Pit bulls, pinot and patriots in Long Grove

A black pit bull named Sheena sat patiently Sunday as wine lovers came up to pet her during the 2nd annual Pinot with Pits For Patriots at Valentino's Vineyard in Long Grove.

Pits for Patriots hosted the event to raise money for training, feeding, housing, and veterinary care for rescued pit bulls as they are transformed into service dogs for veterans and first responders.

"We've found this little gem in the Chicagoland area and it's a nice fall day to tour the vineyard," said Pits for Patriots founder Kelly Yearwood of Bensenville. "Then people can go in and sip some wine, help rescue dogs and help the veterans."

Attendees participated in wine tasting, a tour of the vineyards, a silent auction of sports and gift baskets, a 50/50 raffle and a prize wheel.

Pits for Patriots is a not-for-profit organization based in Bensenville that trains pit bulls to work as service dogs. Their skills include opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, retrieving items, carrying bags and more. Vineyard owner Rudolph DiTommaso provided a tour, explaining the growing of the grapes and the process used in making the wines produced at the Long Grove business.