Security Mogul Stephan Crétier Adds Napa Valley’s Vine Cliff Winery to His Portfolio
Napa Valley’s Vine Cliff Winery just shifted gears in a big way. The Sweeney family, who owned it since the ’80s, handed over the keys as part of a divorce settlement. And guess who’s rolling up the driveway? Stephan Crétier, the global security tycoon out of Montreal.
The sale’s not just the wine cellars; we’re talking almost 100 acres, replete with 23 acres of vineyards, caves, a pond, and a hilltop residence. It’s in the Oakville American Viticultural Area, people, a stone’s throw from the Silverado Trail. The land alone set Crétier back $42.1 million. We’re not even counting the business and other assets.
Who’s Crétier, you ask? The guy’s got a security empire, GardaWorld, and another Napa vineyard, Roy Estate. Bought it hours before a 2017 wildfire gutted the place. Talk about timing.
What’s next for Vine Cliff? Your guess is as good as ours. The people in the know are keeping mum. But let’s not forget, Vine Cliff has roots going back to the 1870s. It has the space for 350 visitors a week and can host a plethora of events. And given its new ownership, it’s a golden opportunity for whisky collectors. Rarity and luxury are the names of the game.
Last tidbit: Vine Cliff’s tasting room was sold last year to Gaylon M. Lawrence Jr., who also owns Heitz Cellars. Seems like family-owned wineries are the new Monopoly board for billionaires.
