Napa Valley Features December 2023
Is Malek Amrani Napa Valley's newest disruptor?
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Napa Valley, renowned for its winemaking legacy, consistently sees evolution and innovation at the hands of influential figures who dare to disrupt the traditional wine scene. Over the years, several individuals have made significant contributions to this evolution.
André Tchelistcheff, for instance, brought transformative changes to the region's winemaking techniques, significantly enhancing the quality of local wines. Another notable figure is Robert Mondavi, whose extensive marketing strategies catapulted Napa Valley onto the global stage, earning widespread acclaim for its wines.
Heidi Barrett also played a pivotal role in the valley's wine culture. She is credited for the creation of some of Napa’s most sought-after “cult wines,” such as Screaming Eagle, raising both the prestige and the quality standards of the wines on which she worked.
Jayson Woodbridge and Jean-Charles Boisset are other contributors. Woodbridge's Hundred Acre brand stands out due to its bold, unapologetic approach. Boisset, a dynamic entrepreneur from France, has influenced more than just winemaking. His unique style, characterized by leopard-print décor and high-end Baccarat glassware, has infused the valley with a sense of luxury and exuberance.
In recent years a new potential disruptor has emerged: Malek Amrani, owner of The Vice Wine, whose journey from Morocco to Napa Valley is a tale of ambition and passion. Introduced to wine at a young age, Amrani's fascination with the beverage grew, leading him to New York City to start a career in the beverage industry. After a stint in various roles, including with Diageo and LVMH Moët Hennessy and running a wine import business, he ventured into winemaking.