I'm a pretty happy adult. My folks did a commendable job denying me certain indulgences as a child. Junk food was scarce and gum was pretty much off limits. I was at Lucky's supermarket one time with my mom and a couple of my brothers. When dispatched to secure some Bisquick, we detoured and bolted for the dispensers up front, with barely a moment to choose a crazy ball or some candy before mom could catch us. My older brother was sly and seasoned and back at her side in 30 seconds flat.

I only had enough for the economy gumballs, the pre-war red white and blue marbles that brought no child joy, ever. They went from rock hard to a sudden flavorless sludge. They were mostly just something to avoid swallowing. I turned the knob when I saw mom approaching the checkout and we were out the door before I could discreetly load them into my pocket. Our Dodge Ram van exited the lot and my palms were already filthy with sticky patriotic stains. I couldn't hide these any longer. I decided my only play was to put them in my mouth. All of them.

This was not a sound decision. The explosive release of sugar and saliva was rough for my little mouth. Gum was supposed to be fun. After a few painful silent gulps I abandoned the plan. But seven year olds generally don't have exit strategies. I couldn't spit this out easily, the windows of our van had latches that only allowed the glass to push out from the bottom a couple inches. So I pretended to slink into a nap, with my face flush to the side at the corner of the frame, with my mouth just hanging open, meeting the air and letting gravity win... my tongue lazily shoveling the mess into the wind.

Daniel Matthew. My full name was used in serious situations. This turned out to be one of them. Daniel Matthew meant this would not be my day. When we got home my folks discovered the sensational streams of my colorful coagulated gum and salivary goo caked and glued, radiating across the side of the van, like ribbons of demon bile.

It was a hideous spectacle. But kind of beautiful. 


TONIGHT... Thursday Night Flights! German Whites and California Reds in the lineup this evening. Your choice for $12. Flights from 4-8pm.

SATURDAY: Wines of Spain (and Paella!) Tasting Flights of Xarel-lo, Albarino, Txakolina Rosé, and Garnacha... and our friend and neighbor, Rob, has offered to make his famous Paella! Flights from 2-6 (and free paella samples while it lasts)!

SUNDAY: Rosé Flights! New arrivals from around the world. The sun will be out and we'll have some spring in our step. Get on down to OAKLAND YARD and taste some new pink delights from 2-6pm! 


See you soon,

Daniel