New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: Bottle of White Wine; 1 1/2 pounds live littleneck clams, scrubbed; 1/2 pounds salt pork or bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp. unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup); 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup); 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup clam juice; 1 quart whole milk; 1 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled & cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup heavy cream; Hydrated sun dried tomatoes, chopped (about 1/4 cup); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Fresh chopped chives (garnish); Oyster crackers (garnish)