Losing A Dear Friend ❤️
In Loving Memory of Annie 🐶
On behalf of Sip Studies & our tasting family
From the website of WineBlogWithADog.com
On July 16th, we lost a beloved team member: Annie, the spirited golden retriever who co-hosted Wine Blog With A Dog and the Bark & Barrels Podcast, our condolences go out to Greg and Meg for their loss. As we process this deeply felt loss, we want to celebrate the joy she brought—not only as a companion, but as a remarkable presider of community, taste, and embodiment.
Greg shared in his blog post:
“We are soul‑crushed … She was more than just our dog; she was the heart of everything we did … from visiting vineyards … Annie lived every moment with enthusiasm and grace.” Wine Blog With A Dog - Annie
Annie’s Essence in Our Community
Annie was more than a mascot. She was a perfect taster—awed by glass and grape, warmed by sunlit vineyards, and drawn to everyone she met. Greg described how she journeyed alongside him through Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and beyond, anchoring stories with pawprints of travel, warmth, and wonder—not just for the podcast, but for the friendships and memories she helped curate (Annie And Lucy).
A Community Catalyst
Annie had the special ability to gather people, coaxing strangers into smiles and laughter with just a wag or nose nudge. From winery tasting rooms to airport lounges, she greeted fellow travelers, pet enthusiasts, and winemakers alike. Her energy made WineBlogWithADog feel like a living, wandering conversation—and not just because of the wine. She brought our family together on tasting days as everyone doted on her character and presence.
A Lesson in Presence, for All of Us
To us at Sip Studies, Annie taught something vital:
🐾 A tasting is not just about the palate—it’s about presence, hospitality, and connection.
🌍 Learning about beverages is richest when shared—with people, pets, and places.
💜 Community isn’t built in isolation—it’s grown with laughter, loyalty, and paws on the ground.
Continuing Her Legacy
Though Annie has passed, her influence remains woven into every gathering, every tasting event, and every reflection we write. We’re inspired to honor her memory by:
Hosting interviews and guest appearances from Greg sharing lessons learned.
Planning a future Sip Studies + Bark & Barrels series: exploring behind-the-scenes moments, canine co-hosting, and the role of emotional-support animals in beverage spaces.
Honoring her legacy by creating an annual community award.
🏆 Annie’s Top Dog Award 🏆
Sip Studies will be establishing “🏆 Annie’s Top Dog Award”, an annual $200 prize that recognizes an individual in the Sip Studies or extended beverage community who:
Embodies hospitality and warmth the way Annie did.
Makes others feel welcome at the table, during events, or in discussions.
Contributes to the spirit of curiosity, kindness, and presence in shared beverage experiences.
Leads with love, not ego—just like Annie.
We will establish a nomination process as we work with Wine Blog With A Dog to create guidelines for this momentous honor in our community.
Ideally, we will get this organized so we are primed and ready for the community every July 16th.
In Closing
Annie was only two years old—but in that time, she tasted deeply, traveled widely, and loved without reserve. She reminded us all how small moments—like a shared glass, a wagging tail, a quiet greeting—make the difference between simply drinking verse truly savoring life together.
We’re so grateful for the limited time we were able to share together, and to be able to watch her take up the seat with her colleagues Greg and Lucy on their wonderful show Bark & Barrel Podcast. For a brief glimpse of time our group relished in great moments together. She was able to celebrate one great achievement of Luis when he passed his Certified Sommelier exam (CMS lvl 2) and also welcomed some of our newest members too!
Greg & Meg, you gave her everything—and she gave it all back. She was a keen taster and important member to our group. The most amicable and caring, we could not have asked for someone more loving in our group. We’re deeply sorry for your loss. Know that Annie’s spirit still brightens every table, trail, and tasting she helped light up. May we all carry that light forward.
With heartfelt affection,
The Sip Studies Family 💜
Here is a touch of the legacy she will be leaving behind:
