What would you expect to pay for the wine country estate home of San Francisco 49ers’ legendary quarterback and winemaker Joe Montana? US$49m, of course.
The four-times Superbowl winner’s 500-acre-plus estate near Calistoga will become the most expensive Sonoma County property ever sold even if it makes only one-third of its price-tag.
The property boasts a climate-controlled wine cellar and tasting room, as well as a viewing tower with wide panoramas over Knights Valley and Mount Saint Helena.
Other luxuries include a 9,700sq ft Tuscan-styled main residence, a professional-standard equestrian centre, two creeks, a private pond, a full-size basketball court, a shooting range, guesthouse, pool, spa, gym and a producing olive farm.
Montana’s wife Jennifer, responsible for much of the décor, said ‘Villa Montana was designed to feel as if it was handed down through the generations. It’s a real celebration of California’s food and wine culture.’
Joe Montana added ‘we have a lot of great memories here with our friends and family. It’s a home made for entertaining.’
The Montanas, who now live in southern California, moved to Calistoga with their four children in 2003.
Joe Montana and Beringer winemaker Ed Sbragia made Montagia Cabernet Sauvignon, produced from Howell Mountain fruit and still available from Beringer’s online shop at US$80 a bottle.
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Written by Richard Woodard
