This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
George Clooney faces legal battle over wine estate in Provence
George Clooney has become embroiled in a legal battle over a Provençal wine estate it’s believed he bought last month for almost £7 million.
The property, called Domaine du Canadel, comes with an 18th century castle and 172 hectares of land comprising woodland, an olive grove, a lake, swimming pool, tennis court and a vineyard, as well as a formal garden that’s said to be one of the most beautiful in Provence (see pictures below).
It’s also just half an hour’s drive away from Domaine du Miraval, the Provencal property owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, which is source of the Rosé de Miraval wine brand. Clooney’s new purchase is also near to Château Marguï, which is owned by Hollywood producer George Lucas.
However, according to The Times, the Hollywood actor and his wife, Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney, are caught in a gazumping row that could threaten their ability to secure the château and wine estate.
The newspaper states that a previous buyer had agree a price for the property last August of €6m (£5.14m) with the sellers, an Australian couple, who, it’s alleged, later increased the asking price for the estate to €6.2m.
It is currently listed on Leading Estates of the World with an asking price of €7.9m (£6.81m).
The Times writes that this initial buyer has filed a lawsuit contesting the sale of Domaine du Canadel, which could lead to years of uncertainty over Clooney purchase of the property, and could see the sale reversed.
It is stressed that there is no evidence to show that the Clooneys were aware of the alleged gazumping, nor did anything illegal.
George Clooney is no stranger to the drinks trade, having sold his Casamigos Tequila brand to Diageo for US$1 million. However, it’s believed he bought a property in Provence for the lifestyle, rather than to launch a rosé.
Currently, Domaine du Canadel’s grapes are sent to the local cooperative, where they are blended with those from other nearby properties, which means that there is no wine brand connected to the estate.
