The fourth Thursday of November is always such a peaceful morning, with no traffic on 40th, and even States Coffee shuttered and dark. Whether you celebrate the sunrise on Alcatraz Island, or feast with family and friends, it is a special day of rest and nourishment. We’ve seen so many of our dear friends and neighbors in the shop over the past week, along with a slew of kind strangers. One fellow in shorts and a sports jersey prefaced his uncertain shopping goals with “you can probably tell by my outfit that I know nothing about wine.” We try not to jump to conclusions - sartorial style is rarely an indication of wine knowledge these days - but the introduction made me smile. Thanks to all of you we’ve been helping this season for choosing us for your holiday shopping; we truly appreciate your support.

I’ll be opening Oakland Yard today from 10 to 2 to facilitate your last-minute desires - Sherry, Champagne, cheese, or chocolate - I wouldn’t call it working really, just some pre-game chilling with special guest Crys Chen, making sure everyone’s got what they want to make the day as festive and memorable as it ought to be, before we lock up and join some loved ones in thanks and revelry.

We’ll pour wine by the glass today and resume flights this Saturday, with a California lineup featuring current releases from Will Bucklin, Bret Hogan, Claire Hill and Kenny Likitprakong. Come by for a tasting this Saturday between 4 and 9, and bring your cousins, your mom, your new boyfriend, old high school buddies, whomever's here in town and curious about the local libations.

Gratefully,
Max