian economy continues to grow, so will your ownership interest.
Can I transfer my ownership to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer your interest by will or trust as you desire. Third-party sales will require the approval of the other owners, but they have already agreed in writing that permission to sell to a third party will not be unreasonably withheld.
Can I sell my shares of the estate at any time?
Yes. Sales to third parties require the approval of the other owners who have agreed that their permission will not be unreasonably withheld. The original owners would like to join Lifestyle Owners who are compatible and occasionally enjoy spending time together. Corporate sales are discouraged.
What if I don’t use the ownership interest?
Your ownership rights and benefits do not change based on whether you use the interest or not. You will receive your wine allocation each year even if you do not visit the property and take advantage of the other Lifestyle Owner benefits.
Can friends or family members access the benefits of my lifestyle ownership interest?
Immediate family yes. Friends of owners or extended family visiting the winery can get “owner” discounts depending on availability. Remember, we want the business to grow and all of our ownership interests to increase in value. This is not a timeshare, but an actual property and business you will own — it’s to everyone’s benefit to see it grow!
Will my interest appreciate?
Yes, your interest should appreciate over time. The appraisals already exceed the initial purchase prices of the winery and vineyards. Key factors depend on the Italian economy, tourism and wine sales. This is a long-term investment, not a short-term return opportunity or short-term return on investment. This is intended to be an investment you can enjoy over time as it grows.
How does lifestyle ownership differ from standard ownership?
You will not have to share in management, operational decisions, capital calls or any of the other issues that are typically associated with property ownership. You will not share in operational profits or losses, but as the business grows and the winery and estate increase in value, so will your ownership interest.
As a Lifestyle Owner, what, if any, will my responsibilities be?
There will be a seat on the board of directors for the Lifestyle Owners. Other than that, your “job” is to vacation at the winery, enjoy Tuscany, eat, drink wine and immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle along with your fellow owners.
Will Lifestyle Owners share in yearly profits derived by estate tourism and sales?
As the “goodwill” of the winery and vineyards appreciate, so will your interest. However, Lifestyle Owners will not share in any yearly or other operational profits or losses.
THE ESTATE
How much of the estate’s projected profits are due to wine sales?
See Financials section. Wine sales are the primary source of income for the estate and winery. Sales of Italian wines are a growth market in the world of wine.
How much of the estate’s projected profits are due to tourism?
While it is impossible to provide precise projections in advance, the bed-and-breakfast will open to tourists in October 2020. Fattoria Svetoni already has contracts with TripAdvisor and other Italian tour operators for 2021 and forward. As we progress, U.S., German, Japanese and other country tour operators will be in place as well.
When is the renovation of the bed-and-breakfast projected to be complete?
October 2020
When is the bed-and-breakfast projected to be open for tourists?
October 2020
When is high tourist season for the estate?
April 1 through October 30
When is off tourist season for the estate?
November 1 through March 31
Is the Estate open to the general public, outside of guests staying at the bed-and-breakfast?
Yes. We are opening a public tasting room at the winery, which will feature the estate wines as well as local food and products. We are also opening a full-service restaurant on the premises helmed by La Botte Piena, an internationally known Tuscan restaurant. Winery guests will have priority on reservations to the restaurant, but it will be open to the public as well.
TRAVEL TO THE ESTATE
How do I get to the estate from Rome?
By car: Travel to Montepulciano by car is approximately two hours from central Rome. Rome and Montepulciano are connected by a major toll highway.
By train: Travel to Montepulciano by train is easy and accessible from any of the Rome central stations to Quisi, located about 15 miles (24 km) from Montepulciano. Travel time by train is under two hours.
How do I get to the estate from Florence?
By car: Travel to Montepulciano by car is approximately one and a half hours. While only 185. miles (30 km) in distance, the journey is over the rolling hills of Tuscany, offering fantastic views and stops along the way.
By train: Travel to Montepulciano by train from Florence’s central station to Quisi is approximately one hour.
Is transportation from Rome and Florence provided by the estate?
Travel by private car can be arranged from any hotel in Rome or Florence. Almost all of the hotels in Rome and Florence already feature day trips to Tuscany and Fattoria Svetoni.
How accessible is the estate?
The estate is located on a major highway, approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the city walls of Montepulciano.
Can I leave luggage at the estate?
Yes. Storage is available for those who want to day travel or use the winery as a European travel hub.
VISITING THE ESTATE AND BRINGING GUESTS
If I’m interested in becoming a Lifestyle Owner, may I visit the estate for a tour?
Private escorted tours are being arranged for January 2021. If you are interested, please contact Vic Poulos at 915.525.4030. Vic will be leading the groups on what will be an exceptional Tuscan wine, food and winery experience!
How soon after my investment is finalized may I visit the estate to enjoy my Lifestyle Owner benefits?
The winery is in full operation now. We will be open for guests October 2020.
Is there a cap on the length of time I can stay?
There are no caps on the length of time you can stay.
How will my access to the estate be impacted by tourism?
Many people prefer visiting during the tourist season for activities, festivals and weather. Others prefer the quieter off-season for immersion and restful visits. The winery and town of Montepulciano offer full services year-round.
Will I be able to host events at the estate?
Yes. The winery will have full-time staff and professional event planners on-site to assist.
If I bring guests, will they receive the same discounts that I do?
Yes, if you accompany the guests.
Is there a limit to how many guests I may bring at a time?
Only limited by the number of rooms available or reserved.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Any time of year is a great time to visit Montepulciano. There are, of course, pros and cons to both the high season (April–September) and the low season (October–March). During the high season, you will be able to witness all the splendor of Tuscan wine country in full bloom. But you will inevitably have to deal with more crowds and hotter weather. During the low season, weather will be cooler, but you will also have fewer tourists and enjoy shorter lines and lower costs in and around the major attractions of Italy. The food, history and wine are great year-round, as are Italian warmth and hospitality.
What is there to do in the area?
Montepulciano is at the center of the Italian wine-production region and is a perfect home base to explore Italy’s wine country. There are several cities nearby for quaint day trips, and there will be a car available at the estate for short excursions. Biking, hiking, culinary classes and a multitude of historical tours are also available.