Dogs are as much a part of vineyard and winery life as grapes or barrels. Around Santa Ynez Valley, it’s almost expected to see a dog in the back of a pickup, accompanying a winegrower through the vines or hanging out in the cool cellar on a hot summer day. And so it was with Norman and Traudl Huber’s canine companion, Charlotte. The smartest puppy in a litter of 12, the Huber’s brought Charlotte home from the Buellton Farmer’s Market thirteen years ago. Not only was Charlotte an excellent guard dog and an expert “gopher hunter”, but also became multi-lingual, picking up both English and German from the Hubers. Definitely the smartest pup in the litter!

Charlotte passed away in2007 after a long and happy life with the Huber's.

With a desire to not only memorialize Charlotte, but also to help other dogs find such a good life, Norman and Traudl have crafted a special wine from their vineyard, called “Charlotte’s Reserve”. They chose the two finest barrels of their 2005 Dornfelder wine – a red wine that is so dark as to be almost black. Like Charlotte, the wine is full of character and quality, is bursting with black fruit flavors and is a true representation of their Sta. Rita Hills vineyard. Ten percent of the price of each bottle is being donated to Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society which since 1979 has been providing nutritious food, needed medical care, and a clean, safe and welcoming place for homeless animals while they find them a new family.

Charlotte’s Reserve features a hand-waxed seal and special label. Dark plum notes, blackberry and a hint of black raspberry jam mingle with fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish in this beautifully structured and balanced wine.