Every vineyard has its legends, and if you ask around Long Dog Wines, they’ll likely point to me.
I’m Lassy. Retired (officially). Respected (rightly). And still occasionally called upon for my palate, which, if I may say so, is as sharp as ever. In my prime, I was Long Dog’s head wine taster. Nose to glass, tail to the breeze. I could pick up the faintest whisper of blackberry from three barrels away, and I was known to raise a brow at any blend that lacked balance.
Image of Lassy resting by the hearth.
These days, you’ll find me closer to the hearth than the harvest. I’ve earned that. There’s a warm spot by the fireplace with my name on it, and it’s where I like to spend my afternoons, snug, content, and within earshot of every conversation happening in the tasting room.
Visitors often drift over for a chat. Maybe it’s my silvery fur or the way I raise my head at just the right moment during their pour. I listen, nod, and if they’re lucky, I’ll share a few stories, about the early vintages, the time we had loadshedding during bottling, or the unforgettable 2019 Tannat that still gives me goosebumps. People say wine gets better with age, I think stories do, too.
Lassy chatting to John and Anne, regular visitors to the farm.
And yes, I still help with the tasting. Not officially, of course. But I do make my rounds when Dino’s pouring something new. A swirl, a sniff, a gentle lean toward the glass, sometimes a little too close. What can I say? Old habits.
I love seeing how far Long Dog Wines has come, Sam’s thoughtful farming, Dino’s bold blends, Enzo’s well-oiled operation, and Noodle keeping everyone in line. It’s a good team. A pack, really. And though I may be a little slower now, I’m still very much part of it.
So, if you find yourself visiting the farm, come sit by the fire. I’ll be there, tail curled, ready to share a tale or two and raise a paw to whatever you’re drinking. Especially if it’s red.
To time well spent and wine well aged.
– Lassy
Retired Wine Taster, Fireside Storyteller, and Resident Grande Dame of Long Dog Wines
