Apriori Cellar

This winery is a collaboration of Patrice Breton and Georges Sabongui, two friends since high school. Both had successful careers in the technology industry before dedicating themselves to crafting wine. They also co-founded and operate Champlain Group LLC, a Private Equity firm specializing in the wine industry. Patrice directs all production operations of Apriori and also owns and operates Vice Versa Wines, a boutique winery based in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Georges manages Apriori sales, marketing and administration.

The winemaker is Shawn Johnson, a rising star in the Napa Valley who is assisted by consulting winemaker Philippe Melka.

Wines include a Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé, a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast and Hicks Family Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There is also a Sauvignon Blanc, a Proprietary Red, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.

Private wine tasting of Napa Valley wines is by appointment at the Apriori Tasting Lounge in downtown St. Helena. The Coastal Collection of Pinot Noir is available for tasting at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The wines are sold on the website and through a mailing list.