I'm often asked about how I got into wine. I feel like every year the answer changes slightly, or simply gets longer. My first harvest was obviously memorable but by the time I'm working in cellars I'm already hooked. Three earlier memories are always a part of the conversation.

One: I'm 22 and graduating. My best friend, Martin, is also graduating (from USF) and I'm lucky enough to attend a special dinner out with his family. His uncle presents a well-aged bottle (from his godson's birth year?) to the restaurant staff and there is much ado and ceremony. More than simply a decanter- a small team to oversee this ceremony. A candle, an unusual corkscrew, special stemware. Much is lost on me, but there is a certain romance to the gravity of it all that leaves an indelible mark. 

Two: A year or so later I'm teaching Middle School. My salary is no threat to royalty and so I take a part-time job at a local wine shop where I'm first exposed to new varieties like Picpoul and Txakolina (I will find myself lucky enough to return to the mysterious and inspiring atmosphere of a wine shop at Smith & Vine in Brooklyn where I take the red pill and stay in Wonderland to see how deep the rabbit hole goes).

Number three: I'm around 24 and my friend, Drew, invites me and my girlfriend to join him and his exploring California's wine country. We book a cabin to spend a long weekend drinking more than we should. We are curious, enthusiastic, frequently inelegant, occasionally rowdy. We escape to the warm and dry rolling hills of Paso Robles, land of the Rhone Rangers. Tablas Creek becomes the first wine club I ever join. These Rhone varieties like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier as well as others new to me then (Mourvèdre, Counoise, Roussanne) are all too easy to love. Lush and lively with ripe fruit and structure, wild and rustic and captivating (and, ultimately, delicious). 

My palate often leans toward bright, mineral whites and lighter, lively, refreshing reds- but I always find much room in my heart for the Rhone still. When expressive and balanced these varietals can really sing. They can capture ones imagination. Maybe even leave an indelible mark.

Come see why tonight.

THURSDAY  NIGHT FLIGHTS at OAKLAND YARD: ALL RHONE for all 6 wines in tonight's lineup. Red and White Flights. Two French selections and one domestic in each. Three wines, $12. Choose your own adventure from 4-8pm. Invite a friend and come explore! You can be a little rowdy tonight, its OK. But don't let Drew give you a piggy back ride, it will end badly. 

See you there, 

Daniel