At the heart of Mayfair’s dining scene lies Goodman, a haven for steak lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. We sat down with Shane McHugh, Wine Director at Goodman Restaurant Group, to talk cellar treasures, Californian love affairs, and making fine wine accessible for all.
(Full YouTube Video Here)
Wine as a Dream, Not a Privilege
Shane McHugh’s passion is palpable from the moment he begins to speak. For him, fine wine isn’t just a luxury—it’s a dream. “It’s the dream a winemaker has for the representation of a grape variety on a particular type of soil,” Shane explains. This poetic vision of wine shines through in his work at Goodman, where he strives to ensure that exceptional bottles are within reach for every guest.
“No matter what we have on the list, we want to make sure it’s as accessible as possible to everyone.”
It’s a refreshing approach in a world where fine wine can often feel out of reach. At Goodman, accessibility meets excellence—a rare and welcome blend.
Treasures of the Cellar
Naturally, we had to ask about the highlights of Goodman’s legendary wine cellar. Shane lit up when recalling a personal favorite: the 1974 Robert Mondavi—a vintage so iconic it’s earned the status of a unicorn.
“That’s still the best wine I’ve ever tried in my life.”
His cellar stories don’t end there. Shane revealed he was once gifted a bottle of Sine Qua Non’s “In the Abstract” 2012, a California cult wine he’s been just about resisting the urge to drink daily. “I’ve been holding myself back,” he laughs.
California Calling
It’s no surprise Shane holds California close to his heart. From the Central Coast to Napa, he’s smitten.
“It’s my personal love. I love absolutely everything about that region.”
One producer he can’t stop pouring right now? Dunites, based in the SLO (San Luis Obispo) Coast. “It’s stunning,” Shane beams. “I can’t keep myself away from it.”
Never heard of them? You will. “Well, you’re going to get one,” he promises. Lucky us.
Making Wine Fun Again
For Shane, part of the mission is also about stripping away the snobbery that can sometimes cloud the wine world.
“Take away the ponsyness—that would be cool.”
At Tiny Wine, we couldn’t agree more. Wine should be fun, inviting, and above all, shared.
Cheers to That!
From unicorn vintages to up-and-coming coastal gems, Shane McHugh is a man on a mission: to celebrate the joy of wine, one glass at a time. Whether you're new to wine or an old hand, Goodman Mayfair and its brilliant wine list, guided by Shane’s expertise, are sure to deliver something special.
Want to discover the wines Shane can’t stop talking about? Pop into Goodman or keep an eye on our Tiny Wine Picks—we’ve got something exciting in the works.