The commercial glass washer at my last job was called The Avenger. Not an inside joke, this was the actual model - the manufacturer spelled it out right on the front. I always found that so ridiculous. Watch out, grime, this is personal!  

What's in a name? I hope not too much, considering my brothers called me Buttsum for much of my childhood. The off-handed nomenclature of my older siblings was two parts absurdity and one part alchemy - and surprisingly effective in making blood boil. I don't know who said it or when - but it likely followed "What are you looking at?..." And Buttsum fell out, and stuck. Forever. (This is the first time I've actually written that name - I'm not even sure how to spell it). Whatever, they all had their cursed nicknames too. Some were simple lazy twists (Stephen becoming Step-Henwhen they wanted to rile him) and others had their own bizarre etymology. My sister Joanna would never shuffle off her mortal coil, Jopantyhose, and calling David Diception might still send him over the edge.

Anyway, I digress. There are hundreds of obscure grape varieties overlooked and unappreciated due their peculiar sounding names. Happily, more folks these days are willing to give grapes like Grüner Veltliner a try - and have discovered it's bright, crisp, easy-drinking and exceptionally food-and-fun-friendly nature (I believe the ETZ liter of Grüner here at the shop may be our most restocked bottle, which makes me quite happy). We also see many more readily reaching for Counoise or Grignolino these days... but what about the Xinomavro? Nerello Mascalese? Pallagrello?? So many buried treasures here at the shop and in the world of wine - so let's pull some corks and let the genies out of the bottle this SATURDAY, JULY 28th. Tasting Flights of rare and unusual - and utterly delicious grape varieties!  

Come taste and explore these delightful obscurities with us. We'll be pouring fresh, mineral whites like Malvazija Istarska, one of the oldest Croatian grape varieties, grown in the Istrian peninsula since the ancient Greeks. Also in the lineup - a natural Garganega (no sulfur and unfined, unfiltered) from 80 year old vines, Maybe a fresh and fleshy Austrian Zweigelt, with tangy red fruit and a dry, peppery finish. And we're certainly down to throw in a light, chillable and uncomplicated blend of Kraljevina, Zlahtnina, Ranfol, Lipna, Zametna Crnina, Franconian, Portugalka too! Come explore and enjoy the afternoon here with us. Get on down to OAKLAND YARD this Saturday - Flights from 2-6pm!

But first...

TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights! Three Whites from Portugal or Three Reds from California. Your choice from 4-8pm! Flights just $12 and wines by the glass as always. 

SATURDAY, JULY 28th: Rare and Obscure Varieties Tasting. Flights $15 from 2-6pm.

SUNDAY FLIGHTS: Cabernet Franc! A stellar selection of this beautiful and beguiling grape - with delicious, dynamic expressions from France (Charles Joguet), California (Phantome Cellars), and Slovenia (Batič)! Flights $15 from 3-6pm

See you soon,

Daniel