The value of Italian vineyards continues to mirror the prestige of their wines. According to the CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy) report on “Land Market Trends in Italy in 2024,” vineyard prices show remarkable contrasts across the country—from the sun-drenched slopes of Sardinia to the iconic hills of Barolo.
At one end of the spectrum, vineyards in Cannonau dell'Ogliastra, Sardinia, start from just EUR 12,000 per hectare, with most transactions around EUR 18,000 per hectare. At the other extreme, the vineyards of Barolo DOCG in Piedmont can reach an astonishing EUR 2.3 million per hectare, with entry-level plots priced around EUR 300,000. These figures confirm Barolo as Italy’s most expensive wine-growing area, reflecting global demand for its Nebbiolo-based wines.
Premium Vineyards Across Italy
Beyond Barolo, several prestigious regions record equally striking valuations. In Alto Adige, vineyards around Lake Caldaro are priced between EUR 600,000 and EUR 1.1 million per hectare, confirming the region’s strong position in producing high-quality white wines and sparkling wines.
In Tuscany, the iconic Bolgheri DOC—famous for its Super Tuscan blends—and Brunello di Montalcino share the same price range of EUR 250,000 to EUR 1 million per hectare. Similarly, the Valdobbiadene DOCG vineyards, the birthplace of Prosecco Superiore, reach between EUR 300,000 and EUR 500,000 per hectare, reflecting both market prestige and the profitability of sparkling wine production.
Moving north, the vineyards in Trentino, particularly those dedicated to Trentodoc sparkling wines, range from EUR 220,000 to EUR 500,000 per hectare, matching the upper values of Valdobbiadene.
Other High-Value Agricultural Lands
CREA’s survey also highlights that some of Italy’s most valuable agricultural lands are not vineyards at all. The apple orchards of Val Venosta are priced between EUR 450,000 and EUR 750,000 per hectare, while those in the Val d’Adige, between Merano and Bolzano, range from EUR 400,000 to EUR 600,000 per hectare. Irrigated horticultural lands in the Albegna plain in Liguria are also highly sought after, priced between EUR 280,000 and EUR 500,000 per hectare.
Conversely, the lowest agricultural land values are found in the pastures of the Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, where prices vary from EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000 per hectare.
Regional Vineyard Highlights
Among the most prized vineyards included in CREA’s survey are:
- Lower Val Venosta and Isarco Valley (Alto Adige DOC): EUR 300,000 – EUR 500,000/ha
- Saint-Christophe (Aosta Valley DOC): EUR 150,000 – EUR 300,000/ha
- Collina Bresciana (Franciacorta influence): EUR 150,000 – EUR 300,000/ha
- Chianti Classico DOCG: EUR 90,000 – EUR 210,000/ha in Florence; EUR 90,000 – EUR 150,000/ha in Siena
- Bergamo Hills DOC: EUR 120,000 – EUR 200,000/ha
- Valtellina Superiore DOC: EUR 88,000 – EUR 142,000/ha
- Collio DOC (Friuli Venezia Giulia): EUR 55,000 – EUR 140,000/ha
A Stable Yet Uneven Market
CREA’s 2024 report notes that agricultural land sales remained stable, with demand slightly exceeding supply. The average price of agricultural land increased by 1%, reaching EUR 22,400 per hectare. Despite geopolitical and climatic challenges, Italy’s land market is showing signs of resilience, driven by rising interest in quality and irrigable land.
Regional disparities remain sharp:
- Northeast: EUR 47,100/ha (highest)
- Northwest: EUR 35,200/ha (+2.3%)
- Center and South: below EUR 16,000/ha
- Islands: around EUR 9,000/ha
This gap, CREA explains, is due not only to the prevalence of flat, irrigated, and urbanized land in the North, but also to land scarcity and strong demand. In contrast, mountainous and inland regions often have a surplus of land offered by older farmers or struggling enterprises.
Rental Market and Future Outlook
The rental market also shows stability, supported by young entrepreneurs, established producers, and renewable energy operators (biogas and agrivoltaics). The exit of older farmers is freeing up land, sustaining rental activity. Irrigable land continues to be in high demand, reflecting concerns over climate resilience.
Looking ahead, CREA expects stable rents and slightly increased land supply in marginal areas as older producers retire. Despite growing climatic risks and volatile profitability, the outlook remains moderately positive.
As CREA President Andrea Rocchi summarized:
“The results confirm the stability and adaptability of Italian agriculture, even in a complex environment marked by international tensions and climate change. Enhancing agricultural land as a strategic resource means investing in the country’s future.”
Source: WineNews