Submitted by Katherine Nichols on 01/08/2022
Lovely hidden gem in Douglas County! Great variety of local and imported wines, meats and cheeses. If you’re a lover of mustard get the pretzel with homemade mustard!
One of my favorite places to get sake in the US. Stopped there on our way back from Burning Man last year and was BLOWN AWAY by the selection and passion for the culture and product of sake. Highly recommended stop in a super cure town.
Submitted by Polybanderous Productions on 05/31/2024
We had so much fun at this cute wine shop. We enjoyed delicious wine and a lovely cheese platter. The owner happened to be onsite and graciously shared some of his wine knowledge and a delicious barbera that he just opened, what a treat! We can't wait to come back! While in town we also bought some great pepperoni from Oakland Lockers and had a drink (fabulous Moscow Mule) at the Oakland Tavern. Oakland is a "don't miss " little place!
Submitted by Terri Krevanko on 04/06/2024
I originally found it hard to believe the overwhelming 5 star votes for this strange hole in the wall establishment. Boy, was I wrong! The Secret Wine Society is well deserving of those stars. They have hundreds, I think, of wines to choose from, too many to list for customers to peruse. We gave a description of the two different wines we would like. Mine came as a full-bodied Spanish red. And hers a fairly dry, luscious white. Both excellent and exactly what we wanted.
We shared an excellent sourced and presented meat and cheese charcuterie plate.
Submitted by Ted Ayles on 10/15/2023
So my son and I traveled to Eugene for a quick visit with my daughter and hubby, and after a wonderful day spent in Oakland hitting the antique shops, Alex recommended that we spend some time in this "unique wine bar, that had a gazillion bottles displayed inside, and the coolest decor you've seen in a while".
So we did...and she was right.
This old historic building is something in itself, but as you enter, the interior design of this place just adds to the vibe, and you'll immediately feel as if you could spend some time here.
From that gorgeous piano, to the propeller on that beautiful brick wall, or maybe that full bookcase filled with 1st editions?, or even those creepy gazelles, mounted and staring intensely down at you...
You'll have plenty of eye candy and conversations to dance with while in here.
Robert, our Sommelier, was just as entertaining as the decor. His beanie cap… tilted back at just the right angle, exposing a wave of frontal bangs, while his designer jeans were cleverly cuffed exposing his shiny leather boots...had a smile from ear to ear as he strolled over and welcomed us. We had the place to ourselves for the moment, so we were seated right away.
Robert had many wines to offer us, and each one came with their unique story of discovery and the challenge of logistics to get those bottles there, and he was very knowledgeable, well versed, and easy to visit with.
We finally landed on reds, and ordered a cheese platter to pair, that included four incredible assortments, followed by flaky ginger bites.
Quite a delightful experience for sure!
So much so, that Robert must have noticed our delight, and he recommended a couple of bottles to take home with us. Two of his last bottles in inventory of some 2018 Italian red blends. Perfect...as my son had a hot date the following night, and we wanted a bottle for our own dinner.
So later that evening, we uncorked a bottle at home and toasted our perfect day...
I wish you could have seen the expression on all four of us...as words were not needed.
Way too acidic, high tannins, bitter and somewhat aggressive, and the finish wasn’t pleasant. Disappointment and discussion ensued...could it be us? All four of us?!
My son found similar negative reviews online for the bottle, and then decided it was time to replace it for his date, so he called Robert to arrange. He then drove back to Oakland from Roseburg, (20 miles) that same night and when he met Robert, they decided on a new bottle, he paid the difference, and then he purchased an IPA to go as well.
So here's the thing...
Before my son went back, we were all betting that Robert would compensate my son for his troubles and a miss-guided wine recommendation with a bottle of wine, or even that additional IPA. (*Know your audience before your wine recommendation). Saving the cost of time and money for the drive may have been a better option in hindsight.
Nope, all he received was more $ charges and some initial passive-aggressive advice, and was told that someday with more experience and a mature palate, he too, would appreciate this wine.
Suddenly there was another taste on all our palettes...SOUR.
Too bad, as I would've liked to return during my next visit with my daughter... Because that piano and propeller are quite the pairing themselves.
*** In all fairness to Robert, the new recommended bottle was apparently delicious and enjoyed by both, and Robert followed up (with a text!), to ensure Daniel's satisfaction!
Now that's a nice finish…
Submitted by Richard Ward on 05/25/2022
