Wine Portfolio

Charles Thomas

Winemaker, Faust

I began my winemaking career over 30 years ago. My first expereinces were installing vineyard irrigation systems throughout Napa and parts of Sonoma, operating presses and tending vineyards for Domaine Chandon, leading tours at Robert Mondavi Winery and buying the wines for the Sonoma Cheese Company.

In 1978, I joined Robert Mondavi Winery's production department moving through positions including barrel enologist, senior enologist and assistant winemaker. After gaining a thorough knowledge of every aspect of winemaking I was promoted to head winemaker. I assisted in the creation, execution and evolution of Opus One from 1979 through 1994.

In 1994, I moved to Jackson Family Farms where I worked closely with the rebuilding of Cardinale’s vineyards and winemaking techniques. From there, I joined Rudd in 2002 where I directed changes to both the winery and vineyards. I have beeen at Quintessa, leading the winemaking team, on the Quintessa, Faust and Illumination wines since 2007.

Country born: Thailand

Education: University of California, Berkeley

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Winemaking Philosophy:
My philosophy in winemaking begins in the vineyard. The focus should be on the vineyard, then in the winery.,