Muddy Paw wines are a “must know” for all animal lovers. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, Ed and Gina Trebets, and inspired by Trigger and Paisley, their locally produced wines appeal to a broad range of tastes.

Ed started out teaching chemistry in Beachwood, but his growing interests took him further northeast, to Ohio’s wine country. He works for Chalet Debonne Vineyards in Madison, and has released two wines under his own label.

Both wines bear the unmistakable Muddy Paw logo, but their flavors are quite different. The dark red Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense, rich, layered wine, and Semillon is a white that has fans of both dry and sweet whites. Ed jokes that both wines are “People-tested, and dog-approved.”

They see this as an enterprise based on passion for wine, love for each other and love of their dogs. What goes without saying is that there is a positive energy generated, for all people and animals.

Both Ed and Gina grew up with animals, but none had the impact of a tiny Lab mix they adopted from Lake County Humane Society. Trigger was just 8 weeks old when he wiggled his way into their hearts. Six years later, Paisley joined the family. Having eight paws running around their Chesterland home was the clincher for the name – and so Muddy Paw was born.

But there is more to Muddy Paw than meets the eye. This team sponsors two dogs and a cat at Geauga’s Rescue Village. They participate in Rescue Village events and give back proceeds from each bottle sold.

There are plans to expand the wine selections, and Muddy Paw events. Two new wines are slated, and activities at Woof-stock and Woof! Wag! and Wine! planned.

Don’t pass up an opportunity to support a community-conscious, animal-friendly local business. Man’s best friend can advise you to think globally, but drink locally.

For wine information go to MuddyPawWines and for activity information check out Woof! Wag! and Wine! on June 4 at Grand River Cellars, Pet Day on July 23 at Chalet Debonne and Woof-stock on Sept. 11.