29 / January 2012

Authentica Artisan Wine Underground

It is easy to be inspired by quality in service and product when it is provided by people who are passionate about what they do. I always find inspiration to excel in my profession by experiencing excellence in others, and you often don’t have to travel far for that experience. Authentica Artisan Wine Underground here in Eugene is one such place.

“Authentica Wines in Eugene is a fresh approach to buying wine created to serve wine consumers who value “honest wine”, and who reject the sea of mass produced, generic wines that crowd the market today. They focus exclusively on small production, artisan crafted wines from around the world, especially hard to find Oregon Pinot Noir and other highly regarded Northwest wines.”

“Authentica Wines is the creation of Steven J. Baker. Throughout his long experience in the wine business Steve has tasted thousands of wines and traveled to many of the world’s great wine regions. He has contributed articles to local and regional wine publications and shared the intricacies and pleasures of wine with thousands of students in his Introduction to Wine Appreciation classes. Steve’s intense interest, unbridled enthusiasm and advocacy of authentic wines is a result of this wide experience and the inspiration for Authentica Artisan Wine Underground.”

I highly recommend the Introduction to Wine Appreciation Class as an opportunity to experience the unique quality, service and expertise that is offered by Steven J. Baker and Authenitca Artisan Wine Underground. The four classes offered over four nights/weeks is done in the small and comfortable space of the shop and provides a great opportunity to taste some outstanding wines and learn what are the some of the basic qualities that make it an outstanding wine. Not to give away any of the secrets of what makes a wine truly outstanding, but I will offer the clue that it has something to do with the company in which you share the wine.