A passion for design and hosting

Growing up in a french kitchen in London was a privilege that eluded me at the time. My father's passion for gastronomy, wine and nature is part of my genetic inheritance. My mother ran the front of house: she knew every customer by name, their favorite wine, and was perceived more friend than business owner. My parents' restaurant was home to epicurean diners who wanted to be in France, but couldn't afford the time. A french terroir in London to reconnect with people around a table, an excellent Burgundy and the chef's plat du jour. Genetics aside, my pursuits ran in another directions: photography, travel, design and amongst other things, vintage motorcycles. When I was 18, my father and I came close to buying a Citroën Traction. Sadly the deal tanked, and we never revived that dream. Before his passing, he reminded me that as a parent myself, I should ditch my motorcycles and chose 4 wheels over 2. There was only one option. After a longwinded search in France, England and the US, Berkeley ended up being the place where I found one of France's finest pieces of automotive design: A 1950, Citroën Traction Avant B Légère (lightweight). Not a show queen, but a very decent running example, with lots of character; a well seasoned traveller.Originally registered in France, she still carries the Paris "75" plate. Simple and elegant, yet functional at the same time. The Traction glides effortlessly through the Bay Area wine country. As I deepen my experience into Sonoma and Napa terroirs, it's home from home. Doors open, people welcome us as if we've been here for ever.
This is not a luxury vehicle. This is a "Time Capsule".

Growing up in a french kitchen in London was a privilege that eluded me at the time. My father's passion for gastronomy, wine and nature is part of my genetic inheritance. My mother ran the front of house: she knew every customer by name, their favorite wine, and was perceived more friend than business owner. My parents' restaurant "Le Beaujolais" was home to epicurean diners who wanted to be in France, but couldn't afford the time. A french terroir in London, to reconnect with people around a table, an excellent Burgundy and the chef's plat du jour. Genetics aside, my pursuits ran in another directions: photography, travel, design and amongst other things, vintage motorcycles. When I was 18, my father and I came close to buying a Citroën Traction. Sadly the deal tanked, and we never revived that dream. Before his passing, he reminded me that as a parent myself, I should ditch my motorcycles, and chose 4 wheels over 2. There was only one option. After a longwinded search in France, England and the US, Berkeley ended up being the place where I found one of France's finest pieces of automotive design: A 1950, Citroën Traction Avant B Légère (lightweight). Not a show queen, but a very decent running example, with lots of character; a well seasoned traveller. Originally registered in France, she still carries the Paris "75" plate. Simple, elegant, and functional. The Traction glides effortlessly through the Bay Area wine country. As I deepen my experience into Sonoma and Napa terroirs, it's home from home. Doors open, people welcome us as if we've been here for ever. This is not a luxury vehicle. This is a "Time Capsule".

Time Travel
Every time we open a bottle of wine, we release time trapped for years inside. For the first time, wine made in the past, is in our now. As we discover it, we are transported back to a time long gone,  back to its origins...  
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Driving in a 75 year old car is a similar experience. As you sit inside and shut the door, the experience is well under way. You are about to be transported back to the 1950s.

Driving in a 75 year old car is a similar experience. As you sit inside and shut the door, the experience is well under way. You are about to be transported back to the 1950s. The engine tick over, as we push the throttle and release the clutch, motion turns into magic...