A vineyard and winery in Central California built by producers of the singing competition TV series "American Idol" will be auctioned this month with a pair of Tuscan-style residential villas.
Some of the show’s stars have stayed at Villa San-Juliette over the years since producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe acquired the 160-acre estate in 2005, according to an Elite Auctions statement that said the property is currently listed at $14.8 million. It’s located about 10 miles from the city of Paso Robles and a roughly three-hour drive south of San Francisco.
The main structure on the property includes two 3,700-square-foot villas, each with three bedrooms, with the winery’s tasting area connecting them. The winery’s production facility is nearby, producing 12 varietals. There’s also a pool and pool house, a two-bedroom cottage that currently operates as an Airbnb, and a horse paddock. Besides selling wine, the current owners have made the facility available for weddings, corporate retreats and concerts for up to 200 guests.
“The property is suited for luxury lodging, glamping or tiny home developments,” according to Elite’s statement.
The vineyard was originally planted in the 1980s, according to Villa San-Juliette’s website. Currently grapes are grown on 100 acres and the remaining acreage can be cultivated and has access to water, Elite said.
Warwick and Lythgoe were childhood friends from Liverpool, England, who were early producers of "American Idol," which first aired in 2002.
The property was previously listed for sale in 2022 for $22 million, Elite said.
The owners will sell the property to the highest bidder on May 17.