Our Story
It all started on Paddington Down
Julian Christian and Kathryn Siegfried moved to Napa, California, in 2016 to pursue their dream of working in wine, following extensive careers in restaurants and hospitality. Julian’s passion for wine country was first sparked a decade earlier, during a business trip while serving as an assistant manager in fine dining. Traveling from Canton, Ohio, with his boss and wine mentor, Jerry Jacob, he was immediately captivated by Napa’s charm and wonder.
That unseasonably cool third week of August revealed Napa in all its glory: early morning barrel tastings above the fog line on Howell Mountain, a leisurely lunch at the iconic Mustards Grill, and even a chance encounter with his future employer, Chef Thomas Keller, while waiting in line at Bouchon Bakery for a lemon tart. These moments left an indelible mark, planting the seed for a future that Julian and Kathryn would later embrace wholeheartedly—building a life in Napa and dedicating themselves to the world of wine.
Upon returning home, Julian immersed himself in the study of wine, pursuing the path to become a professional sommelier. What began as curiosity quickly grew into devotion. Six years and several Napa trips later, he completed the Level 2 Certified Sommelier program and returned to Wine Country for his first harvest internship—a turning point that set the course for his future.
Working harvests at Cakebread Cellars, Buccella, and Hourglass Estate, alongside renowned winemaker Tony Biagi, Julian gained invaluable experience. Each cellar offered a different perspective, revealing the countless ways to craft wines of exceptional quality—wines meant to be shared and celebrated. Through these experiences, one truth became clear: the foundation of every great wine lies in the vineyard. When meticulous care is given to the grapes, the winemaker’s role becomes less about intervention and more about stewardship. By stepping aside in the cellar, Julian learned to let the wine speak for itself, carrying the story of the land and the season in every glass.
Meanwhile, Kathryn was building her own path in Napa. She spent four years in administration at Barnett Vineyards on Spring Mountain, specializing in customer service and winery compliance, all while starting a family. Her curiosity and drive eventually led her into the cellar as well, where she completed harvest internships at Rivers-Marie in 2021 and Dakota Shy in 2022. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the craft of winemaking and the dedication required at every stage.
Beyond the winery, Kathryn has been an active volunteer in their children’s school community, a loyal patron of the Napa Farmers Market, and can regularly be found on hiking trails acting as guide to two future naturalists. Her journey reflects the same balance of passion and purpose that defines their shared life in Napa: a commitment to family, community, and the pursuit of excellence in wine."