Donald Trump bought foreclosed Kluge winery in Virgina launching Trump Wines

Donald Trump bought foreclosed Kluge winery in Virgina launching Trump Wines

 

The Donald will soon be drinking to his success.

Donald Trump bought the award-winning Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia from his friend Patricia Kluge, who was once married to the country's richest man, John Kluge.

Mr Trump reportedly paid less than $7.5million before fees, for a property that was worth more than $70million before the recession. Trump said he plans to continue the wine-making, with products sold under his famous name.

Mr Trump told the Washington Post: 'I'm really interested in good real estate, not so much in wine.' 

Jason Greenblatt, a representative for the mogul, told The Daily Progress that the Trump brand signifies luxury and quality.

It may soon signify politics as well, if Trump continues his campaign for the GOP's nomination for president.

Mr Trump successfully bid on the trademarks and labels for the winery, and is reportedly in talks to keep former owners William Moses and Mrs Kluge on staff to run the operations. 

Mr Moses is a former executive of IBM and is currently married to Mrs Kluge.

Speaking about Mrs Kluge, Mr Trump told the Washington Post: 'She has a great instinct for wine, which I don’t.'

Mrs Kluge was the third wife of media titan John Kluge, whom Forbes named as the richest man in America in 1987.

Bought cheap: Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard was purchased for less than $7.5million, though it was worth more than $70million before the recession

For sale: The 45-room Albemarle House is still up for grabs, after Patricia Kluge foreclosed on it as well as her vineyard

 

Stunning views: Albemarle House offers sweeping vistas and gorgeous gardens

 

Mr Kluge ran an empire of radio and television stations, the core of which eventually became Fox. He died in September 2010.

Patricia Kluge reportedly got $15million from her divorce to the billionaire. She put much of the money into the vineyard in Virginia, which produced well-regarded vintages.

After aggressive expansion at the winery, Mrs Kluge and Mr Moses fell on hard times during the recession. She sold art and antiques, but it wasn't enough, and the estate went into foreclosure.

Divorced: John Kluge paid his ex-wife Patricia Kluge $15million, much of which went into her Virginia vineyard

Mr Trump has reportedly known Mrs Kluge since they were both in their twenties.

Mr Trump told the Washington Post that he was mainly interested in the vineyard because of its property value and its discount price.

He reportedly retains an option to buy the expansive Albemarle House, which Mrs Kluge had unsuccessfully listed on the market for $100million last year.

The mansion - complete with wine grotto, helicopter pad and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains - is now being offered for $16million from the bank, which Mr Trump has called 'too steep'.

Todd Haymore, Virginia's secretary of agriculture, told the Washington Post: 'It appears Mr Trump has taken the first step toward making Virginia wine.

'We believe if he’s successful, he’ll help take Virginia wines to greater heights,' said Haymore.