Since 2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog, the time seems right to lift a glass in honor of winery dogs and their unheralded roles. Recently, I visited four Southern Oregon vineyards to meet their resident canines.

I first met with Matt and Ashley Cates and their furry family members, Syrah, Nova and Captain at Agate Ridge Vineyard in Eagle Point.

Syrah, a rescue pup, born at Southern Oregon Humane Society, is a gorgeous two-year-old Siberian Husky/Black Lab mix, who has literally grown up among the vines. While she enjoys socializing, she knows the meaning of the word, “work,” and cries when Matt doesn’t head to the vineyard soon enough.

Agate Ridge Vineyard – Ashley Cates and Kim Kinderman

The pup, Nova, also a rescue, nips alongside as Syrah’s crazy sidekick until the real work begins. Feisty Captain, whose breeding mix reads longer than two of him, is a combo Pomeranian/Poodle/Dachshund. Captain may be the smallest and most mature of the pack at nearly ten, but he keeps the young whelps in line, barking the command, “Get squirrels!” Since Syrah has been clocked at 34 mph, area squirrels and rabbits should dine elsewhere. “She’s saved us thousands of dollars,” Ashley says. “Squirrels and rabbits can do a lot of damage.”

A natural forager, Syrah sometimes nibbles grapes on the sly. Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic for dogs, possibly causing immediate renal failure. So far, they haven’t affected Syrah, but her humans definitely discourage the habit.

Ashley says it best. “They’re living the dream out here.”

Schultz Wines – Greg and Debbie Schultz

Next, I drove through the breathtaking Applegate Valley to meet owners, Greg and Debbie at Schultz Glory Oaks Vineyard. Mick, the red, tri-colored Australian Shepherd, and Kayla, a black tri-color greeted me, ushering me to their tasting room. Their mission complete, they lay quietly as Greg and Debbie talked about their pups.

Mick and Kayla are Louisiana dogs, having made the long trek with their humans, and as everyone knows, Southern hospitality is second to none. “They’re our greeters. Especially Mick,” Greg explained. “He’s usually at the car door before it opens, looking to see who’s coming in.”

But one day, Kayla surprised everyone with her hidden talents. The Schultzes had leased a herd of sheep to mow and fertilize the vineyard, and as Greg shares, “Kayla, (13) went out there and, to our horror, started after those sheep. They saw her coming, and the next thing we knew, 20-25 sheep were penned. She had ‘em cornered in the field.” They apologized to the owner but she assured the Schultzes that Kayla’s instincts were spot on.

Not to be shown up by Kayla, Mick came through when about 15 dairy cows grazing in a separate pasture ambled through a gate left open. Mick had the shepherding instinct, but no experience. He waited patiently, while he and Debbie circled behind, then she gave the command. Mick moved them expertly back to the gate.

The Schultz dogs act as trainers by running trails with their humans. Plus, they have the distinction of having their portrait on the “Shepherd” wine label of a 2013 Syrah.

Mick escorted me to my car, and I’m sure I heard, “Y’all come back now.”

Serra Vineyards – Liz Wan and Robert Van Wyk

Not far from Schultz Wines sits Serra Vineyards. Soon after entering the tasting room, I sensed a large presence to my left. Liz Wan, Assistant Winemaker and Robert Van Wyk, General Manager, introduced me to (Sir) William, a regal Great Dane all in black that they rescued from Sanctuary One. William escorted me to a table on the deck to enjoy a rare, warm February afternoon together.

Meanwhile, scooting around us at warp speed was Nellie, a rescue puppy, born at the Grants Pass Humane Society. Her expertise at vacuuming stray morsels accounts for the nickname, “Roomba.”

At eight years, Sir William relishes his lie-downs. But Nellie’s roguish influence causes William to forget his age and go traipsing the hills after adventure. “Nellie widens her horizons when she’s got a friend to explore with,” Robert says.

William and Nellie sometimes serve as babysitters for children who visit the winery with their parents, but Nellie’s job description doesn’t end there according to Liz. “When the grapes ripen . . . the clusters get really long, and the turkeys come in and basically eat the bottom third of the cluster. So having someone to chase them out of the vines has been wonderful.” Nellie’s also available to herd the brazen grape gobblers into the hills when they return for an evening view from the deck.

William schools Nellie in daily inspections of the perimeter of Robert’s mother’s property, located just over the hill. William sent me off with a generous kiss, and I am in love.

Aurora Vines – Vicki Nickerson

Aurora Vines owner, Vicki Nickerson, and her canine beauty, Lily Diamond bid me welcome in Talent. Lily is half Husky and half Border Collie, with eyes as pale as glacier ice.

Lily trotted around us as Vicki took me through the Aguila Vineyard vines aboard her motorized mule. Vicki says, “Lily greets the customers, and runs right back to the door, and they follow her right in.” I began to see a common thread among these friendly animals.

But Lily represents something deeper for Vicki. Several years ago, she bid good bye to another beloved canine companion. Heartbroken, Vicki refused to consider a replacement. But her grandson, Chandler, had located a litter of puppies in Grants Pass and convinced his grandma to “just take a look.” She fell hard for Lily Diamond. Now, when she looks into those crystalline eyes, she remembers the grandson she lost not long ago and his loving nature through the gift he left her.

For those new to the experience, wine-tasting may seem intimidating. Having these furry friends around helps a visitor feel like family, and their welcome is genuine.

Cheers to dogs everywhere in the wine scene!

©Southern Oregon Wine Scene

Summer 2018 issue