Free Dog Wines
In 2009, the year Fujishin Family Cellars was founded, Teresa Moye and Martin Fujishin went to an auction so that Martin could sell off the last of his farm equipment. At the auction Teresa came upon a man with a crate full of puppies. He was giving them away. Teresa asked if she could take out a little black one to pet and the man obliged. She then went to Martin to show him the puppy. They agreed that it was not the right time for them to have a dog; they were trying to get Fujishin Cellars established and they were beginning their lives together. Teresa went back to find the man to return the puppy but he was gone. It turns out this was a common practice that farmers and rural families used to get rid of unwanted puppies.
Martin shook his head, amused at the whole situation, and said, “Well, I guess you have a dog now!” A few days later, they were having dinner at Martin’s parents’ house and Martin told them the story. Martin’s father laughed when Teresa mentioned that they now had a free dog, to which he replied, “There is no such thing as a Free Dog!”
Teresa and Martin named their free dog Tess. She was joined shortly thereafter by another puppy, TJ, and then cats Diesel and Harley. They have become loving, steadfast, and integral parts of their lives ever since. They are family.
In 2012 Teresa and Martin launched their second label, Lost West Winery. After several years of discussing it, they decided it needed a rebrand. They realized that their furry family members deserved to be the inspiration behind the new label and Free Dog Wines was born. The Free Dog brand is all about having new adventures and enjoying life, regardless of tradition!
If you visit them in Caldwell for a tasting, purchase wines from their website, or join their wine club you’ll enjoy varietals like Rosé, Riesling, Albariño, Merlot, Bourbon Barrel Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Old Shed Red (a Syrah-based blend). The label of each bottle features a silhouette of Tess. It turns out there is such thing as a Free Dog!
Listen to Teresa tell the full story of Free Dog Wines, see videos of Tess, and purchase wine here:
