It feels, at last, we’ve come to rest, with an ocean of water back inside the earth, and a thick layer of snow on our peaks. Did we awaken in California or atop the mountains of Ararat? In any case, the skiers and farmers among us are delighted. The rain’s postponed some winter pruning in the vineyards, sent sheep to shelter, and in places carried soil and stones downward and away, but grapevines are happily dormant, with the crucial fragility of bud break still weeks away. Aquifers are flowing, surface salts dispersed, and reservoirs restored. Tablas Creek Vineyard reported this week ‘you could almost hear the cover crops growing’ between the rows, and I think I heard a collective sigh of relief in Oakland with the return of our brightest star, the sun.

Here at Oakland Yard, we’re emerging from a wet and welcome hibernation and embracing the sunny spirit of renewal. Back to the daily task of sipping and spitting with vendors, we’re busy securing new labels, and new vintages of some dear old favorites. We’ve also got a fresh lineup of wines by the glass this week, and we’re planning a series of food pop ups and outdoor parties, starting Saturday the 28th with PROVECHO serving tasty bites to go with our afternoon tasting flights. From our little spot on Fortieth Street, the future shines brightly with the promise of spring flowers, grilled leeks, unbridled laughter, wine with friends, dance parties, oysters on the half shell, and many other unknown pleasures, starting...

TONIGHT 1/19 - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: Natty Loire Whites and Langhe Nebbiolo

2021 Clos du Tue-Boeuf Vin Blanc
2021 Herve Villemade Bovin Blanc
2021 Agnes & Rene Mosse Magic of Juju Blanc
2020 Elvio Tintero Langhe Nebbiolo
2018 Bricco Maiolica Langhe Nebbiolo
2020 Luigi Scavino Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo
Flights $15 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass from around the world until close!

SATURDAY 1/21 - WHAT’S NEW IN CALIFORNIA FLIGHTS

2021 Ramble Heringer Vineyard Clarksburg Chenin Blanc
2021 Luuma Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2021 Jolie Laide Glou D’Etat
2021 Broc Cellars Le Clairet The Perfect Red
Flights $15 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

Cheers,
Max