Welcome to
The Authentique
Our Story
Philippine Maillard grew up in Reims, France. She spent her entire life there in the heart of the Champagne region. Before moving to the United States, she worked in a local bar and knew that this vision wasn't all that was meant for her. Her ambition and life goals wouldn't let her settle with that. Philippine's mother, Caroline Maillard, works in the vineyards and actually makes Champagne.
Her grandparent, Pascal Maillard and Jacqueline Maillard owned one of the biggest bars in the Champagne region for over 30 years. All to say that Philippine has been around wine and the service industry her entire life. Her father Karl Bourguignon is an entrepreneur and a wine connoisseur, often taking trips to Burgundy's top vineyards to find his favorite wines. He now has a cellar with over 1000 wines from all over France. Philippine always wanted to come visit the United States, and her best friend Marie happened to live in Nashville. She planned a one month trip to go see her friend. During the visit, she fell in love with the United States and one of Marie's co-workers (Alexandre).
Alexandre Meunier grew up in both the suburbs of Paris and Paris itself. His father, Christian Meunier spent his entire life in France before his children were born and found a love for the great Bordeaux region of France and it's wine. He worked for corporate Nissan which meant having to become expats and living all over the world. Alexandre has lived in France, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. His travels and education ended in Nashville. He decided to start working in the service industry and quickly became fond of wine and the culture that surrounds it. Alexandre has over 8 years of experience in the service industry and has become a wine aficionado. He always wanted to open his own business and the opportunity came when he met the love of his life, Philippine.
The Love Story (we know you're waiting for it)
When Philippine and Alexandre met, it was love at first sight. They started going out together and eventually got very close. Close to the point that her one month trip turned into a three month "voyage d'amour". The distance was tough, they couldn't stand to be away from each other. Philippine then mentioned the idea of opening a business together which sounded like a great idea to Alexandre. The recent closing of the Authentique could not have been better timing for the couple. The two young entrepreneurs decided to throw themselves at this adventure together and have made the Authentique what it is today.