Simone turns 4 next week. A spring baby, she arrived early, and very quickly, A very different story than her older sister, who took forever to join us. I remember the nerves and anticipation leading up to the first delivery. As directed, I put together a long playlist of calm, soothing music to add some subtle serenity to the halogen hallways and glaring monitors. It was suggested in one of the classes that when it came time to really push, there should also be a fun and upbeat playlist at the ready. This was the one thing I had not completely dialed in, and when it was 'go time' I scrambled at the last second and put ABBA Gold on repeat.

I figured we’d look back and laugh about it, but my wife's labor was exceptionally long with some complications. Even after it was determined that she was ready to start pushing, it would still be hours before we held our girl. We’d learn that the umbilical cord was draped around the baby's neck and shoulder and was harnessing her in place, so with every push her heart rate would drop until she returned to her previous position. I still remember the elevated anxiety as things went from "routine" to suddenly doctors and nurses being all around - and eventually having one last attempt, with the aid of suction and some deft maneuvering, to avoid an emergency C-section. I found myself saying silent prayers, imploring the universe, kissing my wife's head, trying to communicate something to our little one. All the while the surreal and absurd soundtrack of "Waterloo" playing, again.

But I'll never forget the tension breaking when the head obstetrician burst through the door, blue capped and gloves at the ready. How she locked eyes with my wife and I could feel her smile even behind the mask. A powerful and positive force projecting confidence. Her team of badass women encircling our little soon-to-be family. The doctor's finger suddenly pointing to the sound resonating from the iPhone dock. "And we got some ABBA playing? Aw yeah, this is my JAM!..."


Spring has arrived here in Oakland, Well, almost. After a glorious flash of what soon will be, we face a brief delay... and it looks like there may be a little more rain for us this weekend. But it's alright. We are well past the long cold lonely winter - and though we'll need to hold off on rosé flights for a little longer, there is still much warmth and joy radiating from within these walls, ready to burst. Come join us in this cozy nest untll then, while we wait for more sunshine, arriving very soon. 

TONIGHT: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS... Loire Vallet Muscadet and Cabernet Franc
2022 Domaine Fessardiere 'La Mer' Muscadet
2022 Jo Landron la Louvetrie Muscadet
2022 Domaine Branger Le Fils des Gras Moutins Muscadet
2021 Sylvain et Nicolas 'Extra Balle' Chinon 
2021 Atheletes du Vin Chinon Rouge
2022 Domnaine du Bel Aire 'Jour de Soif'
Tasting flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until 9pm

SATURDAY 3/23: RONI Selections...Wines of GEORGIA
2021 Lapati Wines Kidev Erti Sparkling (Pet Nat)
2022 Makaridze Tsitska White
2022 Ocho 'Why R U Here?' Rkatsiteli (Skin Cotact)
2022 Matvillis Marani 'Martha' Tsolikouri & Aladasturi (co-ferment)
Tasting flights $18 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

See you soon,
Daniel