A massive round wooden table, five meters in diameter and weighing over a ton, stands on the first floor of «NapaGrill». It is likely the largest permanently installed dining table in Zurich, if not all of Europe. And when Gregor Greber, the founder of this venue, invites guests, the friends of Napa Valley wines come.

A few weeks ago, Greber once again cemented his status as the king of Napa wines in Europe. Alongside Jayson Hu, a Chinese-Californian wine developer, he hosted a vertical tasting of «Fairest Creature».

A Winemakers’ Showdown

The wines of «Fairest Creature» are born from a friendly rivalry among four of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. Since 2018, these masters select their own blends from a curated selection of premier Napa wines, guided by Jayson Hu. In a nod to tradition and hierarchy, the legendary French winemaker Michel Rolland is given first choice of ingredients.

Addressing the 30 Napa enthusiasts gathered at Greber’s round table via a large video message, Rolland declared, «The others make great wines, but my Triniceros is the best.»

Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef

The tasting began with vintages from 2018, 2019, and 2021, paired with a specially crafted menu from the «NapaGrill» kitchen, featuring a main course of Miyazaki Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef Ribeye from Bryan Flannery.

Evoking a modern-day «King Arthur and his knights of the round table.» (Image: Courtesy)

The «Fairest Creature» wines served that evening came with price tags ranging from 950 to 7,000 francs, with the latter, of course, being Rolland’s «Triniceros.»

Joy in Indulgence

Amid the evening’s lively atmosphere was Gregor Greber, the co-creator of «NapaWine» and «NapaGrill», and a polarizing figure in Switzerland’s financial world—more on that later. The 57-year-old excelled in his role as host, rising after each vintage to ask which wine had most impressed the assembled guests.

Unanimous verdicts were rare, as each guest had their own preferences. What was missing, however, was the pretentiousness that often overshadows professional wine tastings. Instead, the atmosphere was filled with a genuine, palpable joy in indulgence.

A Keen Eye

Greber is an unassuming master of ceremonies—of average in height, slightly stocky, with a crew cut and a round face. But he fills the room with his presence. His sharp eyes regularly sweep over his guests, sensing the energy. When he rises to speak, he chooses his words carefully, at ease among friends.

For first-timers in this Zurich-based Napa wine scene, the whole affair evokes a modern-day «King Arthur and his knights of the round table.»

Continue reading to learn when Gregor Greber’s love affair with Napa wines began and how he views the Swiss financial sector.