As you read this, know that I am in a happy place. Every year at this time, my father and my five brothers all converge upon a string of alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierras. It is a special tradition for us. Anyone who does not attend is demoted to cousin status for a year. We arrive with much zeal and fall quickly into our ridiculous routines: recalling odd neighbors and cruel teachers, low-brow films and high-drama exes, revealing secrets of early mischief and misfortunes that our folks never knew, and teasing each other mercilessly (the younger the brother the broader the target). 

We rise early and spend most of the day fishing the lakes and occasionally the connecting creeks and streams. We fish and feast and laugh, we drink and sing silly songs, and pass the hours in-between recalling and rediscovering memories from the treasure chests of our youth. When we are not peppering a shoreline, we squeeze aboard a rented boat, exploring the lakes and enjoying a spot that is collectively ours. My brother Stephen emailed all of us recently to ask if anyone recalled which boat was the best to reserve.

My father responded succinctly: "The one that we are all on".

OAKLAND YARD is a happy place. It's best when you are there. Thank you for chartering these waters with us, for being a part of this adventure. The joy continues tonight and in the days and weeks and months ahead. Come be a part of the fun once again! Max and Arlot are all smiles all weekend, serving up all kinds of delicious wine and Julia and Glenny are there to help you too- and our friend Brendan has returned from cycling the Italian countryside and will be back behind the bar for THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS TONIGHT! French Whites or Italian Reds. Your choice tonight! 3 wines, $12.

SATURDAY: Special Tasting Event: Andrew Nelson, wine slinger and one man party will be pouring selections from the Grandes Places Imports portfolio along with cans of his Companion Riesling project. SAT 2-5pm. SUP Street Food will be here too with fresh Spring Rolls (Tofu, Shrimp, Pork). Don't miss out!

SUNDAY TASTING: REVEL WINES w/ Chad Hinds. The most exciting domestic portfolio showcasing 'New California' wines that are balanced, dynamic, and expressive. Game changers. Come see what the hype is about. 

I can honestly say that I'm bummed to miss all the fun (but I think will manage). I'll be back on Sunday with stories, and (hopefully) a large trout or two. I'm looking forward to hearing about your good times too. 

Keep OAKLAND YARD warm for me,

Daniel