At the close of a cool, grey August in Oakland, the late summer sun kicked into overdrive, heating San Francisco to a record high, and baking much of the California countryside. Grape growers and winemakers picked frantically to avoid spiking sugar levels, with fruit shriveling to raisins on the vine, while we city dwellers sought refuge - sipping, snacking, slowing our atoms - in the bay area’s uncommon, well air-conditioned hangout spots, like OAKLAND YARD.

In addition to the thirst-slaking sparkling, white and rosé wines we always pour at our tasting bar, we’ve been offering chilled reds during the recent heat wave; and, no surprise, but it turns out that Steve Matthiasson’s Tendu Red and Broc Cellars’ Love Red are really delicious served slightly cold, as are many of the lighter, brighter reds we drink the most, like Casa Comerci’s beguilingly beautiful Magliocco Canino ‘Rosina’, and Martincic’s tart, refreshing Slovenian Cvicek blend; they’re all the more delicious having surrendered some degrees.

The lower temperature brings out the fresh berry flavors, tightening and brightening the wine into a sharper focus…and it feels good to drink something cold.

This Saturday, September 16th, from 2 to 5pm, when it’s stiflingly hot outside (again) and perfectly cool in here (always), come join us for a tasting flight of chilled light red wines.

But first, tonight…

THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: German Whites or Cabernet Sauvignons. Flights 4-8pm, $12

And this Sunday, September 17th, beat the heat with rosé all day! Pink flights and glass specials from 12-6pm.
 

Cheers,

Max