When Kristof Farms said goodbye to Connie, its beloved Kuvasz and longtime “Chief Security Officer,” the loss was felt well beyond the farm. For 10 years, Connie patrolled the property, kept watch over vineyard visitors and wildlife, and warmly greeted guests who might have expected something sterner from the guard dog featured on the winery’s wine and cider labels.
Connie’s story is a fitting tribute to the special place dogs hold at wineries throughout the Pacific Northwest. From vineyard guardians and tasting room greeters to forklift riders and unofficial cleanup crews, these four-legged coworkers have become part of the character of the places they call home. Here are a few of the winery dogs earning their keep, or at least keeping everyone entertained, across the Pacific Northwest.
Allora
Chihuahua | Wilridge Vineyard, Winery and Distillery | Yakima, Washington
As Head of Security for Wilridge Vineyard, Winery and Distillery, Allora loves being in charge of the farm especially when she gets to ride on the forklift. In addition to warding off marauding coyotes, raccoons and humans, Allora keeps the other dogs in line at events like their concerts at the vineyard. In particular, she loves Wilridge’s Yoga on the Lawn events. According to founder and winemaker Paul Beveridge, “There is something about all those people on mats at her eye level that gets her zooming around the lawn trying to organize everyone.”
Beau
Grand Pyrenees | Troon Vineyard | Grants Pass, Oregon
This hard working farm dog for Troon Vineyard lives outside with the farm’s sheep and chickens protecting them from a long list of local predators. So far they haven’t lost a single sheep while he was on duty. The only time he has been inside a building is for visits to the vet. While Beau is vigilant in protecting his charges from mountain lions and coyotes, General Manager Craig Camp points to Beau’s love of people. “Despite his great size, he would sit in your lap if your lap was big enough,” he proclaims.
Brix
Staffordshire Terrier Mix | Telaya Wine Co. | Boise, Idaho
While Brix’s official title is Head of Security for Telaya Wine Co., Carrie Sullivan, a former veterinarian and co-owner opines, “this is a misnomer because he literally does nothing but greet people and nap.” According to Sullivan, Brix is always at the winery because he has horrible separation anxiety and cannot be left alone at home. He loves all people, kids and dogs – and loves to sit on laps. That unconditional friendliness also allows Brix to be something of an unofficial ambassador for rescued Pit Bulls – especially for some guests who may be apprehensive of the breed.
Bruno
Bernedoodle and Terrier Mix | Owen Roe Estate | Wapato, Washington
As Tasting Room Greeter for Owen Roe Estate, Bruno is always on the lawn or at the front of the tasting room saying hello. When he gets to the winery before the tasting room opens, Bruno will accompany the cellar hands with sulfur adds, grape picking and more. He’s joined by Johnny Ringo, a terrier mix, who is the assistant winemaker’s dog. He works more in the backroom where his job is to accompany the assistant winemaker on tasks like tasting test wines, and taking samples from the vineyard, as well as sleeping in his little bed under her desk while she finalizes any numbers from the tests the team did on the wines. Both dogs have barrels named after them, as Owen Roe Estate likes to name their new barrels after things they think are special to the winery and crew.
Cedar
Golden Retriever | Archery Summit Winery | Dayton, Oregon
Cedar’s job description at Archery Summit Winery is extensive and largely self-appointed. Her primary responsibilities include welcome patrol, floor cleaning, snack detection and recovery, vineyard security, morale boosting, and supervising any activity that might involve food. She is also responsible for accompanying vineyard walks, inspecting the cellar, greeting delivery drivers and making sure no lunch is ever left unattended.
Sif
Yellow Lab | Blasted Church Vineyards | Okanagan Falls, British Columbia
In 2016, Director of Operations Tanya Martin introduced Sif to Blasted Church Vineyards. Since then she’s been greeting visitors on the patio and “helping” the team when she can.
Tater
Australian Shepherd | Spring Valley Vineyard | Walla Walla, Washington
Tater is the ultimate multitasker as he gets involved in all aspects of Spring Valley Vineyard. He’s their official greeter, often meeting guests as they arrive and keeping watch from the winery doorway. During bottling, he’ll hitch a ride on the forklift, and when they’re racking wine, he somehow manages to find every bung that’s rolled away. Tater also loves spending time in the vineyard, joyfully running the rows and occasionally stopping to inspect grape clusters while balancing on his hind legs.
The Pack
Various Breeds | 4 Whistles Winery | Kennewick, Washington
The 4 Whistles Winery dog patrol consists of five members, each of whom plays a different role in the winery. At the tasting room Semillion, aka Emi, (Corgi-mix) is Official Greeter and Bearer of Gifts while Leonard (Chihuahua-mix) serves as Sommelier. Nellie (Miniature Schnauzer) uses her size to clean up as a Truck Scrubber in the winery. In the vineyard, Guinness (Husky-mix) stands tall as Guardian of the Vines with Marechal Foch, aka Marchie, (Maltipoo) working behind the scenes as an Irrigation Inspector. When they aren’t performing their duties, they’re liable to wander over for a quick hello, a pat or a snooze nearby on long harvest days.
