One thing I enjoy most about sharing stories with you all is many of you sharing right back - and I get to hear all kinds of funny and unusual (and sometimes bittersweet) memories of others. Thanksgiving traditions have obviously come up a lot this week. One customer talked about an annual football match of his youth, against the neighboring family - each year getting a bit more competitive and particularly ugly one year (the last year). They laugh about it now. Another shared how they always did Thanksgiving on Saturday to accommodate travel and flight schedules - and that Thursday evening was always a Chinese takeout feast. My favorite this week was a customer who told me they always named their turkey - every year getting a bit more regal or just absurd - and how they took turns dancing with it before prepping and roasting the bird.

Our family traditions were mostly normal I think, though maybe on a bigger scale- the feast and the fury that was 9 of us, plus grandma, a priest, and a few "orphans". We'd clear out of the kitchen late morning to let the real chefs prep. An early afternoon at the park, burgers for lunch from Tommy's (even though we'd eat our weight 5 hours later). Everyone making their annual contribution. I was always responsible for cornbread. I'd been using the same recipe for years before someone discovered that it called for 2 and 1/2 sticks butter and a half cup of sugar. That's just cake, Bob said. While we waited for space in the oven or things to bake, we'd peel off to binge on Twilight Zone episodes into the evening. For a young child like me who was deathly afraid of Guy Smiley, those twilight tales of hungry aliens, pig-faced doctors and murderous dolls (My name is Talky Tina, and you'll be sorry...) all haunted me for years - though I never felt so safe than sardined on a sofa, with my siblings all around me, all of us together.

We at OAKLAND YARD are so very thankful to be a part of your holiday traditions, whatever they may be. In the smallest and most delightful way, a place at your table is our great honor. And we have bottles for your unique celebrations. Bottles for your joy. Bottles to help make peace. Bottles to share with those who matter most. We'll be pouring Thanksgiving friendly wines all weekend - wines that pair with turkey and duck and salmon and cornbread and apple and cranberry sauce - or whatever might be served (It's a cookbook!...)


ALL THANKSGIVING Flights all weekend at OAKLAND YARD. Wine for your feasts, families, friends, fun, and fiascos. Come sample and celebrate early with us this weekend.

TONIGHT: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! Aromatic Whites & French Gamay. Aromatic, complex and spicy whites... and light, fresh, vibrant reds. Flights $12 from 4-8pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: All Thanksgiving Flights continues. Both days we'll showcase Flights of 4 different wines, all food-friendly and festive. Flights from 2-6 both days. We'll sample some wines from our Holiday Six Packs and also some staff favorites from all price points. Stop in and stock up this weekend!

See you soon,

Daniel

p.s. PLEASE NOTE: OAKLAND YARD will be OPEN Thanksgiving DAY from 10-2PM!