As I prepare to return from my birthplace in what is now called New York state, to my chosen home, known as California, I am filled with anticipation and disquiet. I feel I am a different person from the one who left Oakland last month, grounded by roots, expanded by travel, bolstered by age, balder, and more wizened. The sight of changing leaves awakens in me unspoken memories and reveals aspects of myself I’d forgotten, as do the faces of my aging kin. I continue to feel drawn by both coasts, am grateful for the ability to travel between them, and now, I miss my friends out west, and I’m looking forward to being back in the shop.

Unless you live under a rock - a place I’ve unsuccessfully attempted to reside at various points in my life - you know of the newest horrors abroad. Even at a great distance, it is impossible to avoid the trauma of this scale of violence. It feels important to remember the humanity of everyone involved, and that the powers driving these conflicts do not represent most of ‘their’ people. It is unhelpful to place blame or be righteous in the face of such suffering; we need to support one another and continue to push for peace and understanding, to swallow the urge to justify hatred, as the moon will soon briefly swallow the sun, and come together with love for one another. It feels we need this now more than ever.

I prefer writing happy newsletters about parties and laughter, good times past and future, and I plan to get back to that as soon as possible, but this week, I need to acknowledge the anger, fear, and tenderness so many of us are feeling as a result of the week’s events, and those of the past several years. I said I was looking forward to being back in the shop, and this time it’s not for the wine, or the jokes and smiles, but because I feel the balm of love at Oakland Yard. I find it in our genuinely warmhearted staff, our compassionate customers, our considerate neighbors, and a steady stream of friends who will drop in during these hard times, not so much for a glass of wine as for a hug or a cry or just a moment of connection with someone who cares.

TONIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: Portuguese Reds and Whites:
2021 Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde
2019 Quinta Várzea da Pedra Arinto Óbidos
2021 Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Douro Branco
2020 Penedo Gordo Tinto
2021 Quinta Várzea da Pedra Tinto Colheita
2020 Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Vinho Tinto
Tasting flights $15 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

This SATURDAY 10/14: Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir flights:
2017 Apolloni Vineyards L Cuvée
2016 Willful Wine Company
2018 J Christopher Basalte
2021 Cameron Winery Dundee Hills
Tasting flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

Somberly and with love,

Max