Thomas Buck
Proprietor
Thomas grew up in Concord, CA where he graduated from De La Salle High School, operated by the Christian Brothers. It was there that Thomas was first introduced to Napa Valley. While attending yearly retreats at the Christian Brothers Retreat Center at Mont La Salle on the slopes of Mt. Veeder in Napa, Thomas learned of the Brothers’ history and traditions in wine. Early visits to the Christian Brothers Winery at Greystone Cellars in St. Helena (now home to the Culinary Institute of America) opened his eyes to the deep-rooted traditions and labor behind the scenes of the famous wine and brandy label. This experience motivated him to become a tour guide in college, and eventually a wine educator. In 2001, Thomas took over the company Beau Wine Tours; where he is still President and CEO today. After being an avid collector of California cult wines for over 15 years, Thomas began a new venture in 2012; Sire Estate.
Julien Fayard
Winemaker
With more than two decades of winemaking expertise, Julien Fayard is one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers producing California varietals with French finesse. He believes in producing wines with an identity, exploiting what makes each one unique. Julien’s wines are a pure expression of their terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil and climate. He has a track record of building brands both in terms of quality and market presence.
“As a winemaker, my job is to bring out the best qualities that the vines have provided. I don’t seek to make a style of wine but more so to make wine that sings of it’s place, it’s history and it’s uniqueness. That’s my goal as a winemaker, to make wines that are pure expressions of their environment and not mask it. Wines with an identity. “
Originally from France, Julien began his career as a winemaker producing quality rosé at his family’s winery in Provence. In Bordeaux he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before relocating to Napa Valley. In Napa, he was Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking for a few years before launching his own projects. Julien earned his Master in Agri-Business from ESA France and his Master in Winemaking from Toulouse France. In 2011, he received his MBA from UC Davis.
Augie Kersting
Director of Hospitality
Augie Kersting grew up in the idyllic setting of the Napa Valley. Upon graduating from the University of Dallas in 2007 with a Biology degree, he returned home to work in the hospitality industry. In a quest to find the answers to frequently asked questions regarding wine, he found his way to working at Domaine Chandon. Augie quickly passed his Certified Sommelier Exam in 2010, following an extensive trip to the growing regions of Italy and France. For the next decade plus, he applied his passion for wine as the sommelier of Michelin rated Etoile, the Estate sommelier at Meadowood, and as a partner in Carbon Wines.
He now takes on the role of Director of Hospitality for Sire Estate, as well as owner of Vinstrel LLC.
Augie brings a passion for storytelling, as well as making the science and neurochemistry of wine accessible, to the wine consumers and collectors that visit Napa. It is his goal to provide elite hospitality, entertainment, and (some small amount of) education to anyone who visits Sire Estate.