Raquel posted to Facebook this morning that Augie passed ystrday. That is such sad news. Augie was such a character, though w/ limited bowling skills, at least when at Wilson Lanes there in Paso. He made some pretty good wines under his Augie Hug label. He ran the tasting room for Mat Garretson before he launched his own label. (Anybody remember Mat Garretson??).
Augie had such an infectious smile and would light up the room when he entered. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for Raquel and the family.
Tom
9 Likes
So sad to read this - I didn’t know him well but had met him on a few occasions at HdR and always admired his warmth and passion . . .
RIP Augie
1 Like
SO sad to see this. Met him a long time ago, and corresponded time to time throughout the years. Such a cool dude…and I JUST had one of his rare Pinots…RIP! 
2002 Hug Cellars Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County (9/3/2025)
Been 8 yrs since last bottle…old dude still kickin! Still very tart and alive to the senses with cran cherry…has a beam of brightness with its red berry fruits and killer acidity…and still FUNKY as ever! Always got pine sap and forest floor galore in this…as well as smoky cherrywood bbq and stems…wonderful florals of dried potpourri, roses, pine sap, red rope licorice…spicy sandalwood and white pepper…it really integrates with some air, showing a really nice creamy to the tart mouthfeel. Still TOTALLY diggin this wine…always have…and too bad I only have one bottle left, which might just be the last bottle in existence! Cheers Augie! (94 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
2 Likes
His wines were at Falltacular in the early days. @Frank_Murray_III
1 Like
When I was first getting into wine (early-mid 2000’s), Hug/Garretson was one of the very first places we ever went tasting in Paso. I didn’t keep up with the wines over the years, but they hold a special place in my memory from my early days exploring the area. RIP
Augie was a good dude. Condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.
(p.s.: Tom — I do remember Mat! An equally good dude. )
Great guy, really stinks.
Very sad to hear, I didn’t know Augie well, but we were aquatinted, terrific guy 
My best to Raquel. Augie was a gracious soul with me, with many of the folks down here in the OC. He donated to our charity in the early days, and he visited here to do a dinner with us many years ago. I recall visiting him too in Paso, dining somewhere with a group. I have photos somewhere on my laptop. All the best to the family, and to the memory of Augie.
Sad to hear. Augie and Raquel were always so nice, and super generous. Augie made some really nice wines back in the day too. Condolences to Raquel and to their family.
I introduced myself at HdR and chatted with him briefly. We’d chat the subsequent years. Seemed like a fun and jolly fellow. RIP
Thanks for the pics, Mel. Brings back some fond memories.
2 Likes
Some handsome guy learning from the expert. Alas, the famous red spitoon is cropped out.
I met Augie and Raquel when they had their little wine shop and tasting room (Central Coast Wine Room) in tiny Harmony CA (pop. 18). Augie was close friends with Manfred Krankl so he was always well stocked with Sine Qua Non wines, Queen of Spades, The Other Hand, Against the Wall etc. He was well connected with the other Central Coast winemakers and would carry rare vanity projects and single barrel releases. It was such fun to sample and discuss these wines and their origins. We’d put together a mixed case so I could share the wines and their stories with my wino friends in the SF Bay Area. The last time I visited was at their home in Boerne TX, near San Antonio, before they moved to Waco. Unfortunately Augie was in the Gulf on an oil rig but Raquel and I had a terrific time. She showed me the sights and I taught her to make Thai Curry. I’ll surely miss Augie. My condolences to Raquel.
3 Likes
Wow, what a blast from the past. RIP Augie.
saddened to read this, only met him once (maybe at a Pinot Days? It’s been a long time!) but remember enjoying his personality.
I had great times with Augie and Raquel at HDR. Remember a great dinner at the winery with pizza from Augie’s new pizza oven as well as some top noch pre HDR events. RIP Augie