Since my last blog post, I’ve received a lovely email from Kelly at Écluse Wines. She thought my readers should know the story behind the wine and wanted to make sure everyone could see a picture of their wine label.
Blind dog, Toby, with a bottle of Blind Dog Wine
The Saga began in 1996 when our 30 acre vineyard on the Westside of the Paso Robles appellation was planted. Our property caretaker, Duane Robinson, lived on the property with Bingo, his longtime, faithful companion who, due to glaucoma, was blind. They were simpatico companions as Bingo would bark to alert Duane, who was very hard of hearing and Duane would be Bingo’s eyes. In 1998 Bingo had aged. We searched for a true assist dog for Duane and found Dogs for the Deaf in Oregon.
They are a terrific organization that rescues dogs and trains them as assist dogs. After passing the application process, Duane was matched with Toby. She was a great help to Duane as his hearing assist dog and a wonderful addition to the vineyard. As Toby aged we discovered she was a diabetic. In the summer of 2008 Toby lost her sight – a true irony to have two blind dogs on the property and especially for Toby, since she was an assist dog. But as with Bingo, nothing deters Toby from enjoying life amongst the vines!
We were inspired by these two special vineyard dogs and our Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee is a tribute to them. Their happy wagging tails exuded their love of life and a determined spirit showing everyone that they would not be deterred by their handicap.
In their honor, a percentage of our proceeds will be donated to Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon.
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