I just had my first Back to School Night as a parent. My daughter started kindergarten last week and we were invited to check out the classroom and to get to know the teacher and meet other parents. Entering her classroom, I stood before a wall displaying some of their work. A large banner above read: Hope and Dreams... Beneath that, evenly spaced and framed by colorful construction paper, each kid's piece had them finish the same sentence by filling in the blank (My hope is _______), decorated with an accompanying illustration. Most elected for personal aspirations (My hope is __ to learn how to read/write) while one or two went far grander or more altruistic, wishing to go to the moon, or hoping for world peace. My daughter's was brief, and said quite plainly: My hope is__ to eat pasta.

I admit I initially rolled my eyes, but thinking more on it I found the simplicity or her ambition hard to argue against. I was reminded of a quote a friend shared, from Luciano Pavarotti: "One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating". Indeed, the sentiment of taking a moment to eat, to drink, to reflect and commune with friends, family, or even oneself is a recurring theme in our weekly letters. We hope our bottles find their way to your tables or to your porches or picnic blankets. To cabins or campsites. That they bring some delight and connection. A humble aspiration. Yes, maybe even a hope or a dream.

Thanks to all who came out for Urelio's Pizza pop up last weekend. We were over the moon to host them once again and look forward to the next time! Until then, we have more culinary treats, and all kinds of food and fun, in the days and weeks ahead for you (and your friends)...

THIS SUNDAY 8/27: DARUMA KIOSK Returns to OAKLAND YARD! Cal-Japanese inspired Takoyaki & Izakaya food from @darumakiosk! Daruma Kiosk Food Pop Up from 1-6pm. Wines by the glass all day until close!

The feasting, gathering, and good times continue at the OAKLAND YARD ARTISAN MARKET on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9th! Just over 2 weeks away! Mark your calendars and spread the good word...There will be bubbles, music, oysters and other food, raffles and prizes, as well as a fantastic collection of artists, curators, builders, and culinary wizards... And lots and lots of wine! Tasty treats from XULO & D ARUMA KIOSK, Shuckbuddy Oyster Bar, and SOS Bakeshop! Vendors and artists include The Plant Queen, Pablo Cristi, C.A.Vintage Vintage, Ladha Jewelry, Leopard Lodge, WestWind Succulents, Pothead Ceramics, Like Family. Hope Bryson, and vintage clothing from Homebody Vintage, The Material Soul, and others! There will be an outdoor beer and wine garden in the back lot too! *Event is all ages and FREE* See you there:)

But first...Tonight 8/24: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS - French Reds and Whites tonight. Lively, fresh reds for the warm weather this week, and three bright, mineral Aligotés for the white flight. Our friends TACOS OSCAR are OPEN next door TONIGHT all weekend too - tacos welcome here with flights or glasses anytime!:)
2022 Coteaux des Margots Aligote "La Pie Rouette"
2021 Domaine Dujardin Bouzeron Aligote
2021 Domaine Goisot Aligote
2021 Petit Perou Pisse Vielle Brouilly
2022 Fond Cypres "Premier Jus' Corbieres Rouge
2020 La Grange de Piaugier Cotes du Rhone
Tasting flights $15 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

This SATURDAY 8/26: SPANISH tasting flights
2022 Bidaia Txakoli
2022 Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis Rose
2021 Sindicat la Figuera Montsant Garnatxa Negra
2021 Mas Martinet Priorat Menut
Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

Cheers,
Daniel