I’m writing this morning from the Hudson Valley, where the autumn chill is an unmistakable reminder of the season. Oakland, meanwhile, remains predictably balmy, with sunny skies and summery highs, but the change in light, and the presence of persimmons and parsnips, will tell you too what time it is. Vineyard workers in both California and New York are picking their last, late ripening varieties; winemakers are fermenting, pressing, and crossing fingers; and farmers across the country have a wary eye on the frost. We’re all looking forward; change is in the air.

At Oakland Yard, we’re preparing for the season by amassing new arrivals - so many this week - including Savagnin from the Jura, a breathtaking Gevrey-Chambertin, Listan Blanco from the Canary Islands, a Tuscan rosato pét nat, and the 2022 Pipeno Blanco from Louis-Antoine Luyt, to name just a few. Our Thursday Night Flights this week will include four new wines to the shop, and our Saturday tasting will debut another three. Come join us to sample some of the fresh juice, and remember, if it gets too hot on the sunny side of Fortieth Street this weekend, the air is always cool and refreshing inside Oakland Yard.

TONIGHT 9/29: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS - LOIRE WHITES and CALIFORNIA REDS. Ezra, Claire and Pablo will feature Folle Blanche, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley, as well as reds from Mendocino, Lodi, and Paso Robles. $15 flights from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm.

SATURDAY 10/1: Importer GRÉGOIRE MONTOT at OAKLAND YARD - Everyone’s favorite soft spoken Savoyard pours flights of two whites and two reds from his superb selection, including a stunning white Burgundy and a vibrant Alpine Gamay. Here’s the lineup: Domaine Poiron-Dabin Muscadet / Domaine Charton-Vachet Montagny Blanc / Domaine d’Ici La La Noirettes Bugey Gamay / Twill Cellars Stormy Mountain Vineyard Washington State Syrah

Flights $15 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm.

Until next time,

Max