In the heart of Napa Valley’s Calistoga region, Vice Versa Wines has unveiled a new winery that’s pushing the boundaries of luxury in an already opulent industry. Founded by Ottawa native Patrice Breton in 2003, the brand specializes in single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons that capture the essence of Napa’s terroir. But it’s the estate’s recent opening, complete with a state-of-the-art cave and a $250 per person tasting fee, that’s sparking intense debate among vintners, collectors, and casual enthusiasts alike.
The winery, designed by San Francisco’s Lundberg Design, features a 5,000-square-foot cave equipped with hydro cooling and radiant floor heating, allowing precise temperature control for its small-batch productions. Construction wrapped up in 2025, with the first on-site harvest marking a milestone after years of production at Wheeler Farms. Breton, a self-made entrepreneur with a background in science and art, positions Vice Versa as a pinnacle of refinement, where each bottle—averaging $175 according to listings on Wine-Searcher—embodies “beauty and truth,” as described on the winery’s own site.
The Rationale Behind a Steep Price Tag: Breton’s Vision for Exclusivity and Experience…