Why Augusta?

Established in 1836, Augusta is a quaint town and wine region located in Northeast Missouri just outside of St. Louis. Its location above the bluffs of the Missouri River valley makes it a pretty good spot to grow grapes. In June of 1980, Augusta was recognized by the federal government as the first designated American Viticultural Area (A.V.A.) in the United States. Napa Valley was number two six months later. As Shad is from Missouri originally and finds this fact pretty funny, it just seemed like the right thing to do.

Custom Gift Baskets in Chicago, IL

Trying to think of a truly distinctive gift for that special someone? Our shop offers custom gift baskets in Chicago, IL, that are the perfect way to mark a special occasion, say thank you to a friend, congratulate a relative, wish an employee well, and so much more. With our one-of-a-kind inventory of artisanal products, you can give a gift that’s just as thoughtful as it is delicious.

What’s up with Shad?

Shad grew up in southwest Missouri and moved to Chicago in his early 20’s where he played music, worked in bars and restaurants to support himself and had a really great time. Somewhere along the way, an interest in wine developed. At another point, a little later on along the way, he got real geeky about it. What began as a hobby became a path. He spent many years on the buying side as Wine Director for Volo in Roscoe Village where he was able to hone his pairing skills and came to study the chemistry behind it. 

In 2016 he opened Augusta Food & Wine with the goal of introducing people to the hidden gems of the wine world and to always over-deliver with service and product.

The perpetual mantra to his team is that it is not the customers’ job to know wine, it’s ours. 

Shad is no longer in his early 20’s, but he still plays music, he still supports himself by slinging food and booze, and he’s still having a really great time.