I moved up to Sonoma for my first harvest internship at Copain Custom Crush in 2009. Before fully committing to a life of professional drinking, I taught Middle School at a progressive K-8 public school in Pasadena (and later Altadena). I have many happy memories from those years and the daily absurdities yielded an arsenal of anecdotes and ridiculous recollections. I was thinking about our tastings this weekend and this one just surfaced. It's rather silly.

It's my first week or so. A lesson I had assumed would last 90 minutes is over in 34. I wing it from there, big time. (Turns out this would be how things would go for the next several years).

After dismissing my student for first recess I bolt for the teachers lounge or, more specifically, for coffee. I'm the first to arrive and find two tiny first grade girls waiting outside the door. One keeps her head down and looks as if she is about to collapse with guilt or grief. The other holds her friend's hand and is amusingly animated, imploring me to locate their teacher, Ms. Lauren. When I tell them I don't know her whereabouts (but I'm sure she's returning soon!) they ask me if I'll let them use the bathroom in the teacher's lounge. I'm not prepared for this. It's a reasonable request but I'm not sure about protocol here. 

Passing for a grown up, I ask her the first question that comes to mind, trying to stall long enough for someone responsible to arrive. 

"Um, do you need to go number one... or number two?"

She never looks up, just brushes her heel against her sock. So the animated sidekick breaks the uncomfortable silence- looking to her friend and then slowly up at me, her eyes now wild with an eerie desperation. Her whisper is solemn and stern.

"I think it's number three!..."




Starting TONIGHT and through the weekend at OAKLAND YARD there are not one, not two, but three opportunities to let go (so to speak). Come relax with us. We're here to hold your hand if you need any support. You can bring a friend too! THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS are ON tonight! Three wines. Your choice. White flight is Bordeaux and Red Flight is all Syrah. Choose your own adventure from 4-8pm for just $12.

Saturday, from 2-5PM at OAKLAND YARD, Jessica Smith will be pouring three of her favorite wines from H. Mercer Imports. There will be bubbly, rosé and red. This will be an amazing lineup and is not to be missed! 

SUNDAY FLIGHT: SPARKLING! Feeling bubbly? Three wines, $15. All three stellar sparklers that we will be showcasing for the first time here at the tasting bar! Salty snacks and complimentary cheese while supplies last. Come lift off with us from 12-6pm. 

See you there!

Daniel