Dog's Life

Grape Explorations

By Paula Felps

When Brenda Lynch opened Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma County, California, in 1995, she wanted to do two things: Celebrate dogs and give them a place where they could come and be with their owners.

“We wanted to have fun with it,” she says. “And we thought, what’s better than using wine to celebrate dogs?”

With varieties such as Merlot Over, Canis Major, and Unleashed, Mutt Lynch Winery puts its love for dogs right on the label. But what’s even better is how Mutt Lynch has opened its grounds to traveling dogs and their friends to tour the winery.

“So many people travel with their dogs, but they also want to be able to spend a day in the wine country. We wanted to create a way for them to be able to do that and still share the day with their dog,” Lynch says.

At Mutt Lynch, just as much thought goes into the dog’s experience as it does into the human experience.

“We have different flavored bones that the dogs can taste while the people taste their wine,” she says. “The most important thing, for us, is making it fun for everyone. We do a lot of charity events for dogs, and we host birthday parties or private tastings or even puppy bark-mitzvahs!”

Even their wine club, Club Mutt, has a canine twist, with a toy or treat included in each bi-annual shipment.

“A winery is a great way to share a day—there’s so many new smells, so many new things to see; every dog that’s ever been here seems to have a great time,” Lynch says.

All across the country, wineries are incorporating canines into their business plans. More and more dog-themed labels are cropping up, from Cru Vin Dogs wine in Denver, Colorado, to the San Francisco-based Canine Wines. And many of those wineries, like Mutt Lynch, invite you to share the experience of visiting with your best friend.

In Floyd County, Virginia, wine dogs head to Chacirc;teau Morrisette, home of For The Love of Dogs and Service Dogs wines. This dog-friendly, dog-loving winery is thrilled to host you and your dog, and if you time it right, you can enjoy one of their Black Dog Wine and Blues festivals. Whether you’re sitting and sipping, or lounging and listening, it’s a relaxing and fun environment that’s meant to be shared by people and pups alike.

At Clinch Mountain Winery in Harrogate, Tennessee, there’s no doubt that every drop is poured with dogs in mind. With such varieties as Hound Dog Red, Clinch Mountain Poodle, and Bulldog Blush—each featuring the appropriate dog on the label—this family owned winery definitely makes canine visitors the toast of the town. Expect a warm welcome when you and your dog visit this winery, which has the look and feel of an old country store. Stroll the grounds together, or sit on the shaded porch with your pooch and raise your glass to another day well spent—together!