French Bulldog with His Own Winery

Frenchie Winery, the first tasting room designed exclusively for dogs, opens its kennel doors today. Located at Raymond Vineyards in the Napa Valley, it’s named for and inspired by the French Bulldog of Raymond Vineyards Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset.

The dog-friendly property features five individual kennel spaces containing specially designed wine-barrel dog beds for when you want to go on a tour of the winery and your dog just wants to lay down and rest or hang out with the other doggy visitors. A doggie-cam will allow pet lovers to keep an eye on their furry friends while they themselves are visiting the Raymond Winery main tasting room. Plans are underway for several dog-centric events including mobile pet grooming, adopt-a-pet day and more.







Above the beds in the kennel area is what the winery calls the “Gallery of Frenchie,” hang canvas portraits depicting Frenchie as various historical icons, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Julius Caesar and Marie Antoinette, to name a few. Overhead, a “Barkarrat” chandelier hangs above a dog-friendly tasting bar, which is designed to dispense water for its canine guests. There’s also an outdoor play area, with views of the beautiful vineyard.







Frenchie will definitely go down in history as the world’s greatest four-legged winemaker. Each wine features a special label depicting Frenchie as an historical figure, inspired by the paintings of artist Carol Lew ( www.carollew.com ). Just released are:

— 2009 Frenchie Napoleon Red Blend — Aromas and flavors of black and red fruit with hints of cassis and subtle oak are unleashed in each glass of this special blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (SRP $30)

— 2009 Frenchie Louis XIV Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of 61 percent Sonoma County and 39 percent Napa County fruit, this wine has fetching aromas and flavors of blackberries and cocoa with hints of cassis and subtle notes of vanilla. (SRP $30)