When I was in eighth grade, my parents drove me to my first real interview, part of the admissions process for an all boys preparatory school. I remember being nervous walking the hall to what I presumed would be the headmaster’s office, like something from Dead Poet's Society. The Dean, Mr. Brang, opened with a question that caught me immediately off guard: What is one quality that defines you? Now, I feel I need to prepare you for the cringe, and establish my defense. Yes, he was probably expecting a response along the lines of being trustworthy or hardworking... but nothing like that came to mind in the moment. I interpreted the question as what I best known for, but knew he wouldn't care how quickly I could memorize song lyrics, that I was Hopscotch champion in sixth grade, or that I already had a few chest hairs. l recalled their pamphlets promoting concepts like academic excellence and molding the minds of young men. So I wanted to impress. And I think I just meant to suggest I was a pensive sort, analytical perhaps, maybe even an occasional deep thinker. But what came out of my 13 year old mouth was: I'd have to say my intellectual status.

I regretted it instantly(what the hell did that even mean??). A quizzical smirk on his end, a pensive pause. For the briefest second I wondered if I'd actually knocked it out of the park. But he coughed in a way (that I would recognize in movies over the next decade) that more suggested he was choking down a good laugh at my expense. He kept his cool though, writing something down in his notes (this kid is a fucking dork!). But the mood was lighter after that and he threw me some softballs, probably eager to wrap things up and go chuckle with his colleagues about this little wierdo.

To this day, I'm still quick with song lyrics. My chest hairs are mostly grey now. But to be honest, I never really got any better at self promotion. Max and I are different people, but he too is more likely to keep quiet about his many amazing talents, credentials, and accomplishments. For today though, with some courage and clarity, please refrain from laughter and kindly allow me just a few lines of promotion... I'm so proud of Oakland Yard and what the team has created here. There are a lot of places and ways to get your wine, but we truly believe we have one of most dynamic and well-curated collections here. We have an extremely knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to serving you and to helping select the perfect bottles for your enjoyment or special occasions. We care deeply about creating a warm and welcoming space for all, and about fostering community here. Please consider (and promote us too!) for special event orders, we can quickly and efficiently curate and assemble any quantities for holiday gifts, corporate events, banquets, office parties, small and large weddings... we will help make the event memorable! Call us, stop in, or use our ONLINE ORDER REQUEST FORM. Smaller personal orders? We've got you covered... some shops offer 10% off a full case, but we give an early break with 10% on 6 bottles or more! Deeper discount for larger order too:). And while our weekly tastings (Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons) are fun and social, they also come with the added value of wine education for anyone who wants to learn more about specific regions or varieties. We keep it informal and approachable, always - and our WINE CLUB offers all kinds of similar perks too, starting at $48: You'll get 2-4 wines each month, with detailed tasting notes, and regional background and winemaker profiles...members enjoy 10% discount on all bottles, glasses, flights, and provisions! 

Alright, that's enough. I'm blushing.
(And that's below someone of my "intellectual status" ;)

THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: SPANISH REDS & SICILIAN WHITES
2022 La Portera Tardano Garnacha
2022 Tantaka Txakoli Arabako Tinto
2023 Bodegas D. Mateo La Mateo Rioja
2022 Al Cantara Occhi di Ciumi Etna Bianco
2024 Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Grillo
2024 Fuso Cala Bianco Terre Siciliane Skin Fermented Catarratto
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close!

SATURDAY 9/27: TASTING FLIGHTS from the REPUBLIC of GEORGIA
2023 Baia’s Wine: Tsiska Tsolikouri Krakhuna
2023 Pheasant’s Tears Tsitska
2022 Teliani Valley Amber Blend 
2023 Teliani Valley Saperavi 
Flights from 2-6 and wines by the glass until close!

AND SUNDAY... ED'S BREAD POP UP returns from 1-4pm 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