Photo by finewineandbeer.com

The aim of Fine Wine & Beer By Gus is to provide a broad variety of wine and beer for the more discerning customer.

Fine Wine & Beer by Gus is a new store that boasts a wide selection of fine wine and craft beer for a more sophisticated palette.

Owner Andrew “Gus” Clark has been in the wine business for the past five years, but has only recently opened his own store on Sept. 11 in Flint’s Crossing Shopping Center on Opelika Road. Clark explained that the aim of his business is to provide a broad variety of wine and beer for the more discerning customer.

“Auburn has needed something like this for years,” Clark said. “The variety is endless because the demand is here.”
Clark aims to educate interested customers about the different types of wine and beer offered at the store. He explained that some customers have a genuine interest in wine, but have had little education about the different types or have little knowledge on how to define their palettes. Clark said he hopes to help these novices develop an appreciation for fine wines.

Fine Wine & Beer by Gus can also help customers choose a certain type of wine or beer to match any meal or occasion. Amanda Donnelly, Clark’s business associate, holds a degree in culinary arts and can help make an appropriate selection.

“We’re not just offering products, but also a service that comes free with the products,” Clark added.
The store offers a variety of brands of wine including Silver Oak, Willa Kenzie Estate, Eola Hills and Seven Hills.
Fine Wine & Beer by Gus also carries a wide selection of beer with brands like Woodchuck, Guinness, Sea Dog, Blue Moon and Dundee. The store also carries beer by Lake Front Brewery. The Milwaukee brand is known for its organic, gluten free and mocha beers.

Prices range from $8 to $120 with most of the products costing less than $25. Clark often places select items on special for even greater savings. The affordability of the selection is what attracted Heather Dewitt to the store.

“I like that they have a good variety,” Dewitt said. “I thought everything looked high-end, but the prices are reasonable.”

Clark is able to keep down his costs because he carries such a broad array of brands. He explained that he is able to get better prices than grocery stores because he deals exclusively in wine and beer.

Clark holds tastings in the store every Wednesday, every Friday from 5 -7 p.m. and every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. for customers 21 and older. He will also be hosting tastings at the Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art Oct. 16 and Nov. 20.
Fine Wine & Beer by Gus is opened Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The store is closed Mondays. For more, visit finewineandbeer.com.