"Amid the ongoing coronavirus health crisis, one winery in Maryland has found a creative way to allow customers to follow safe social distancing protocols while still permitting them to stock up on the libations they love.
Meet Soda Pup, a dog who delivers wine.
Stone House Urban Winery in Hagerstown is now offering curbside pickup, courtesy of its only furry four-legged employee.
“After we could no longer have our guests come into the winery in a social setting, I noticed that Soda was looking a little sad,” Stone House owner Lori Yata told TODAY of the 75-pound, 11-year-old brindle boxer.
“You see, every time the door would chime, Soda would jump up to greet whomever was coming in. It was so funny — when a regular guest would come in, their head would swivel over to Soda's bed and he would be acknowledged before the rest of us,” she said.
On March 20, Yata decided to purchase a saddle bag meant for horses and then posted a note on Facebook to see if she could get some of Soda's old pals to visit.
"So, mom has been filling me in on this Covid-19 (sic) virus thing and she says that it is REALLY affecting small businesses like our little winery," Yata posted, writing as Soda. "Mom says that we all have to pitch in and pull our weight, that includes me as well."
To place an order, customers may call Stone House ahead of time to get recommendations and secure bottles. Then, to get doggy delivery, when customers get to the parking lot, they can just call the winery to alert the staff that they're ready for Soda.
“When we get the call, I hold up Soda's vest and he hurries on over. Not exaggerating, he really hurries over and stands ready,” Yata said.
“I put a couple treats in the pack, a bag for the wine, and the two bottles of wine. I then open the door and he marches on up the walk to the curb and parking lot to deliver the wine," Yata continued. "I do have to make sure there are no critters around, such as geese, squirrels, bunnies etc. ... Come on, he is a dog!""
Meet Soda Pup, a dog who delivers wine.
Stone House Urban Winery in Hagerstown is now offering curbside pickup, courtesy of its only furry four-legged employee.
“After we could no longer have our guests come into the winery in a social setting, I noticed that Soda was looking a little sad,” Stone House owner Lori Yata told TODAY of the 75-pound, 11-year-old brindle boxer.
“You see, every time the door would chime, Soda would jump up to greet whomever was coming in. It was so funny — when a regular guest would come in, their head would swivel over to Soda's bed and he would be acknowledged before the rest of us,” she said.
On March 20, Yata decided to purchase a saddle bag meant for horses and then posted a note on Facebook to see if she could get some of Soda's old pals to visit.
"So, mom has been filling me in on this Covid-19 (sic) virus thing and she says that it is REALLY affecting small businesses like our little winery," Yata posted, writing as Soda. "Mom says that we all have to pitch in and pull our weight, that includes me as well."
To place an order, customers may call Stone House ahead of time to get recommendations and secure bottles. Then, to get doggy delivery, when customers get to the parking lot, they can just call the winery to alert the staff that they're ready for Soda.
“When we get the call, I hold up Soda's vest and he hurries on over. Not exaggerating, he really hurries over and stands ready,” Yata said.
“I put a couple treats in the pack, a bag for the wine, and the two bottles of wine. I then open the door and he marches on up the walk to the curb and parking lot to deliver the wine," Yata continued. "I do have to make sure there are no critters around, such as geese, squirrels, bunnies etc. ... Come on, he is a dog!""