One the owners, Julia, stopped in the shop yesterday as Max, Claire, and I had finished up a tasting appointment with one of our wine reps. Something about his demeanor compelled Julia to comment after his departure. He is so nice, she said, and we all nodded in agreement. 

While we enjoy congenial relationships with the vast majority of our reps and vendors, it is not a given that any particular kindness or niceties are expected or observed. Not everyone in hospitality is hospitable, and in the world of wine a certain stuffiness is sadly still too common. And the subculture around natural wine, positioned as anti-establishment and embracing a return to purity and authenticity, is not without some supercilious sorts.  

I won't convince anyone that kinder folks make better painters, or the best chefs, or have the best wine portfolios. I personally know of some real assholes who make indisputably good wines. But I was reminded yesterday that it is a profound and simple joy, almost an alchemy of sorts, when one encounters good people sharing good things. When the product resonates with a certain spirit - and yes, with purity and authenticity. I wrote one year ago about some local shops and neighbors with this sort of integrity. And I'm reminded of an interview after the death of a punk icon, the musician remarking that "the most punk rock thing you can do these days is smile and be kind". I'm not sure how being nice became anti-establishment, but if kindness can indeed be some gentle act of revolution, some form of protest, we're here for it, for you and with you, arms linked.

Join us and march on in Saturday, as we welcome Cody Putnam who will be here pouring a selection of all new, natural wines from the RONI SELECTS portfolio. Come for the dynamic tasting, ranging from Piquette to cider and reds around the globe...though don't be shocked to discover he is also one of the nicest and most knowledgeable reps we know. 

RONI Selects at OAKLAND YARD, Saturday 1/27:
Decideret Spontane Apple & Blackcurrant Cider - Denmark
Plēb Urban Winery Piquette - North Carolina
2021 Masia de la Roqua Tinto - Spain
2021 Didgori Kabistoni - Republic of Georgia
Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm

But first... Tonight: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! Austrian Whites and Italian Reds...
2022 Stix Gruner Veltliner
2022 Hiedler Loess Gruner Veltliner
2022 Schloss Gobelsburg Schlosskellerei Kamptal Riesling
2021 FUSO Cantine Polvanera CALX Primitivo
2020 Ayunta Rosso Nerello Mascalese
2019 Terra d'Aligi Tatone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until 9pm.
Tacos Oscar OPEN TONIGHT! Tacos welcome with Flights or Glasses anytime :)

Cheers,
Daniel

Poem for this week (and for Jonno): Small Kindnesses