Lawyer Agricultural Transactions●Wine Law

Macfarlanes LLP advises and supports owners, farmers and winegrowers in their transfer and acquisition projects, and in all the issues and challenges that these operations involve:

• Sales and acquisitions of agricultural holdings / vineyards / land / forests /
• Viticultural and wine law
• Sales mandate
• Corporate transactions
• Tax optimization related to transactions
• SAFER
• Control of structures
• Audits / valuations

Agricultural land and estates represent family heritage and operating capital, whose value has been steadily increasing for several decades. Their transfer presents crucial economic and human stakes in the lives of farmers.

Furthermore, various legal provisions strictly regulate operations involving transfers of agricultural land (SAFER, control of structures…). Where land is occupied by a farmer, the legal specificities of the farm lease status constitute additional obstacles to a transfer project (right of pre-emption, price revision, notice for repossession…). Without anticipation and support, these mechanisms are likely to cause the initial transfer project to fail.

Lawyer for the purchase or sale of wine and agricultural estates

To be successfully carried out, the sale of a wine-growing or agricultural estate must be accompanied by various legal precautions relating to the essential preliminary analysis of the legal situation of the land and its potential occupation. As part of a mandate in real estate transactions, our lawyers support you in all phases of your transfer project: from the preliminary audit to the signing of the final deeds, including the search for a buyer, negotiation, and drafting of the various documents (agreement protocol governing the entire operation, sale agreement, unilateral promises, share and stock transfer deeds…).

Thanks to its experience and its scope of action across the entire French territory, Macfarlanes LLP has acquired an in-depth knowledge of investment/transfer operations of vineyard and agricultural land. Our firm has a network of investors resulting from the various advice provided over several decades. Wine and vineyard law is a specialty of the firm, which has recognized practice of national and European regulations applicable to wine-growing operations.

Legal support for wine/agricultural law

The firm's services in the wine and viticulture law sector are extremely diverse and meet the legal needs of wine producers: advice on wine and spirits regulations, assistance in litigation concerning wine estates, sale or investments in agricultural and wine estates.

Whether it is a family heritage passed down for several generations, a tax-attractive investment or a project carried out for the personal enjoyment of its owner (second home, hunting property, etc.), an agricultural and forestry property always raises the question of its legal and tax organization. Our law firm advises you on the corporate and asset structuring of your rural properties (wine-growing and agricultural), as well as on their tax optimization.

Expert lawyer in vineyard and wine law

Our team of lawyers specialized in wine and viticulture law has an in-depth knowledge of the issues and specificities of the wine sector. We assist you in all legal aspects related to the production, marketing and protection of wines and spirits, including:

• Advice and support for the acquisition and sale of wine estates: We guide you through the legal and tax complexities of real estate transactions in the wine sector, ensuring your interests are protected and your investment optimized.
• Regulation and compliance: Our expertise covers all regulatory issues, including controlled designations of origin (AOC), protected geographical indications (PGI), organic certifications, as well as compliance with health and environmental standards.
• Protection of trademarks and designations: We help you protect and enhance your trademarks, designations, and intellectual property rights, essential for distinguishing your products in a competitive market.
• Litigation and conflict resolution: In the event of disputes (counterfeiting, appellation conflicts, contractual disagreements), our team is by your side to defend your rights and interests, whether through negotiation, mediation or before the courts.
• Contract management: From drafting rural lease contracts, sales contracts, distribution contracts, to negotiating partnerships and commercial agreements, we ensure the security of your transactions and the clarity of your commitments.

At Macfarlanes LLP, we understand that the world of vine and wine is a major economic sector; it is a fascinating field that combines tradition, culture and innovation. Our firm offers specialized legal services to support winegrowers, merchants, wine cooperatives and investors in the wine sector.