I'm not proud of this, but I spent nearly a year of my life as a dog. I was a fan of the early Scooby Doo cartoons, and there was a recurring bit that had Scooby sniffing around for various clues, often with the encouragement of a 'Scooby Snack". I loved scavenger hunts and searching for missing things- the slow burn of the search and the triumph of discovery. By age 6, my siblings would frequently employ my services when they needed help looking for things. I loved the attention, I suppose, and for a cookie or a Reese's I would search high and low, all the while pretending to be "Scooby", my muzzle plodding along floorboards and under rugs, nuzzling windowsills and wastebaskets. The game would proceed until one of us located whatever was missing and if I was successful, I would often get a second treat.

Here's where things got weird (yes, here's where). Eventually the novelty of my services waned. So I began actually taking and hiding things that belonged to my siblings. I'd pretend to sniff away and save the day... and the charade went on. The problem was that the older ones were on to my ruse almost immediately. That didn't matter all that much initially, but inevitably things went actually missing, and they'd assume I was the culprit. I'd frantically oblige to search- their patience tried, assuming I was prolonging the drama. It was ludicrous and awful. Cookies became old wheat thins. The discoveries were thankless and would only confirm their suspicion of a theft. And the most ridiculous fact was that even when it wasn't a game... I would still, absurdly and inexplicably, act the part. Sniffing away on all fours. Still wanting to be someone's best friend.

TONIGHT at OAKLAND YARD: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS // Unusual Varieties Tasting. Six odd and delightful wines. For all you scavenger hunters and treasure seekers, snooping around for an exciting new discovery, this tasting is for you. Come try Roditis, Mtsvane, and Orangetraube (all whites) or Zweigelt, Teran, and Trincaderia (Reds) There may be some sniffing involved, but that's completely your choice. You may even find one to be your new best friend. 

See you tonight,

Daniel

p.s. SATURDAY at OAKLAND YARD: Rachel Miers (Henry Wine Group) will be continuing the unusual and exciting theme, pouring Jacquere, Txakolina, Zweigelt and St. Laurent, and a natural style Zinfandel. Scooby Snacks galore too. Come join the fun! This SAT (7/1) from 2-5pm

SUNDAY FLIGHT: Rosé All Day! An all pink flight featuring four delightful new arrivals. SUN 7/2 from 12-6. Think pink and come relax with us.