Many wineries welcome dogs on their premises, but for some, the canine connection runs especially deep. Rescue organizations and shelters, both private and public, depend on fund-raisers and donations to keep their programs running. Winemakers with a soft spot for our four-legged friends often step up to the plate by donating their produce to events such as last spring's WoofBay, a benefit for the Sonoma Humane Society; and Wine Down, a recent event co-sponsored by Vintner's Cellars to benefit Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.
Other wineries invest time and energy in on-site events for dog-related causes. Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg, for example, hosts Dog Days of Summer, a pet-friendly event benefiting the San Francisco SPCA. Topel Winery, also in Healdsburg, runs a photo contest resulting in a calendar released at an October event benefiting the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Many other wineries sponsor charitable events benefiting our four-legged friends. We at DogTrekker would love to hear about them. Please drop us a line at info@dogtrekker.com and help us spread the word.