Vice Versa Wines : Winery of the Year
WINERY OF THE YEAR 2024
VICE VERSA
With so many exceptional wines coming from Napa Valley, Vice Versa shines for its remarkable achievements in the challenging 2022 vintage. This was a vintage marked by extreme heat, erratic weather, and an early harvest, and Vice Versa truly distinguished itself by crafting some of the most exceptional wines of the vintage all from multiple distinct vineyard sites across the region, while maintaining a consistent level of quality across all the wines.
Despite the adversity, the winery’s dedication to meticulous vineyard management and a hands-on, thoughtful approach to winemaking resulted in Cabernet-based wines that not only overcame the challenges but excelled. The Cabernet Sauvignons from Vice Versa were nothing short of remarkable—showcasing a rare combination of depth, structure, and vibrancy. These wines stood out for their intensity and precision, with ripe fruit flavors harmoniously balanced by elegant tannins and a subtle, well-integrated oak influence.
In a year when many struggled to maintain quality, Vice Versa’s 2022 Cabernets emerged as some of the very best wines we tasted, delivering both power and refinement. Amongst these impressive wines, were the 100 Point Magnificent 7 followed by the Mysterons Cabernet Sauvignon from Ecotone Vineyard, as well as their wines from Beckstoffer To Kalon and Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, all pushing the envelope of perfection. Their success is a testament to the resilience of the land, the unwavering commitment of the winemaking team, and the mastery behind every bottle and it is quite evident with their remarkable wines in 2022.
About Vice Versa:
Vice Versa was founded by Ottawa native and entrepreneur Patrice Breton, whose lifelong passions for creativity, science, art, and culture ultimately converged in the world of winemaking. In 2024, Vice Versa will celebrate its 22nd vintage in Napa Valley. Patrice honed his winemaking skills under the mentorship of renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, gaining not only technical expertise but also access to a vibrant community of growers and fellow winemakers. Their generosity and support have played a crucial role in the exceptional quality of Vice Versa wines.
Vice Versa Wines is committed to the art of small-lot production, which allows for exceptional attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process. This hands-on approach ensures that each wine is crafted with precision, capturing the unique characteristics of the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. By limiting production, Vice Versa prioritizes quality over quantity, allowing each bottle to truly reflect the best expression of Napa Valley’s diverse terroir.
Staying true to their philosophy of craftsmanship, Vice Versa sources fruit from Napa’s most iconic vineyards including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Beckstoffer Las Peidras, Ecotone (formerly named Thorevilos Vineyard). They employ a minimal intervention approach in the cellar, allowing the fruit to tell its own story. The winemaking process is designed to respect the natural potential of the grapes with minimal manipulation. From hand harvesting to native yeast fermentation and aging in premium French oak barrels, every decision is made to allow the wine to evolve naturally. The result is a collection of wines where the pure, unaltered flavors shine, while subtle nuances of complexity and texture are carefully woven in to enhance the wine’s depth and character.
Today, Spencer Kelly leads the winemaking team at Vice Versa, which also includes renowned experts Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky of Atelier Melka. Together, they are united by a deep passion for the craft of winemaking and producing some of the most impressive wines from Napa Valley.