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About Us
Nicholson Jones is the collaboration of two unique men who share a common vision to produce delicious California-style wines with a delightful and traditional French accent.
Winemaker Julien Fayard is the creative soul with complete authority over the wine quality while Cal Nicholson juggles everything else. No wine will ever wear the Nicholson Jones label unless it passes the rigorous standards set by Julien.
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Julien Fayard
Winemaker
Julien Fayard was born in Saint Etienne, France and grew up in the French Riviera. He has a masters in Agribusiness and Winemaking.
Julien studied in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, and has worked in Provence, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and the Napa Valley. His journey to Nicholson Jones included experience gleaned at the sides of the winemasters of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before coming to Quintessa in the Napa Valley in 2003. Julien worked as a winemaker in Southern France for 3-years at Chateau Sainte Marguerite, a Cru Classé winery located in the Cote d’Azur.
Julien returned to Napa Valley in 2006 where he’s lived ever since. Julien remains committed to creating exceptional wines using the finest California grapes, blending the legacy of French tradition with a touch of California style.
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Cal Nicholson
Proprietor
Cal Nicholson grew up in the American Heartland and spent his formative years (that’s a euphemism for misspent youth) in Southern California. After a long and successful marketing career with firms like TIME, Kraft, and Duracell, he hung up his spurs to follow his two real interests in life – surfing and wine making.
The obvious question remaining is…who is the Jones? Jones is the maiden name of Cal’s wife, Pam, the love of his life.
