k9's + wine

By Nancy Dewar

Story Smith Wine Cellars, located in Healdsburg, California, started a bit differently than most vineyards and cellars located in the lush valleys of Sonoma County. Founders Eric Story and Alison Smith-Story both are passionate about wine and had been involved in the industry for years. Eric had expertise in wine buying and retail management. Ali had experience in hospitality, wine buying, consumer marketing and sales. With no large trust funds behind them nor the sale of a high-tech company, the duo turned to online fundraising to launch their new venture in 2014.

They believe that they are one of the few, if not only, US wineries that was crowd-funded with their launch of the Story Smith “Farmers First” campaign on Kickstarter. The Farmers First theme was about pledging to pay a fair price to their grape growers, and they raised over $25,000 in 30 days by 150 backers. Eric and Ali’s passion played a big part in their funding success, but it also was helped along by their somewhat-famous Golden Doodle named Lord Sandwich. As the donations came in, they noticed an interesting trend. A lot of their supporters were followers of Sandwich’s Instagram account. This handsome, “tall as a doorknob,” 80-pound doodle dog had captured the hearts of many; and today he has over 71,000 followers on Instagram!

Story Smith Wine Cellar’s first release was in 2015. They operate out of a custom crush facility (where they use the equipment and resources provided by the facility) and have a wonderful, dog-friendly tasting room in Healdsburg. As they were raising funds, many people wrote asking if Sandwich would be getting his own wine! Initially, their thought was “no critter wines for us!” However, due to his enormous pup-fluence, they produced 600 cases of Lord Sandwich Red in 2016 and have continued with subsequent releases.

Lord Sandwich Red is a non-vintage blend, meaning it is made by blending multiple years together; and each release is noted by a paw print on the back label. Eric and Ali added a philanthropic twist by donating a pair of new socks to charity for each bottle sold through the non-profit they created, Socks for Sandwich. How did they come up with the socks idea? Well, as Ali explained, “All doodles are sock thieves!” Apparently, Sandwich loved socks as a puppy; and over 40,000 pairs have been provided to others in need through their non-profit.

Lord Sandwich is now ten and is a well-known and loved local fixture, not to mention the TRUE LOVE of his parents’ life! He is a pro at greeting guests at the tasting room and has the distinction of being named the company’s “Employee of the Year” every year! Eric, Ali and Sandwich have certainly made a splash in wine country, and their boutique organic wines continue to garner outstanding reviews. Their 2022 Fall Release is outlined on their website where you may also purchase directly from their wine shop.

Be sure to include a bottle or two of the 4th release (marked by four paw prints!) of Lord Sandwich Red (a blend of Sonoma Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc). Not only will you enjoy a delicious blend of black currant and dark cherry combined with fall spice notes, but you’ll also help families in need with new sock donations. (StorySmithWineCellars.com) (SocksForSandwich.org) (@sandwichthedoodle)

Dog Mountain Fall Party Vermont is the perfect place to enjoy extraordinary fall foliage and you can do so while also attending the annual Fall Dog Party at Dog Mountain in Saint Johnsbury, a beautiful 2 ½ hour drive from the Seacoast. Dog Mountain, set on 150 mountain-top acres where dogs can roam freely, was created by renowned artist Stephen Huneck and his wife Gwen. The party will be held on Saturday, October 1st, from noon to 4:00. Bring your pup for a wag-filled day exploring the gorgeous grounds, enjoying some live music, great food, dog treats from local vendors and more. This could be a wonderful fall weekend get-away! (DogMtn.com) The Comfort of Dogs Twenty-six LCC (Lutheran Church Charities) K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from eleven states are in Uvalde, Texas to be with children and staff as they return to school. The K-9s and their teams are at each of the district’s schools for three weeks each morning through September 23rd to be a calming and comforting presence for the students as they return to school. They are also available to the staff and parents to walk with them during their healing process. If you’d like to donate to their travel fund or for stuffed animals to give to students, please visit their website. There truly isn’t anything much more comforting than the unconditional love of a dog. (LutheranChurchCharities.org)

Photo by WOAI TV Photo by WSET

Dover Dog Howloween The 4th annual Dover Dog Howloween event will be held on Saturday, October 15 in the Rotary Arts Pavilion at Henry Law Park in downtown Dover from 11:00 – 3:00. The highlight of each year’s event is the dog costume parade. Starting at 1:00 costumed dogs and their owners will parade down Central Avenue, and the costume category winners will be announced at 2:00. There will also be a police dog demonstration and a variety of vendors with great pup stuff. All proceeds will be donated to Pope Memorial Humane Society in Dover. A salute to Greg West Photography of Somersworth and Golden Dog Adventure Co. in Barrington for producing this fun event. (DoverDogHowloween.com)

Meatball Don’t miss one of the Seacoast's most anticipated fundraising events that helps save the lives of thousands of animals. The NHSPCA’s annual Auction for the Animals will be held on Saturday, November 19th at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle. The evening will feature both a silent and live auction, a cocktail reception followed by dinner and is a wonderful way to spend time with fellow animal lovers and support animals in need. Tickets may be purchased online. (NHSPCA.org)

The Police Department of Amesbury got their newest K9 member earlier this year when German Shepherd “Meatball” joined the department. To help with the care of Meatball (his training, equipment and food isn’t entirely covered by the department) a portion of the proceeds of Newburyport’s 19th Annual Chocolate Tour will be donated to the Amesbury PD. The tour will be held on October 1st from noon till 4:00. Tickets may be purchased at the NBPT Chamber of Commerce, the Candyman, the Brass Lyon, the Olive Oil Company and online (see their Facebook@nbptchocolatetour). The walking tour will offer ticket holders a chance to browse through 30+ stores, sampling an array of chocolates in each. What a sweet way to help support an important pup.

Newfie Fun Days Newfoundland Club of New England’s 26th annual Newfie Fun Days will be held September 17th and 18th from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Piscataqua Boat Basin & Park, Eliot, Maine. Bring your Newf(s) to this event to celebrate the greatest working dog! Both days will offer demonstrations of the work this breed excels at: water rescue, carting and obedience. A food truck will on site and don’t miss the special visit from JB’s Doggie Delight Ice Cream Truck as well as vendors with clothing, dog treats and more. (NewfieFunDays.com) Blessing of the Animals Every year on the 4th of October, many people celebrate St. Francis Day in honor of the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. In remembrance of his love for all creatures, people traditionally take their animals to church for a Blessing of the Animals. St. Andrews-bythe-Sea in Rye will be blessing family pets on Tuesday, October 4th from 4:00 on until all are blessed. Reverend Rob Stevens will bless each family pet (including dogs, cats, fish, parakeets, etc.). All leashed, crated and well-mannered animals are welcome. There will be cider and cookies as well as treats for the pets…. even carrots in case any bunnies or horses show up! Donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit Mary’s Dogs Rescue & Adoption in Northwood, New Hampshire. 30 Church Road, Rye, NH off Ocean Boulevard (StAndrews-By-The-Sea.org)