My mom told this story to me when I was little. I can’t remember if it's an old joke or a memory. But it serves a purpose here, so I’ll proceed. An aunt is preparing either a ham (or a roast?) for a holiday dinner. She cuts off a couple inches from each end before putting it into the oven. Her kid inquires why she cuts off the ends. “Well… it, um kind of locks the juices in”. She trails off and calls her brother. 

“Mike, why do we cut off the ends of the ham?” 
“Just a couple inches from one side” he blurts out. 
“No, Mike, I’m asking why”. 
“Well… it’s um… gives it, uh, helps caramelize them, I think”. 

This goes on and all eventually all siblings are called. Various prepping and basting techniques are challenged and they play phone tag into the evening, all the while continuing to argue the number of inches and the reasoning behind cutting off the end(s) at all. After some delay, they reluctantly go to the source, grandma. 

Her head shaking can heard through the phone line. “I just cut enough off the end until it fits in my roasting pan.”

.   .   .

We’re gonna be rolling out our wine club next week. Some folks suggested we should just see what other shops are doing and offer something similar. I remembered the ham story.

Lets get this right, from the start. We are less interested in what other shops are doing and more interested to know what you would like, and how you want things done. We aim to make you happy. No discarded trimmings here. No random practices or arbitrary rules. This is your shop. Many of you have already shared what you are looking for (what kinds of wines you’d like to receive, ideal monthly costs, etc) and we are eager to put something out that will make you dance. Phone lines (and emails:) are open. DJ is taking requests. So give us a shout and let’s get cooking. 

Speaking of requests…

I’ve had some folks ask recently if we’d do a tasting of unusual varietals that they might not normally try. So we are doing just that. Tonight! Thursday Night Flights are on, from 4-8. Bite your tongue, Tom Jones, we’re going Cyndi Lauper on this one. Six amazing, dynamic and delicious wines: $12 for 3 whites (Jacquere, Roditis, Gutedel) or 3 reds (Marsellan, Schiava, Kadarka). Unusual and awesome, like you. Choose your own adventure tonight.

See you soon,

Daniel