REVIEW: Rescue Dog Wines, a sustainable wine grower based in the Lodi region of California, is on a mission to grow and produce great wine, but their other passion and focus is on helping rescue dogs. This breed of endeavors led to the name of the wines and happy pups adorn every label.
When I first heard about the winery, and being a bit jaded in my middle age, I thought maybe this was a minor gimmick to sell wine in a crowded market. However, it turns out this wine producer is anything but a gimmick, and donating 50% of wine sale profits go to help rescue organizations.
As the owners, Blair and Laura Lott, put it, “At Rescue Dog Wines, we craft award-winning wines from sustainable grapes. You can enjoy our wines knowing half our profits support animal rescue organizations.”
Their back story for cofounders Blair and Laura Lott reads like a cable TV series pitch, in the nice way. They started planning their new life in wine country in 2015. They knew that they wanted to embrace sustainable growing practices and create a new, more rewarding lifestyle for themselves.
In addition, the Lotts knew that they wanted enough land to grow wine grapes AND foster dogs. They knew that at some point they also wanted to create high-quality, premium wines. During this period of exploring many of California’s wine regions, it dawned on the Lotts that they could combine their two passions—and Rescue Dog Wines was born!
Rescue Dog Wines collaborates with a network of nonprofit organizations and companion animal rescues, united in our mission to support rescue dogs. They support rescue dogs in many ways, ranging from wine donations for fundraising events, to endowments, to volunteering time and personally fostering dogs.
The company prefers to donate wine for fundraising. They tend to donate locally in California or in other states where they have distribution, so their partners can donate on their behalf
A list of rescue partners in California, and across the U.S. can be found here: https://rescuedogwines.com/mission
Additionally, the winery holds local and regional events as fundraisers, with doggos in attendance, and feature tasting introductions to their wine lineup.
So What About the Wine?
Having a good heart and good idea, does not necessarily translate to good wine. I’m happy to say, in this case, they have a fine line of well regarded and rated California wine offerings – some from their own grapes and some from their neighbors.
They offer a fairly wide range of options, including a 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Chardonnay, 2023 Rosé – Estate Grown Grenache, 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2021 Pinot Noir, 2021 Red Blend, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, NV Méthode Champenoise Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine, and NV Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Rosé (as of this writing, of course).
While I am no sommelier, I am now in my middle age, and tend to prefer a $25-50 bottle of wine to a $8-$20 bottle. I tend to pair my wine with chicken, quiche, beef stir fry, and pasta.
I was able to enjoy two of the six bottles sent by the winery for review, tasting, and very briefly I will mention those below. I liked both, and would buy these myself to enjoy again in the future. (The others are on my “to do” list over the long holiday break!)
2021 Pinot Noir ($33.99)
- Double Gold, 99 – CA State Fair
- Double Gold, 95 – Sunset International Wine Competition
I quite liked this one, being a Pinot fan. Deep, rich and lots of fruit body.
The winery describes as: Our very first Pinot Noir, this elegant Central Coast red was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels using traditional winemaking methods. Aromatic and complex, this wine balances earthiness with notes of hibiscus and dark cherry. A little dry, but smooth and silky. Vegan friendly.
Learn more: (over 21) https://rescuedogwines.com/shop-wine/2021-pinot-noir
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.99)
- Gold, 96 – CA State Fair
- Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
This one had some good notes of berries, oak, almost a little smoky. Very good.
The winery describes as: Our 2021 Lodi AVA Cabernet Sauvignon is made with grapes from over 25-year-old Cabernet vines. Velvety and rich with plum, blueberry, vanilla, and chocolate notes.
Learn more: (over 21) https://rescuedogwines.com/shop-wine/2021-cabernet-sauvignon
Wine Club:
They also offer a wine club for regular enjoyment, at respectable discounts of about 15%.
VIDEO (YouTube):
Official video intro to winery with the owners, Blair and Laura.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
First Annual Fundraiser Gala for Fosters & Paws
February 22, 2025 @ 5 9:00 p.m.
Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento
https://rescuedogwines.com/event/first-annual-fundraiser-gala-for-fosters-paws
RHF Garden Pawty
With Rescue Haven Foundation
May 5, 2025 @ 12 – 5 p.m.
Saddle Brook, NJ
https://rescuedogwines.com/event/rhf-garden-pawty-2025
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Disclosure: no fee or other consideration was paid to the author or this website for creation of this content. A selection of wines were provided to the author for review purposes. No affiliate links appear in this article. This article first appeared on CaliforniaNewswire.com and is copr. © 2024 Christopher Simmons.
