Our Story
It all started on Paddington Down
Julian Christian first felt the pull of Napa long before he lived there—on a cool August trip guided by Bender’s Tavern’s very own Jerry Jacob, his boss and early wine mentor. What began as a business journey from Canton became something far more: fog lifting over Howell Mountain, a perfect lunch at Mustards Grill, a lemon tart from Bouchon Bakery, and the quiet realization that Napa felt like destiny.
Back home, that spark grew into devotion. Years of study, sommelier training, and return trips eventually led Julian back to Napa for harvests at Cakebread, Buccella, and Hourglass, where he learned that great wine begins in the vineyard and speaks best when the winemaker listens.
Kathryn Siegfried found her own rhythm in Napa—first at Barnett Vineyards, then in the cellar during harvests at Rivers‑Marie and Dakota Shy. Between raising their children, supporting their school community, and wandering local trails with two budding naturalists, she wove herself into the valley’s heartbeat.
Together, they continue to shape a life in Napa, growing their craft one bottle at a time, moving with intention and gratitude for the people and moments that first opened the path before them.