Our dogs are a huge part of our lives, and a big help around the winery, filling important roles such as welcoming committee, alarm system, pest control and comic relief.

Nina, the youngest, is a very smart and very funny German shepherd. She loves to walk the property with Jay, and will happily chase a ball across every inch of the place, from sunup to sundown.

Bella, a shepherd-lab mix, came to us in a dream, and has been a dream dog ever since. She keeps the winery safe from marauding squirrels — a job she takes very seriously.

Tim’s dog, Stella, is a rescue dog who was badly neglected — but not anymore. A waterdog-lab mix, she’s getting close to Bella’s age now — around 12 or 13 — and is as happy as can be.

Tache, who is no longer with us, was named after the great La Tache vineyard in Burgundy. She came to the winery to work with Jay every day of her life. Tache lived to be 15, which is ancient for a German shepherd, but just about perfect for a Burgundy.