As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, it’s a perfect time for another edition of New York’s winery dogs – a fitting tribute to man’s best friend. This month’s winery dogs live and work (or rather play), just over the hill from one another. Oakley, a hound/lab mix spends his days at Wagner Winery on Seneca Lake while Arlo, an English Springer Spaniel and Finley, an English Cream Golden Retriever spend their time in the vineyards at Sheldrake Point Winery on Cayuga Lake. These pups have transformed the lives of their owners and all who visit them. In today’s world, they remind us to enjoy the little things, be thankful that we have one another, to love, and to enjoy life to its fullest.
Discover the winery pups that bless New York’s wineries with fervor, joy, and affection that make the New York’s wineries even more special. Whether they’re providing some extra excitement in the winery and tasting room, assisting staff in the vineyard, or just plain being cute, there’s no doubt that these winery dogs are busy living the good life.
Wagner Vineyards
Name: Oakley
Owner: John & Debbie Wagner, Owners
Breed: Plott Hound/Lab mix
Age: 2 ½ years
Position at Winery: Security guard
Favorite Treat: Almost empty yogurt container
Favorite Toy: Deer antler
Favorite Place to Relax: In the vineyard crew’s John Deere Gator
Favorite Pastime: Diggin’ for ground vermin
Pet Peeve: People trying to take pictures of him – he’s kinda camera shy
Obsession: Diggin’ for ground vermin
Naughtiest Deed: Digging in Mom’s flower beds for said vermin
Sheldrake Point Winery
Name: Arlo
Owner: Greg Dlubac, Assistant Winemaker
Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Age: 9
Position at Winery: Assistant Winemaker Shadow
Favorite Treat: Elk antlers
Favorite Toy: Toys are for the weak, my owners and an elk antler are all I need
Favorite Place to Relax: Relax? This place is stressful!
Favorite Pastime: Sleeping on the couch
Obsession: Getting his ears rubbed
Naughtiest Deed: Leaving “surprises” in my owner’s shoes
Sheldrake Point Winery
Name: Finley
Owners: Ryan Fessenden, Vineyard Assistant
Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever
Age: 3
Position at Winery: Branch Manager, Weed Removal Specialist, or Fertilizer Applicator
Favorite Treat: Peanut Butter
Favorite Toy: Stuffed mallard duck
Favorite Place To Relax: In the shade of the tractor
Favorite Pastime: Swimming in Cayuga Lake
Obsession: Squirrels
