When I was a child, one of the things I wanted most was to be famous. Despite an idyllic and nurturing upbringing (or perhaps as a result) I understood my insignificance early on, and this bred in me a wish to become well known for something, preferably something masterful, like exceptional athleticism or artistry. 

Popular culture backed my plan with a hit single by Bowie, a flashy TV series about an urban art school, and Warhol’s fifteen-minute guarantee. Before the dawn of the internet, the Guinness Book of World Records - that perennial opener of minds - provided us kids with many heretofore unimagined superlatives for which to strive, and quite a few others to avoid. One could plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel, or be struck by lightning seven times, and live to be known for it. 

As I grew older, I saw that I had no great skill that would put me heads and shoulders above the crowd, nor did I particularly enjoy the spotlight. Also, those who were famous didn’t appear any happier for it, so I abandoned my quest for fame and embraced anonymity. Now, I’m mostly known as the tall, quiet, bearded man at Oakland Yard, and I’m happy with my station: wine buyer, Daniel’s partner, Julia’s husband, Arlot’s keeper, and occasional writer of curious personal essays.

Yours,

Max

TONIGHT’S TASTING: Thursday Night Flights from 4 to 8pm! FRENCH WHITES  or SPANISH REDS – three wines - $12

SATURDAY at OAKLAND YARD from 3-6pm we welcome Cory Gowan of Mission Wine Merchants (Oakland, CA) who will be pouring an amazing and eclectic lineup from the Mission portfolio. Flights

SUNDAY FLIGHT: All SPARKLING FLIGHT. Bubbles from 12-6, with special BTG!