I sip warily from the cup of pride. The smuggest of the seven deadlies is not to be trifled with; it will poison friendships and is easily dissolved by misfortune. I have a modicum of self-confidence but try not to take too much pleasure or satisfaction in my supposed achievements or attributes. That said, Oakland Yard is not my own creation, but a collaboration I’ve helped initiate, and I am proud of the work we’re doing together as partners, employees, and customers, to maintain a safe and joyous space amid the chaos of our lives.

I felt it last week, with suspicion, when close friends, surveying the arcs of our various careers, suggested I’d achieved a major accomplishment in Oakland Yard - the welcoming feeling, the warmth, the good vibes - all qualities we’ve fostered together, I thought, with great pride. And it happened again this week, when tasting with a winemaker from Lebanon. It’s always fun to witness the reactions of overseas visitors unsure of what to expect from Oakland. We’ve tasted with winemakers from France, Hungary, Spain, and Italy in the last month, and when they enter our shop so full of sunlight, flowers, clean lines, and fantastic wines, they are sometimes so clearly and happily taken aback, that I too see our space with new eyes and a greater appreciation of what we do, and I allow myself a little pride.

Thanks to all of you who keep Oakland Yard uniquely vibrant and special! We’re looking forward to a summer of stellar tasting flights and special events, including a back lot PARTY and ARTISAN MARKET featuring oysters by Shuckbuddy,  DARUMA KIOSK serving Takoyaki and Izakaya, and an amazing lineup of local vendors, artisans, and artists - all here on SATURDAY JUNE 8th - and starting June 1st, we’ll be open until 9pm every night of the week!

But first...TONIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS:
Spanish whites and French reds - all organically farmed
2022 Monte Pio Raxeira Albariño
NV Brincadeiro Naturalmente Turbio
2021 Masia de la Roqua Blanco Ulivel-la Xarel-lo
2022 Remi Pouizin Vice Versa
2021 Benjamin Taillandier Laguzelle Minervois
2019 Domaine de Nerleux Saumur-Champigny Rouge
Tasting flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until 9pm

SATURDAY 5/25: NEW CALIFORNIA reds and whites - all organically farmed
2023 Birdhorse Verdelho
2022 Subject to Change Chill Pill Chenin Blanc
2021 Jaimee Motley Argillet Mondeuse
2022 Bedrock Wine Co. California Syrah
Tasting flights $20 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

Proudly,
Max