I've always fallen for fall. Some sort of teenage feeling, I suppose. Or something more ancient in my blood maybe. I'm not a pumpkin spice latte nut or anything, it's more internal for me. A stillness in the air that moves me. A time of year I find myself saying autumn more readily (sometimes with an accent, when no one is around). And I become insanely maudlin- starting poems, watching dreary foreign films, favoring waltzes, playing guitar more and writing songs for my old cat. 

I was a school teacher for ten years before (or, concurrently, while) getting into wine. This particular time of year, just before Thanksgiving, brings fond memories. I'll confess, the four day weekend was always a most welcome relief. But the week or two leading up was quite special. The world moving to a slower, secret rhythm. Everyone seeming to be looking for a little more warmth. We had an annual Stone Soup celebration. You know the folktale, right? A traveller, a village that keeps to (and for) themselves... he just has a pot and water- and a stone. He tells them he is making "stone soup", which would be much improved with a few carrots perhaps (which a reluctant villager contributes), and maybe some celery? (yet another skeptic adds), and some salt and pepper...  You got it. In the end everyone feasts. All are happy. A socialist utopia maybe, but a pleasant sentiment about the nature of sharing, and of giving. The sum greater than the parts.

This past weekend we celebrated our one year anniversary. It was awesome. All kinds of warm, familiar faces and so many new connections too. It's silly, hokey even - but it got me thinking of Stone Soup again. How OAKLAND YARD is ultimately just a vessel, a large pot. What you bring to this space is everything. It's immeasurable, potentially infinite. You are the stock, the meat and potatoes... you are the magic spice. I know Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, but I wanted to thank you- for all you contribute here, for your patronage, for your very presence. For being such an integral part of this celebration. We hope to be a part of your celebrations this month and into the holidays (and beyond). We are honored and delighted to be your shop. Here's to many years, many feasts, and many celebrations ahead...

And here's to Oliver, my old cat. 

SATURDAY: KERMIT LYNCH TASTING! Matt Gerloff will be here with Max pouring an exciting lineup of some holiday favorites from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant!  Bordeaux varietals and cold weather reds. Flights from 3-6pm! Wines by the glass and Sparkling Sangria special too!

SUNDAY FLIGHTS: RIESLING! Electricity in a bottle. Stunning and wildly expressive. All dry, delightful and food-friendly- perfect wines for your holiday meals! Come taste and see! Flights from 2-6pm, and wines by the glass.

EVERY THURSDAY at OAKLAND YARD: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! All stellar new arrivals! Flights $12 from 4-8pm!


See you soon, 

Daniel