Someone walked into the bar last night and asked, “Are you doing Thursday Night Flights?” “Yes, tomorrow, when it’s Thursday,” I answered, trying not to sound snarky, and they chuckled at their momentary confusion. I understand, there’s a lot to keep track of. Sometimes the day of the week can be a bit of a surprise, as can the year in which we live, a number that climbs faster with age. So, just to get everyone on the same page, it’s Thursday again, and now August of 2023. What a time to be alive!

I’m back in town after many weeks away, and though a few things have changed here and there, Oakland Yard still feels like home. Or more like a room in someone’s home with tons of wine, a well-stocked refrigerator, and a revolving cast of familiar characters. Already this week, I’ve seen Oscar, talked with Sunny and Clyde, reconnected with Gemma, Penny, and Stefan, and met Natsumi’s mom, sweet as pie she is. And I’m looking forward to more of these little reunions in the coming weeks, as well as the slew of friendly faces I’ll surely find at the Urelio’s pizza and oyster party we’ve got planned for Sunday the 20th.

As summer wanes, some of you are leaving on last-minute jaunts, others returning, readying for school. In the waters to our west, humpback and blue whales are reaching peak abundance, and sea lions are pitching their final woo. Beyond the Oakland hills, winemakers are monitoring brix and acid levels, gathering crews for the coming harvest, and here at Oakland Yard, I’m back to help do what we do, pouring wines by the glass - all day, every day - with tasting flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. Hope to see you soon!

Tonight: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS with Joe Manekin from Mission Wine Merchants.
Not your average Joe, the erudite and jovial Mr. Manekin will be pouring red and white flights featuring wines from Spain, Portugal, France, and Chile.
2020 Tardieux-Gal Touraine Les Parcs
2022 Nortico Alvarinho
2021 Vinos Tresbolillo Las Canicas Albariño
2021 Vina Maitia Aupa Pipeno
2020 Athlètes du Vin Chinon
2017 Olartia Rioja
Tasting flights $15 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm

This SATURDAY 8/5: Tasting flights of ROSÉ from around the world
2021 Casa Rossa Rosé from CORSICA
2022 Rosner Rosé vom Zweigelt from AUSTRIA
2022 Trail Marker Rosé from CALIFORNIA
2021 Oda Family Naked Ojaleshi Rosé from GEORGIA
Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

Cheers,
Max