It's a special time for me. Some of you know about this tradition already.

I'm reminded this morning of my friend who is so ridiculously positive at times it ranges on absurd, but kind of amazing and admirable in a way. He once was parked in a sketchy part of town and had his stereo stolen from his car. A mutual friend offered condolences: "So sorry to hear, man, that stinks. Did they smash your windows or something?" 

My friend replied: "No that's the good news, I was really lucky... I had all my windows down" 


As I write this, I'm in the Sierras again but a multi-day thunderstorm is heading our way, an uninvited guest to this celebration. The fishing part of this fishing trip might be rained out. I'm struggling not to let it upset me nor allow disappointment to seep in after a full year of anticipation. Perspective is something I'm working on. I still have much to learn from my father and my brothers. They remain upbeat and unfazed. Their revelry is unyielding. It's beautiful and, happily, proving infectious. Because ultimately, there is still plenty of good wine and laughter to go round. And yes, an ample amount of whiskey too.


At the shop we're often asked by new visitors something along the lines of "What's the theme here?.." or "So, what kind of wines do you specialize in?" And while we frequently will talk about small producers who make wines with great care and integrity, or about wines that are fresh and expressive, or perhaps food-friendly, etc...  I often think of our collection as wines meant to pair with anything. Wines that go with dinner parties, with weddings and graduations, with old friends in town or new promotions. Wines that go with playoffs or play dates, with coastal escapes and long afternoons in the park or on the patio - or on the pontoon. Wines that pair with awesome. Even if the occasional storm tries to disrupt that awesome...

Roll in to OAKLAND YARD and check out some of these wines. We'll be pouring flights tonight and this weekend - and wines by the glass as always. Come celebrate a revelry that is unyielding. Beautiful. Infectious. 


Tonight... THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! 
Come hang with Max and Jessie and enjoy a flight of your choosing. Flights $12 from 4 to 8. 

Argentine Reds
2017 Serbal Pinot Noir
2013 Hinojosa 'H' Malbec
2016 Don Carlos Calathus Malbec

Loire Valley Muscadet
2016 Domaine de la Pepiere La Pepie Muscadet
2016 Metaireau Black Label Muscadet
2015 Claude Branger Gras Moutons Muscadet

SATURDAY FLIGHTS: Local Legend, Cory Gowan, of Mission Wine Merchants at OAKLAND YARD! Flights from 2-5... and wines by the glass until 9pm!

Flights $15 form 2 to 5.
NV German Gilabert Cava
2016 Domaine Seailles Gascogne Blanc Sauvignon
2015 Omero WIllamette Valley Pinot Noir
2016 Unturned Stone Productions The Stowaway Red

SUNDAY FLIGHTS 5/27: Spanish Mencia

2016 Bodegas Godelia Pilgrim Bierzo
2016 Raul Perez Ultreia St. Jacques Bierzo
2014 Fento Xabre Ribeira Sacra



See you soon (with some delicious trout, hopefully),

Daniel