International Dog Day is Aug. 26, and Matanzas Creek Winery is commemorating the solid bond in between red wine enthusiasts and their four-legged buddies with an occasion Saturday.
Winemaker Marcia Torres-Forno will be putting brand-new releases and library red wines, while Black Piglet food truck will serve BLT sandwiches and other chef-inspired fare. Meanwhile, dogs will be spoiled with highbrow dog treats from Love Charlie Biscuit.
Perhaps it’s not unexpected, here in Wine Country, that the worlds of red wine tasting and dog ownership significantly overlap. Consider, for instance, all the family pet adoptions that occurred throughout the pandemic.
“There’s definitely been a trend over the last couple of years, perhaps with the higher adoption rates (during) COVID, with our hospitality industry recognizing guests want to take their best friends with them to enjoy a meal or activity like wine tasting,” said Wenonah Maddox, red wine club supervisor for Matanzas Creek Winery. “It’s a shift in lifestyle that shows folks are even closer to their pets. It’s only smart to open up the experiences to include the ‘whole family’ in a relaxed, friendly environment.”
Of course, organizers anticipate dogs at the occasion to act, with visitors assisting to patrol their family pets.
“We do ask that dog owners be aware of other pets and people that interact with your dog at all times, and please do not leave them unattended,” Maddox said. “We ask that if your dog appears nervous, anxious or afraid, to please remove him or her from the situation.”
There will be water stations established throughout the property and baggies available so individuals can get after their pooches.
Organizers aren’t preparing for any scuffles since they understand much of the dogs are regulars at the winery.
“We have such a dog-loving fan base,” Maddox said. “The property at Matanzas Creek is an incredible oasis tucked in the tree-lined hills of Bennett Valley. … Dog lovers share a similar mindset with their dogs. Like dogs, being outside allows the senses to revive, enliven and renew.”
Studies, Maddox said, have actually revealed that dog enthusiasts tend to be outside lovers and extroverted.
“They enjoy being around other people and participate in events,” she said. “That’s a wine lover in my book.”
Wine lover Kathleen Daly is a tasting room partner at Matanzas Creek Winery, and she has 4 rescue dogs.
“Everyone who’s ever loved a dog knows how special it is to share leisure time with their best friends,” Daly said. “What dog lovers and wine lovers have in common is great taste. Dogs have been cherished by nobles and rulers for thousands of years. Fine wines and dogs have been celebrated by many ancient civilizations, and some things never change.”
Tickets are $40 and a part of the sales will be contributed to the Paws for Love Foundation (pawsforlove.info), a resource for shelters and rescue companies in the Western states.
You can reach red wine author Peg Melnik at 707-521-5310 or [email protected]. On Twitter @pegmelnik.
