It’s hot and we’re eagerly trying to find something to be excited about – so we decided to celebrate our favorite animal: the dog. This month, $1 per bottle of featured wine and $2 per case of featured beer will be donated to Saving Grace in support of rescue dogs all over North Carolina. Since 2004, they have placed over 50,000 dogs in loving homes throughout our state.
We’ve put together a list of some “Big Dog” wine regions, along with some great dog themed beer and wine products to show our support for man’s best friend.
Abita Brewery
Undoubtedly a bunch of animal lovers, our friends down in Louisiana have products adorned with crocodiles, fish and – fitting for our August features – dogs!
Abita TurboDog Brown Ale
Abita’s Turbodog is a rich, dark brown ale made with pale, caramel, and chocolate malts, and Willamette hops, giving it sweet chocolate and toffee flavors. Once a specialty brew, it’s now a flagship ale that pairs well with meats, hamburgers, sausages, smoked fish, and wild game. It’s also great for marinating and cooking vegetables, and complements cheeses like Colby and Cheddar, as well as spicy dishes and even chocolate.
Abita's Vanilla Triple Dog
Inspired by Turbodog, this gem is aged with natural vanilla beans for a creamy vanilla aroma.
Adobe Road Winery’s Blue Dog Cabernet Sauvignon
Blue Dog Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the best of Napa Valley and Sonoma County, two premier wine-growing regions. Napa provides polished texture and dark fruit flavors, while Sonoma contributes exotic spices and silky tannins, creating a captivating and perfectly balanced blend. This unique wine packs a lot of quality into a captivatingly elegant bottle, and is a solid addition to any bottle list or offering.
Ercole Rosato
Ercole Rosato is a blend of Monferrato’s iconic Barbera and Dolcetto grapes. It features aromatic notes of fresh-cut watermelon, red apples, strawberries, and a touch of summer herbs. The palate is lean, clean, and fruit-forward, making this 1-liter bottle an exceptional value. Ercole, named for the owner’s dog, Hercules, naturally was a fit for supporting the dogs!
La Retro Vin Rouge
While we’re talking 1000ml bottles – yes, we know it’s a big stretch – this wine is a standout, crafted through a collaboration between Eric Solomon of European Cellars and Jean Marc Lafage of St. Roch and Lafage wines. With such expertise behind it, you can expect nothing less than excellence. Packaged in a one-liter bottle adorned with a charming French bistro label, it offers remarkable value for your investment. This is a wine that truly deserves to be enjoyed by the glass. Not only is it affordable, but the flavor is exceptional, providing an experience that far surpasses its price point.
Rootstock Cellars
Collaborating with winemakers globally, Freedom’s “top dogs,” Laura and Tim, create wines designed for every wine enthusiast. Whether you seek a lively, vibrant wine for a casual barbecue or a robust, full-bodied option to end a summer day perfectly, their collection has something for everyone. With a shared passion for dogs, nearly as strong as their love for wine, the labels on these bottles also celebrate their beloved furry family members.
- Gun Dog Malbec
- Side By Side Rioja Crianza
- Side By Side Rioja Gran Reserva
- Side By Side Rioja Reserva
Winter Dog Cellars
Named in honor of the founder’s beloved dog, this boutique craft beverage importer, based in the Washington, DC area, represents brands from nine countries across three continents. With an unwavering passion for superior craft beverages made from the finest ingredients, their curated portfolio features exceptional breweries, wineries, and cideries worldwide. They believe that responsibly enjoyed quality alcoholic beverages enhance life’s enjoyment. Their mission is to bring global recognition to exceptional beverages. These beers aren’t for the faint of heart, but they uphold the highest standards of brewing to create an exceptionally interesting product.
- Lambiek Fabriek Muscar-Elle Lambic
- Lambiek Fabriek Black-Belle Black Currant Lambic
- Lambiek Fabriek Blue-Belle
- Lambiek Fabriek Fontan-Elle Young Lambic
- Lambiek Fabriek Gros-Elle
- Lambiek Fabriek Jart-Elle Kriek Lambic
- Lambiek Fabriek Schar-Elle
- Oud Beersel Oude Geuze Vieille
- Oud Beersel Oude Kriek Vieille
- Oud Beersel Rose Flower Sparkling Lambiek
- Brehon Brewhouse Blonde
- Brehon Brewhouse Killanny Red
- Brehon Brewhouse Ulster Black
BIG DOG WINE REGIONS
Burgundy, France
When considering the “Big Dogs” of the wine world, France undoubtedly stands out. Perhaps the most influential of all, Burgundy is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest and most sought-after wines. Its unique terroir, characterized by a mosaic of small, individual vineyard plots, each with distinct soil compositions and microclimates, contributes to the exceptional quality and diversity of its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Although the region is small, its impact is mighty in the wine industry. We’ve picked some of our favorites that are sure to wow your guests as only Burgundy can do.
- Domaine Ninot Rully 1er Cru Marissou Rouge
- Domaine Ninot Rully Chaponniere Rouge
- Droin Chablis
Napa Valley, California
Logan Farrell Wines
Renowned for its unique climate, diverse soils, and innovative winemaking techniques, Napa Valley excels in producing exceptional wines. These natural advantages and pioneering expertise have established Napa as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Created by Mike O’Connell and famed winemaker Larry Levin, Logan Farrell focuses exclusively on Napa Valley vineyards. Their portfolio includes a fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, rich with dark fruits and spice, and a bright Chardonnay with tropical and citrus notes from the Oak Knoll AVA. If you need Napa Valley representation, it doesn’t get more price friendly than this.
- Logan Farrell Chardonnay
- Logan Farrell Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
