Seven years ago this week, I wasn't thinking too much about the holidays. The shop had just turned one year old and my wife and I were expecting our first child at any moment. As much as I thought I had prepared, when the day came it ultimately wasn't too far from the chaotic scene from so many movies. The frantic phone call that "it was happening..." and the scramble that ensued (forever).

I can count on one hand the times we've closed shop early, unexpectedly or otherwise. But seven years ago, a handful of you were there and got the news with me in real time. I can still hear my clumsy announcement after I hung up from my wife's call. An excited gasp from the bar. A raised glass (and a few of you downing your glasses in record time). Some regulars and a few strangers gathering their coats, smiling, excited for me. A couple helping lock up shop. Pats on the shoulder at the door. A hug. All of us in the silly scene together. 

Wherever your head or heart is this month, however prepared or otherwise... whatever holiday happenings or high jinks might be in store, we'll be here for you. No rushing out unexpectedly - our doors are open everyday until 9pm and we're here to make this month a joyful one and simply fuss free. Our staff are here to help curate cases for parties and festivities and we've got seasonal gifts from special holiday 6 packs to mulling spice kits to sake box sets and everything in between.

And for those needing something extra special... the OAKLAND YARD Wine Club is a spectacular holiday gift (to yourself or a loved one:)... and one that will keep on giving! Each month, club members receive two outstanding wines for $48. Max writes dynamic and detailed tasting notes for each release as we move around the world tasting and exploring various regions and grape varieties. We are tasting wines from all over, all month, to choose selections specifically for this club - so these bottles rarely make it onto the shelves here. With each club installment we share why we love these wines and include background notes on the producer, grape varieties, winemaking techniques, regional history, tasting notes and occasional recipes or pairing suggestions - a mini personal wine class. Club members also enjoy 10% ALL in store purchases - along with 10% off ALL FLIGHTS and WINES BY THE GLASS, always! JOIN TODAY. Stop by the shop or give us a call at (510) 808- 5129. Or you can now sign up ONLINE!
  
Speaking of Glasses and Flights...
TONIGHT... Thursday Night Flights! SOUTHERN FRENCH WHITES & GREEK XINOMAVRO!:
2023 Domaine de Roquefort Petit Salé de Villeneuve
2023 Domaine de Brin Pierres Blanches Gaillac Blanc
2017 Laballe Les Sables Fauves Landes Blanc
2022 Vaeni Naoussa Xinomavro
2019 Vaeni Grande Reserve Xinomavro
2022 Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close!

SATURDAY 12/14: ZINFANDEL Flights!Classic cool weather reds - fresh and lively local treasures...
2023 Camp Zinfandel
2022 Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel
2022 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel
2016 Sky Vineyards Estate Zinfandel
Flights $20 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm

SUNDAY 12/15: Ed's Bread Pop Up from 1 to 4. Ed's Bread Pop Up returns with artisan breads including sourdough wheat-rye, sourdough flaxseed-wheat, sourdough black sesame togarashi - as well as sweet and savory pastries, scones, and cookies!

Cheers,

Daniel