An epic month. My folks toasted to 50 years of marriage. OAKLAND YARD turned one. We had our first real Thanksgiving with you all. Max celebrated his birthday just a couple days ago... and speaking of birthdays, it's probably time to mention the elephant in the room. Or, one might say, the elephant in the womb. OK, not an an elephant at all. Fun pun, odd image. But yes indeed, a baby girl is on the way. My wife, Glenny, is due December 12th. Seems strange to correspond with you so often and not mention this. It also seems appropriate to prepare you for my nervous energy, my excitement, and my occasional absentmindedness should you encounter a sleep-deprived or otherwise altered version of me in the weeks or months (or years?) ahead.

I have a lot of stories, but none really start until age 5. I certainly don't remember being an infant, nor a toddler. Apparently some do. I had a friend in high school named Todd who recalled witnessing, at age 2, his sitter stealing his mother's earrings from her jewelry box. Reflecting on it now, as I write this morning... she sounds like a pretty lousy thief, but maybe not an altogether bad baby-sitter (Still keeping a close eye on him while burglaring and all...) Anyway, I digress. 

While we wait for this tiny member of the OAKLAND YARD gang to join us soon, I'd like to also welcome and introduce someone who has already joined us. Some of you have met Jessie, who started working here at the shop a couple weeks ago. Jessie rocks. If you have yet to introduce yourself, come say hello! She'll be behind the bar tonight for THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! Join us for a stellar lineup of electric, dry German whites and vibrant, food-friendly Italian reds. New arrivals and new vintages. Drop in tonight! Flights $12 from 4-8pm.

SATURDAY, Rachel Miers of Henry Wine Group will be here pouring outrageously delicious flights of her holiday favorites, including some top tier gems! Champagne, Txakolina, Rioja, and Burgundy. Not to be missed! Drop in to OAKLAND YARD, Saturday (12/2). Flights from 2-5pm.

SUNDAY FLIGHT: MERLOT! All lively, fresh and energetic expressions of this often misunderstood grape. Come taste and see. And Believe! We'll be pouring Domaine Le Vrille et le Papiilon 'Chapeau Melon', Little Frances Contra Costa Merlot and Vignoble Lapierre 'Quietude' Merlot. Flights from 2-6pm!

A million thanks once again for letting us be a part of your holiday celebrations, and a part of all the grand or small personal celebrations between and beyond. Thanks for making OAKLAND YARD your shop.

See you soon (and you too, little one...), 

Daniel