This probably happens in other businesses too, but I feel there is something unique about the relationship that develops between customers and staff at small wine shops like ours. There’s a unique connection established by telling a stranger (initially) what you’re having for dinner - or maybe what you are planning for a special occasion or celebration. And as these exchanges happen again over months and years, the shared experience remains far beyond transactional.  

I could tell hundreds of stories about exchanges I've had in wine shops from California to New York. But for whatever reason, today I'm thinking of an older woman named Teri who used to come into Smith & Vine, the Brooklyn shop I worked at with Max. Moving there from LA, I was delighted to hear so many French and Italian accents from the residents of Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, but the really heavy, old school New York accents always delighted me the most - and Teri’s was amazing. She was a short and thin, but had a big face and large teeth... lots of mouth to tell great stories and share the many wacky details of her life. She was a bit of a calamity magnet, often getting locked out of her apartment or worse things. But she'd share it all through a giant smile, and an Ain’t that life? attitude that I found so endearing. And no matter how many times we interacted, she would always end her updates the same way: ...And whattabout YOU, how you doin'? and then, with some gravity: And how’s Bartley? How’s my sweet BAWtley. Give him my love...

Bartley trained me, but left the shop weeks before I first met Teri. Weeks became months then years, but it was always the same, Teri asking about him again and again. And wouldn't you know it, well over a year after I moved back to California, I was catching up with the Brooklyn shop gang, and reminiscing about customers there, when someone shared that Teri was in that week. Her usual self, they said, locked herself out of her apartment again. Of course she asked about Bartley - and then: And how is Danny - how’s my sweet Danny doin'? You heard from him?...

I hope I’m not betraying the trust of any staff here when I share how often we think about and talk about our regulars – what a kick we get out of the characters in this neighborhood and how much we love this community. Thank you for sharing your personalities with us, your unique tales, your joys, your struggles. And what you’re cooking. This weekend and always. Until we see you again, we’re sure to be thinking of you (and likely asking around about you:). 

We’re open July 4 and here all weekend for your holiday feasts and festivities. And for those looking for some July 4 plans... roll in and experience the culinary fireworks that The Comfort Collective (@eat.drink.comfort) is sure to bring! Menu will be roasted pork // coconut rice // barbecue braised chicken // creole potato salad // shaved summer salad. The Comfort Collective will be here THIS FRIDAY, from 3pm until sold out! Glass proceeds going to @centro_legaldelaraza!

But first TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights...
Loire Valley Muscadet and Australian Reds
2023 Domaine de la Pépière La Pépie Muscadet
2015 Les Bêtes Curieuses Huchet & Mourat Monnières-Saint Fiacre Muscadet
2022 Jo Landron La Louvetrie Muscadet
2024 Jumpin' Juice Half Full Grenache
2023 Unico Zelo Fresh AF Nero d’Avola
2021 SC Pannell Field Street Shiraz
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close!

SATURDAY 7/5: New Mediterranean Wine Flights 
2024 Kontozisis Vineyards Drop by Drop The Jar Fills Up Roditis - Greece
2024 Occhipinti SP68 Bianco - Sicily
2024 Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé - France
2024 Tsiakkas Mouklos Mavro - Cyprus
Flights $18 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm

Thinking of you,
Daniel