Hiller’s Goes to the Dogs and the Dogs Appreciate It

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – There are two daily highlights for Hiller’s Markets CEO and owner Jim Hiller: contemplative time each morning with his Scottish Deerhound Lilly and reflective time at night with eldest son and company Vice-President Justin, with glasses of good wine.

Now, Jim Hiller has a unique opportunity to combine the two in a meaningful way for consumers. Starting this week, Hiller’s will be the exclusive provider of Mutt Lynch wines, high-quality vintages named for the whimsical tendencies of man’s best friend. A portion of the cost of each bottle sold will go to the Dearborn Animal Shelter, the local organization that recently rescued 150 Chihuahuas.

“We all know the people of Michigan are suffering – but what about the animals? We must reach out in every direction because all creatures are vulnerable at challenging times like these,” says Jim Hiller.

“Some people can write big checks and we love ‘em,” says vintner Chris Lynch, who, with his wife Brenda, turned a love of winemaking and a passion for pets into high-quality, quirky-labeled wines. “But most people can give a dollar here, ten dollars there, and we like to give people a chance to do what they can toward the greater good.”

Hiller’s has long been the local leader in quality, affordable wines. Jim Hiller’s Wine Club guides shoppers down the path toward educated wine consumption. Vintages from every point on the globe are sold at Hiller’s, from simple drinkable wines produced in Michigan to high-end special labels from Italy and Spain.

Mutt Lynch was founded in 1995. The Lynches devote much of their wine and time to support nonprofit animal causes around the country. They are excited to work with Hiller’s to help the Dearborn Animal Shelter rehabilitate the Chihuahuas and also care for and work toward adopting the other animals residing there.

Creative packaging and irreverent dog-focused marketing are unique Mutt Lynch hallmarks. Mutt Lynch Canis Major wines are limited production, signature wines from specific vineyard blocks in Dry Creek Valley, California.

Chateau d’Og Cabernet, Unleashed Chardonnay, Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel, Merlot Over and Play Dead and Fou Fou le Blanc Sauvignon Blanc are some of the Mutt Lynch labels that will retail at Hiller’s for $9.99/bottle or $96 for a 12-bottle case. (Each case sold will send $6 to the Dearborn Animal Shelter.)

Chris Lynch will be at Hiller’s for bottle-signings on these days:

Sunday, August 23, 5-7 p.m., Ann Arbor store (3615 Washtenaw Avenue, at US 23)

Monday, August 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Commerce Township store (39950 W. 14 Mile Rd. at Haggerty)

Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., Plymouth store (15455 Haggerty Rd. at 5 Mile)

Wednesday, August 26, 12-4:30 p.m., Union Lake store (3010 Union Lake Rd. at Commerce Rd.)

Representatives of the Dearborn Animal Shelter will also be on hand at the bottle-signings, assisting shoppers with adoption applications for rescue dogs. The shelter is trying to place 350 adoptable dogs and cats at this time in addition to rehabilitating the Chihuahuas. More than 6 million cats and dogs enter shelters every year; more than 3 million are adopted while the rest are euthanized. Approximately 40 percent of U.S. households include a dog.

Founded in 1941, Hiller’s Markets operates seven stores in Southeast Michigan. Dedicated to promoting local companies and cottage industries, Hiller’s indicates Michigan products with special shelf tags in every aisle and highlights Michigan companies in its biweekly circular. This partnership with Operation: Kid Equip, a Michigan charity, is another step in the ongoing effort to give Michigan a boost.

Hiller’s is dedicated to joining with community organizations – through its active Scrip card program, in support of events and by hosting specialty food fairs serving niche markets like gluten-free consumers. The company also has a long history of working with non-profits, including ALS of Michigan, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Gleaners Food Bank.

[ Back ]