Carboy Winery’s second annual Lavender & Labradors event brought together wine lovers and dog rescuers under one purple-hued sky. A glass of rosé in one hand, a leash in the other — sounds about right for Palisade.

Where Wine Meets Rescue

Carboy Winery, nestled in the sun-drenched vineyards of Palisade, isn’t just about swirling and sipping. Sure, they make a mean cabernet, but Manager Barbie Graham says it’s more than that. It’s a place where the community gathers — and sometimes walks away with a new best friend.

One look around the winery grounds last Saturday and you’d get it. Dogs lounged under picnic tables, families sat on blankets, and lavender-scented breezes mixed with clinks of glasses.

“We’re dog friendly year-round,” Graham said. One sentence, so simple. But behind it is a collaboration that’s helped find homes for countless pups.

The Heart Behind the Event

Partnering with Happy Little Rescue wasn’t just a business move. It’s a bond.

Graham said they’d been working together for two years, hosting four seasonal events every year. She explained, “We try to do as much fun stuff besides drink. Wine is amazing, I love wine, everybody loves wine, but it’s fun to have an experience beyond just wine that we can all share.”

People came for the merlot, but many stayed for the Labradors. The idea? Get more eyes on dogs needing homes — during festivals when crowds are big and spirits high.

There’s something sweet about watching a dog curl up beside its future owner while a local singer strums a guitar nearby. That’s what community looks like.

A Community That Shows Up

It wasn’t just about the dogs, either. Carboy Winery opened the gates to other local vendors.

Across the street, neighbors sold bundles of fresh lavender and baskets of peaches. Future Dawn Jewelry set up a little stand, their handcrafted necklaces glinting in the sun.

Midway through the afternoon, Jeanine Rene’s live music floated across the rows of vines. People danced barefoot on the grass. Dogs wagged tails in the shade.

A local said, “I came for a tasting, ended up with earrings and maybe a dog.” Not your average Saturday.

Good Wine, Good Dogs, Good Business

Events like this don’t just help dogs — they help everyone.

Graham believes big festivals make people linger longer, spend more money locally, and maybe even return for another glass (or bottle). She said, “I think every time we have a big festival here in town, it really brings a lot of people out and it brings a lot of people to all of the businesses here.”

A short pause here. One sentence: Community is good business.

It’s not just a win for Carboy Winery’s bottom line. Local artisans get a boost. Happy Little Rescue gets to show off dogs in a stress-free setting. And the community? They get to sip chardonnay while supporting a good cause.

How Many Paws Found Homes?

This part’s always the sweetest. How many dogs actually found homes? Happy Little Rescue didn’t share exact numbers yet — but folks on site said it looked promising.

One woman hugged her new golden retriever, eyes shining. Another couple asked about fostering. Little kids patted sleepy pups. And everyone left a bit more hopeful.

• Over 20 dogs showcased

• 4 vendors joined in

• Live music kept things lively

It’s hard to argue with those numbers — not massive, but meaningful.

Why It Matters

Lavender & Labradors isn’t just a cute name slapped on a flyer. It’s a small slice of what makes towns like Palisade feel like home.

In an era when big box stores and online shopping eat away at local spirit, events like this remind people where their dollars — and love — can really go.

A winery manager might not seem like the hero you’d expect for a rescue pup. But open spaces, good wine, and friendly crowds make for the perfect setting to match dogs with humans.

One sentence: More towns could take a cue from Palisade.

Future Plans Already Brewing

Will Lavender & Labradors return? Graham says yes — and more.

Carboy Winery and Happy Little Rescue plan to keep up their seasonal collaborations. The next event? Maybe a Harvest Hounds in autumn. Imagine golden vines, pumpkins, and a pack of puppies looking for homes.

Someone mentioned the idea of adding a pet costume contest for Halloween. Another suggested more live music acts to draw even bigger crowds.

A quick look at the table below shows how their community events have stacked up since the collaboration began:

There’s a good chance that table will get longer — and more tails will find wag-worthy endings.