Back to school blues playing low around the neighborhoods here. I've told a lot of stories about this time of year. And I still have my Mona Lisa smile this morning, with new and old memories emerging from the early Septembers of my youth and, simultaneously, those first days of class when I was teaching middle school. I can hear tiny Leanne, a third grader, pulling on my coat on my way in to complain about her new classroom - preceding nearly everything, inexplicably, with "Try this on for size..." ("Try this on for size: my friend doesn't GO here anymore!" ..."Try THIS on for size... my mom said we were out of milk!").

There was a predictable and pungent breeze of Tide detergent in the air, and a particular pop of color all about - new backpacks, new sneakers, new sweaters. Some trying out new looks altogether, Lynette with new bangs, Joe going full goth, Lance rocking a tucked in turtleneck and creased jeans. And in many if not most cases, my later observations echoed my earliest recollections. All of us standing around awkwardly, shifting our weight and expressions with unusual celerity. A nervous excitement we shared, returning to classmates, crushes, and old confidants - and some curious new faces joining the herd for another annual adventure. New memories to be made.

As students around the globe head back to their studies, I humbly invite any of you to keep up with your studies and explore regions of that same globe... and join our monthly wine club! Each month, club members receive two outstanding wines for $42. We sometimes call it the 420 Club, 42 bucks, Zero bullshit (420 is our address). Max writes dynamic and detailed tasting notes for each release, as we move around the world exploring various regions and grape varieties. This month it was wines of Greece, last month wines of Sicily, and before that Loire Valley. These are wines we’re especially excited about: producers we adore, new releases, and often rare finds. We are tasting all month to choose wines specifically for this club, so these bottles very rarely make it onto the shelves here.

With each club installment we will share with you exactly why we love these wines, including notes on the producer, grape varieties, production information, regional history, tasting notes and often with recipes or pairing suggestions - a mini personal wine class. Club members also enjoy 10% all bottles to go - and 10% off all wines by the glass at the bar (and Tasting Flights when they resume). Online orders are always discounted too. Join today! Stop by the shop or give us a call at (510) 808- 5129. Or you can now sign up ONLINE!

Cheers,
Daniel