Wine Dog Offers Much to Bark About

By Michelle Meagher June 14, 2007 Issue

Picture yourself reclining on an outdoor patio. The mid-afternoon sun is shining on your face, a cool breeze blows through your hair, and good company surrounds you. Now suppose you are also enjoying a fine bottle of wine, and between shared stories you are served a delectable plate of American artesian cheeses. This setting, with its relaxed atmosphere, need not reside only in your imagination. It’s quite the reality at The Wine Dog in Panama City.

Business owners Clay and Terri Avedisian met in 1992 while living in Anderson, S.C. Clay had years of experience managing car dealerships, and when an opportunity arose to own his dealership, he and Terri packed their bags and moved to Boone, N.C. One year later it was time for a new direction in life. “We were looking to do something totally different,” says Terri.

Terri, originally from Satellite Beach, Fla., was eager to return to the Sunshine State, but was certain she wanted to avoid the “overdeveloped, touristy areas.” She and Clay knew of Destin from friends in North Carolina who frequented the Emerald Coast. Some real estate research ensued. Armed with a clean slate and a set budget, Panama City wound up on top.

After relocating to the Panhandle, Clay and Terry were anxious to get to work on their new business plan. Significant research and a lot of “sweat equity” were necessary to achieve their vision. Recognition from customers is something the owners truly appreciate. Shoppers often say, “We’re so glad you’re here.” And they are, of course, for The Wine Dog is the only specialty wine store in Panama City.

An outdoor patio equipped with tables, chairs and umbrellas defines the storefront. Inside, the shop rivals any elaborate wine cellar in ambiance. Enter and you’ll encounter a warm and inviting “Old World” theme. Wine rack after wine rack, each with a wrought iron appearance, immediately captures the eye. The floor is earth-toned, bold and rich in color, and the walls are embellished with wine-inspired decor. An arched doorway toward the back of the store leads to a wine tasting room. “We wanted it to feel like home,” says Terri, “especially since we’d be spending almost every waking hour here.”

The Wine Dog also boasts a walk-in humidor. Spanish cedar lines the walls of this impressive room, which showcases dozens of cigar boxes. To those who enjoy a good cigar with their wine and cheese, The Wine Dog is a one-stop shop.

While the aesthetically pleasing details lend richness to the space, the shop’s inventory is focused on reasonably priced wines. In fact, 70 percent of bottles are less than $20. Such savings may prompt you to buy a set of wine glasses or a book on wine varietals, all of which are for sale. Gourmet sauces, spices, and dipping oils are also available for purchase. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, Terri can arrange any of the appetizing items in an ornamental basket.

“Live Long, Prosper…and Drink Wine!” is a slogan that Clay and Terri have adopted since starting the business. Given a choice, the owners would live long and prosper while sipping “big, bold California reds.” And while they’re certainly willing to recommend a fine wine to suit a customer’s taste, they are especially intent on sharing the shop’s altruistic objective.

The business name and caricature logo have a strong purpose, and the multifaceted story behind its creation is heartwarming. The Wine Dog appears to be an appropriate name, since Clay and Terri enjoy wine and the company of their six dogs, but there’s more to it.

While living in South Carolina, Terri got involved with the Humane Society and subsequently fostered several dogs. “We showcased over a dozen animals in a local paper to promote the idea of adoption from a local shelter,” she explains. “We’d dress them in bandanas and sunglasses to spruce them up for their photos. It was precious.” As a result of Terri’s efforts and the work of several other volunteers, a dog park was specially designed and constructed, a dog-walking program was established, and the adoption rate increased nearly threefold.

Terri’s heart went out to these shelter pets, so when the time came to build their business, Clay and Terri agreed there would be a connection between the store and the Humane Society. An overwhelmingly positive response to their business model has since prompted the owners to conduct wine tasting events to further benefit the Panama City Humane Society shelter.

An event hosted earlier this year was so successful that Clay and Terri have decided to recruit local sponsors and hire a popular smooth jazz band to help them host an upcoming benefit. A “Wine and Jazz Block Party” will take place Saturday, June 16 from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 each (in advance or at the door) and all proceeds will go to the Humane Society. Food will also be sold.

Whether you have a love for wine, a craving for cheese, a need for a cigar, or simply a passion for pets, The Wine Dog is the place to go. Clay and Terri welcome you to call, 850-785-6835, or visit their “home away from home” located in the Coronado Village, 103 West 23rd Street in Panama City.

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