“American Idol” Producers' Paso Robles Winery Heads to Auction

SAN MIGUEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While America plans to crown the next Idol, a parallel buzz builds in Paso Robles, California: the auction of Villa San-Juliette, the Tuscan-style estate and winery owned by American Idol Producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe. This rare opportunity invites buyers to acquire a celebrity-owned vineyard in California's Central Coast wine region.

This is an opportunity to acquire premium acreage, production facilities, and luxury real estate at exceptional value, with potential for long-term land appreciation.

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Currently listed at $14.75 million, this elegant 160-acre estate includes two grand Tuscan-style residential villas with a pool and pool house, a tasting room, top-tier vineyards, and full winery facilities. Sprawling lawns with panoramic views create an ideal setting for weddings, events and retreats. Elite Auctions, a leader in luxury real estate auctions, will sell this property without reserve to the highest bidder on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Located in Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA), also known as “Tuscany on the Pacific,” Villa San-Juliette offers:

• An Established Winery: A 100-acre vineyard producing 12 varietals and a fully operational winery, tasting room, and two large barrel rooms. It also includes 60 acres of tilled arable land (with water rights), a paddock, and gardens.
• Luxurious Living: Two 3,700-square-foot Tuscan-style villas featuring upscale accommodations for owners or guests. A two-bedroom winemaker's cottage currently operates as a successful Airbnb.
• An Event Ready Venue: Expansive lawns and a natural amphitheater to host weddings, corporate retreats, and concerts for up to 200 guests.
• Resort-Style Expansion Potential: The property is suited for luxury lodging, glamping or tiny home developments, making it ideal for a boutique hospitality venture.
• Strategic Location: Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Francisco (approximately a three-hour drive), 1.5 miles away from Paso Robles Airport (private jet-friendly), with space for a helipad.

Warwick and Lythgoe, childhood friends and Emmy-winning producers purchased the property in 2005, leveled the existing house, planted 130 acres of grapevines, and created Villa San-Juliette. The property has served as a private escape for “American Idol” stars, offering a quiet, picturesque getaway from the spotlight.

“Originally listed at $22 million in 2022, the estate returns to the market amid headwinds in the wine sector,” said Elite Auctions Founder and CEO Randy Haddaway. “This is an opportunity to acquire premium acreage, production facilities, and luxury real estate at exceptional value, with potential for long-term land appreciation.”

Auction Details

Open houses will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. PST, through Sunday, May 11. The public, agents and prospective bidders are welcome. No appointment is required. The auction will take place on-site at San Juliette on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. PST. Registration begins at 10 a.m. PST. Broker participation is encouraged. Phone bids will be accepted. For details visit here, or call 844.94-ELITE.

About Elite Auctions

Elite Auctions is a premier luxury real estate and yacht auction firm with a proven track record of success, having marketed over $1.5 billion in luxury assets. Established in 2012, the company is veteran-owned and offers innovative auction marketing services tailored for non-distressed sellers and boasts the industry's highest list-to-sell ratio. Working seamlessly with existing listing agents, Elite Auctions maximizes the sale of luxury properties. Its strategies have proven successful for high-profile clients, including PGA golfers, authors, MLB players, and more. With a vast database of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth buyers, Elite Auctions consistently delivers exceptional results. Visit EliteAuctions.com.