Sonoma Wine-It's Dogtoberfest at Topel Tasting Room!

Topel Winery will celebrate the release of two new 2007 vintage wines — Pinot Noir and Gamay — at a special open house at their new Healdsburg Tasting Room on Saturday, October 25. The event is part of the winery’s “Dogtoberfest” celebration, which will raise funds for the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Tastings of the two new wines will be complimentary and 10% of the sales of the new Pinot Noir and Gamay will be donated to the shelter. Appetizers will be offered to guests — including treats for visiting doggies — and live jazz will be performed by Three Guys Named Mo from noon to 4 p.m. The event coincides with the annual Healdsburg Doggie Costume Parade, which will be held on Healdsburg Plaza from noon to 2 p.m.

As part of “Dogtoberfest,” the winery also is soliciting creative photographs of dogs for its first “Wine Tails” calendar, which will be offered for sale beginning Thanksgiving weekend, again with profits going to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Photos should be in high resolution digital format (minimum 300 dpi), preferably with a wine theme, incorporating the dog(s) posing in vineyards, or with barrels, bottles or wine glasses ¬— or wearing Topel logowear. Photos should be submitted no later than October 31st via email to donnis@topelwines.com. Complete information about the calendar project and photo requirements is available on the Topel website at www.topelwines.com. The Topel Tasting Room is located at 125 Matheson Street in Healdsburg, just steps off Healdsburg Plaza. It is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 707-433-4116.