Kristen Golden and her father Hugh have been running Mandeville’s premier wine shop, Hugh’s Wine Cellar, for 18 years now. Kristen was in high school when it all started in 1986. “Growing up in the business and learning from my dad is how I began to appreciate and understand fine wines,” she says.

Kristen also spent three years in San Francisco and was able to see the wine process first hand. “I had a few opportunities to visit Napa wineries for harvest and crush–that’s when you understand how much goes into winemaking.” Her love of wine and family made the choice to come home from California easy, and she and her dad have been working side-by-side ever since.

Hugh’s has expanded four times since its inception to include the largest selection of fine wines on the northshore, as well as almost every liquor and liqueur available in the state. There is a wide array of wine accessories and gift items that make great gifts for the person who has everything.

Another facet to the store is the deli. Hugh’s cheese case offers more than 50 cheeses from around the world that you just can’t find anywhere else. Pâtés, smoked salmon and meals-to-go are available for pickup. The catering department also offers an expansive list of party trays, including Hugh’s Famous Baked Brie.

“Wine is a springboard for good taste. Once you’ve got the gourmet bug you can pair all kinds of great delicacies with so many different nuances in wine–that’s what the Hugh’s experience is all about,” says Kristen.

In addition to the full-service deli, Hugh’s offers lunch Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dining room is available for private functions in the evenings. Wine dinners take place once a month. Every other Thursday the store hosts case tastings, where customers can try 12 wines and purchase them at discounted prices. Kristen also teaches a series of wine classes twice a year.

“Hugh and I have been very fortunate to grow with this community. In short, we’re all about the customers. After all, wine is only special when somebody’s drinking it. We invite you to come drink some wine with us–Cheers!”

Copyright 2004, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.