Most of my stories involve me making an ass of myself. But every so often my existence is validated. I was in my late 20s and road tripping with my friend through the Pacific Northwest. He had a small wedding outside of Victoria to attend and the plan at that juncture was that I'd hang back to explore Vancouver and we'd reconnect. The day before the ceremony I dropped him for a meet-and-greet and ended up hitting it off with the parents of the bride who insisted I stay for the weekend celebration. Cool beans. Flash forward to the big night: it's after the vows and dinner and speeches, and things start slowing down. For whatever reason no one is dancing and most seem content socializing and settling into the calm of the evening. The mother of the bride looks concerned and for some peculiar reason locks in on me. I'm paraphrasing her dilemma here, but something like: "Everyone seems so sleepy - I was going to make coffee - but I don't want folks to stop drinking or they won't dance. What can we do??..."

It was only beer and wine there, but I inquire anyway: "Maybe Irish coffee? Do you have whiskey?". In my head this was as straightforward as It's raining? How about an umbrella? She looked at me like I'd suddenly grown wings. This will sound incredible, I know, but she had never heard of Irish coffee. Maybe some of you are nodding yep, that's my mom. But here's the craziest part: I kid you not, virtually no one there had either. I'm not saying Twilight Zone, but it was odd. Even for Canada. It was like my friend and I were from the future. But a couple bottles do eventually materialize, and in short time both old and young folks alike are lively and giggling in disbelief. "Like this?" "How much do I need? "Yep, he said just pour it straight in!"

It would have been almost creepy if they weren't all so darn nice. Flash forward again. Music is blasting, and guests are twisting to this song and hopping to that, running all about and doing interpretive dances to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by the end of the night. It was ridiculous. And pretty great. What? A hero you say? No no no. Please. Let's just agree on a very very great man. 

SUNDAY at OAKLAND YARD. Chilled Reds Tasting. It's a similar dilemma. Some want to drink red, but it's so damn hot out. If only there was a way. What can we do?? Don't laugh, there are actually still folks out there who have not explored such a simple obvious pleasure. And I'm not talking just about Canadians. As Max once noted, the lower temperature brings out the fresh berry flavors, tightening and brightening the wine into a sharper focus. These are game changers: BBQ, picnic, summer wedding wines. And perfect for the 4th of July parties! We'll be pouring 4 light, fresh, chillable reds from around the world Sunday from 2-5pm! Roll in. Relax. Recharge. Refresh. 

SATURDAY from 2-5pm: PET NAT Tasting Flights! Pet Nat, short for pétillant naturel which just means "naturally sparkling". Made with less-intervention, these bubblies are honest and unadorned. Bottled and capped while the juice is still fermenting, the result can be unpredictable - occasionally funky but normally delightful, fresh, fizzy and fun. Never heard of them? They'll have you dancing. Get up and get on down this Saturday, 6/30. Flights $15 from 2-6. Flights 20% off for Wine Club Members - and Canadians.

And first... TONIGHT! Thursday Night Flights at OAKLAND YARD. The evening it's French Whites or Spanish Reds. Your choice. Flights from 4-8pm and wines by the glass as always!

See you soon,

Daniel