A Symbiotic Business Model

But we had to ask—does the Swiss market really offer enough for this niche product of Napa wines?

Greber’s sharp eyes fix on the interviewer. «The restaurant alone wouldn’t be profitable,» he admits. But combined with the wine trade, the business is now sustainable. His new boutique, aimed at attracting fresh clientele, will only strengthen the trend.

Success Without Shortcuts

Gregor Greber is in it for the long haul. «Taking shortcuts usually backfires,» says the man who founded Switzerland’s first and only SPAC, VT5 Acquisition Company, in 2021.

After two glasses of «Nine Suns 2014» and a 2018 Cabernet Franc from Swiss-born Jean Höfliger, the conversation shifts to finance. «I love the Swiss financial sector,» he says. «It’s made me who I am.»

A Notorious Activist Investor

Greber admits he’s made more enemies than friends in his long career. Veraison Capital, his investment firm, made headlines as an activist shareholder in companies like Kuoni, Goldbach, Komax, Aryzta, as well as Leonteq and Swatch Group.

Recently, he was named as part of a creditor group in the struggle over Wetzikon Hospital, as finews.com reported.

As if on cue, a key figure from his battle over Leonteq enters the boutique. They exchange polite greetings and share a glass of wine. Friendships matter to Gregor Greber.

«No One Has Lost Money»

When the conversation resumes, Greber is reflective. Napa has become a big part of his life. But until recently, his focus was on his investment firms.

«I love the Swiss financial Sector.» (Image: Veraison, Courtesy)

«We’re working with our own money here at ‹NapaWine› and ‹NapaGrill,›» he says. «When you manage other people’s money, the responsibility is enormous.»

And he adds with pride, «No one who invested with VT5, zCapital, or Veraison Capital has lost money.»

What’s Next?

Will we hear more from Gregor Greber in the capital markets, or will he retreat to his Napa ventures? «Who knows what the future holds,» he replies with a smile.

«But I see great potential for Swiss SMEs in the capital markets.» The limited number of IPOs and the dominance of Switzerland’s last remaining major bank suggest there’s room for growth.

«If I start something new in finance,» he concludes, «it will likely be in that area.»

The afternoon winds down, glasses empty, and across the way, «NapaGrill» fills up for dinner.