| Whether proud purebred, or mischievous mongrel, | | | | Simba, his much beloved boxer-like rescue mutt. |
| Americans love their dogs. We celebrate their | | | | The delightfully dogged, Simba, had a quirky penchant |
| birthdays; showcase them on our holiday greeting | | | | for dismantling rock walls in a quest for the perfect |
| cards, brag about their beauty and smarts, and | | | | massive rock to lug around the vineyard hills in her |
| fork-over $40 billion a year to spoil them. | | | | strong jaws for most of the day. |
| That is, except for the 27 million unwanted animals left | | | | When the rock would eventually lose its appeal, Simba, |
| to U.S. shelters in every year, and the over 10 million | | | | would tear apart yet another wall to replace the |
| animals that are put to death because they are | | | | cast-off. In her name, Richard, created a sinfully |
| abandoned and unwanted. | | | | delicious wine with hints of pepper, spice, blackcurrant |
| Napa Valley winemaker, storyteller and dog lover, | | | | and cherry to drink alone or to pair with rich Italian |
| Richard Graeser, is doing his part to help. | | | | dishes like Osso Bucco. |
| The verdant vineyard hillsides of his Graeser Winery in | | | | His initial dog-label wine became so popular that he |
| historic Calistoga have been happily invaded over the | | | | added others to his wine club, and he discovered that |
| years by various beloved breeds adopted from | | | | members who shared his love of dogs and wine |
| rescue groups. | | | | appreciated knowing that a percentage of sales were |
| It seems fitting that Calistoga's world famous geyser is | | | | donated to animal-related charities through Richard's |
| called "Old Faithful" because that is what Richard's | | | | foundation. He saw it as a win-win-win all around. |
| rescue dogs have meant to him: they've faithfully | | | | Today, Simba is gone, but Richard's latest winery dogs, |
| enriched his life. And he created commemorative | | | | Jack and Jill, are the unofficial tail-wagging mascots |
| dog-label wines to honor his furry amigos and to | | | | who welcome visitors to the winery to picnic, for |
| create a vehicle for donating a percentage of sales to | | | | tastings and for special events. They and Richard |
| animal care and rescue efforts, too. | | | | hope that someday you'll visit their beautiful and historic |
| An ideal gift for the dog lovers in your life. | | | | Calistoga winery to meet this animal benefactor |
| Richard created his Fo-Paws Foundation to donate a | | | | winemaker and his adorable canines. In the meantime, |
| percentage of his winery sales to animal rescue and | | | | here's to you! |
| care and also as a way to honor his fur-buddies like, | | | | |