Wine 4 Paws uncorks community support across SLO County

By Camille DeVaul · Fri May 01 2026

More than 75 businesses join forces to support Woods Humane Society during peak puppy and kitten season

NORTH COUNTY — Lovers of wine and animals across San Luis Obispo County came together April 25-26 for the annual Wine 4 Paws fundraiser, transforming a weekend of wine tasting and local shopping into meaningful support for animals in need.

Now in its 18th year, Wine 4 Paws has grown into a countywide tradition, with more than 75 wineries, olive oil producers, restaurants, and retail shops participating. Each pledged to donate 10 percent of their weekend sales, turning everyday purchases into contributions that directly support homeless dogs and cats. Since its founding in 2009, the event has raised more than $750,000 for the nonprofit.

Despite less-than-ideal weather, this year’s turnout remained strong.

Event organizer and founder Sarah Tomasetti shared with Paso Robles Press, “We had a great turnout this year despite the weather, with the wineries reporting very successful weekends. We were once again encouraged by all the locals who come out year after year, as well as people from out of town who plan their Wine 4 Paws Weekend visit each year.”

Beyond standard tastings, many businesses offered special experiences to engage attendees and enhance fundraising efforts. Activities ranged from wine-paired dinners and vineyard dog walks to paint-your-pet parties, wine-blending seminars and online sales.

For Woods Humane Society, the timing of Wine 4 Paws is especially significant. Spring marks the beginning of “baby season,” when an influx of puppies and kittens arrives at shelters. Meeting the needs of these young animals requires substantial resources, particularly for medical care. The average cost of pre-adoption veterinary services is about $500 per animal and can be significantly higher for those that are sick or especially vulnerable.

Woods Humane Director of Development Jamie Relth told Paso Robles Press, "The incredible generosity of Wine 4 Paws participants enables us to provide immediate medical services, foster care, food, cozy beds, and adoption services for these babies. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our community during this season of great need."

Funds raised during the weekend help ensure that each animal receives essential care, including medical treatment, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures and microchipping. The organization, which does not receive government funding, relies heavily on donations, grants and events like Wine 4 Paws to sustain its operations.

Each year, Woods Humane Society cares for more than 3,000 animals through its shelters in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero. In addition to adoption services, the organization offers a range of community programs, including low-cost veterinary care, dog training classes, free vaccine clinics, a pet food pantry, and humane education initiatives for local youth.

"We are incredibly thankful for all who support us through this fun and meaningful event," said Relth.

For more information, visit Wine4Paws.com

Woods Humane Society operates shelters in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero and is open daily from noon to 5 p.m., with adoptions available from noon to 4 p.m.

Feature Image: Participants at Shale Oak Winery during Wine 4 Paws 2026 pose for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Wine 4 Paws