Bidding opens at $15M for Alex Trebek’s former Paso Robles winery estate

Concierge Auctions says bidding has opened at $15 million for Windfall Farms, the Paso Robles vineyard-and-equestrian estate once owned by Alex Trebek. The sale will culminate live Aug. 15 during Monterey Car Week, with the property offered in cooperation with Sotheby’s International Realty.

Why it matters: - Windfall Farms is being marketed as a rare wine-country asset with multiple potential end uses, from a private estate to a winery, resort, or residential community. - The auction format creates a firm sale date for a high-value property in one of California’s best-known wine regions. - The closing will also support Concierge Auctions’ Key For Key® giving program, which funds homes for families in need.

What happened: - Concierge Auctions said the reserve has been met and bidding is open at $15 million for Windfall Farms in Paso Robles, California. - The estate was listed for $33 million in cooperation with Chris Atkinson and Patty Murphy of Sotheby’s International Realty. - Live bidding is set for Aug. 15 on the RM Sotheby’s stage at Monterey Car Week. - The auction is part of Concierge Auctions’ inaugural live real estate auction during the Pebble Beach event.

The details: - Windfall Farms was previously owned by Alex Trebek until the early 2000s. - The property includes 387 acres of premium dry red varietals under contract to regional wineries. - Current vineyard operations generate positive cash flow under turnkey management. - The estate includes 76 approved buildable lots. - The equestrian setup centers on a Kentucky-style 6.5-furlong racetrack with room for a professional polo field. - Four purpose-built barns support training, foaling, stallion breeding, and yearling operations. - The main residence is about 10,000 square feet and now serves as a hospitality and property-management hub. - Two additional manager’s residences are included. - A three-bay machine shop with 480V three-phase power is part of the infrastructure. - Seven wells serve the property, including four operating wells and three drilled, bored, and cased wells. - The combined well capacity exceeds 7,000 GPM. - An interconnected water distribution system serves each vineyard block. - Huer Huero Creek adds another water source. - The property also has about 4.5 miles of paved internal roads, 480V three-phase power and nine permitted septic systems. - Limoneira currently oversees vineyard and property operations and has offered to continue management after the sale under a separate agreement. - The ranch’s on-site general manager, who has handled day-to-day operations for 17 years, is also available to stay. - Concierge Auctions’ Global Wine & Vineyard Division recently sold Benessere Vineyards in Napa Valley for $10.15 million after 77 days of auction marketing. - Paso Robles has more than 200 wineries across 11 sub-appellations. - Nearby producers include Justin Vineyards, DAOU Vineyards, Halter Ranch and Tablas Creek. - Cambria and Cayucos beaches are about 30 minutes away.

Between the lines: - The property’s pitch blends agricultural income, development optionality and luxury-lifestyle appeal. - The auction structure may widen the buyer pool by putting a deadline on a complex, trophy-caliber listing. - Concierge Auctions is leaning into wine-country sales as a niche category with dedicated marketing muscle.

What's next: - Bidding continues ahead of the live auction on Aug. 15. - Prospective buyers can review property details and diligence materials through Concierge Auctions. - The company said images of the property are available online. - The sale is expected to close with funds directed to the Key For Key® program after completion.