According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the “dog days of summer” run from July 3 to Aug. 11, but what does that name even mean?

The history of the phrase began with the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens. The ancient Greeks believed that when Sirius appeared near our sun, it compounded the sun’s heat and created the hottest time of the year. They thought the result could be fever or even catastrophe, and it was so important that it became part of their deities in the form of a dog. Later, Sirius was named Canis Major, the so-called "dog star."

While the Greeks' beliefs may be mythical, it is true that this time period is often the hottest of the year, and we're in the middle of a particularly scorching stretch. Practically speaking, this makes our current moment a time of lethargy for dogs and humans alike. Lethargy also creates a lack of appetite, and, therefore, it’s critical for dogs and humans to stay hydrated. The heat also makes swimming or water play difficult due to the higher concentrations of bacteria in water.

So how does any of this relate to wine? There are numerous wineries that feature canines in their name, image or both, and many use it as a form of support for canine causes such as animal rescues or shelters. There are more then 80 dog-themed wines and, in addition, plenty of pooch-friendly wineries. What better way to toast the dog days of summer than with some dog-themed pours?

Some of the more prominent wines you can find are:

Chateau La Paws

Probably the wine that has led to the most donations, sales have generated more than $100,000 for North Shore Animal League America. Founded by the late winemaker Kent Rosenblum of Rosenblum Cellars, every wine label features photos of shelter dogs.

Mutt Lynch Winery

This Sonoma winery supports rescue groups with “yappy hour” fundraisers. They also work with local nonprofits to design special wine labels and donate 25 percent of the purchase price to the organization.

Bar Dog

Made in Santa Rosa, California, this wine features dogs wearing monocles on its labels. The winemakers have worked extensively with Dogwood Animal Rescue in Sonoma and have contributed $30,000 to the Bar Dog Operations Grant Fund, which donates to animal shelters across America.

Other Options

If your taste preference reside outside California, there are dog-themed wineries in South Africa (Painted Wolf Wines), Australia (Sit Stay Society) and even Pennsylvania (Radical Wine Company).

Bob McGinn has spent his entire career in the wine industry—forming wine clubs, working in wine sales marketing and engaging in all facets of the winemaking process, including vine management, fermentation and yeast analysis. He has developed wine programs for companies such as Marriott, Sheraton and Smith & Wollensky, and consults with local restaurants. You can read more of McGinn’s work at gulfcoastwinejournal.com.