The Dog Days of Summer!

With summer coming to an end and the kids back in school it's time to get ready for fall.  But you wouldn't know it with the heat index at 111 degrees!  So much for sitting outside to enjoy a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

As you know, every two to three weeks we three winos get together for "wine school". And as we are preparing for our classes we seam to have a little extra excitement under foot-literally!  You've heard of winery dogs, well we each have our own versions of 'wine dogs' too.   You know how it is when you get the suitcase out, dogs can get all sad because they know you are leaving them?  Well, our wine dogs get all excited when they see the wine glasses being set up because they know their fellow humans are coming over. They will lay at our feet and wait patiently for a little pat on the head just knowing they can be in our company (they don't get spoiled- haha). Beth's little girl is Zoe.  She probably gets the most excited when wine school rolls around. Now that Beth's "granddog" Khannon is staying with them, he gets in on the action too.

Zoe

Khannon

When it's Mary Jo's turn to host school, I think we are more entertained by Bumble and Murphy (Bumble's minnie me) playing with each other than anything else and of course we get a little distracted by their cuteness! Here, they are worn out from all that playing.

Bumble & Murphy

As for my boy Tex, he likes to greet everyone at the front door (did you bring any wine?).  He also follows me to the basement when I am cataloging new wines. At least I have company.

Tex

Yes, we love our wine dogs just  like all winery owners do too.  As a matter of fact we have met a few during our travels.  Just last year when we were in California visiting Jordan Vineyard & Winery, we were greeted by a very happy "greeter" of theirs who actually jumped in the car with Mary Jo!

There are several fun coffee table books about winery dogs that have been published, such as Winery Dogs of Napa Valley published by Winery Dogs Publishing.  They also have other versions of Sonoma, Oregon, New York and Central California.  Just doing a little internet research, I also found a website called winedogs.com.

So if the saying "Dog is man's best friend", then I guess they can be a "Wino's best friend" too!

Cheers!
Lisa