Darling, it’s official, spring has arrived at Long Dog, and I, Ziggy, am absolutely blooming. The air smells like wildflowers and promise, the vines are stretching after their winter nap, and I’ve traded my muddy paws for a bit of sunshine and flair.
While Sam is off patrolling the vineyard like a soldier in fur and Dino is buried in barrels somewhere (“fermentation waits for no one,” he says), I’m here to remind everyone that spring is about more than growth, it’s about style, confidence, and fresh beginnings.
Vineyard Style Tips
Now, I know what you’re thinking — “Ziggy, how does one stay fabulous among the vines?” Easy. You just need to commit to a look.
The Look: Soft greens, crisp whites, and a splash of rosé — and that’s just the outfit and the wine list.
The Attitude: Confident, but never corked.
The Accessory: A glass that matches your mood (mine’s usually half-full, darling).
And for those of you who think winemaking isn’t glamorous — here’s a little industry truth.
Did you know?
In spring, wineries don’t just sweep up the tasting room; they scrub the cellar from top to bottom. Barrels are rinsed, tanks are sanitised, and even the floors get polished. A single speck of leftover yeast or dust can spoil an entire batch of wine. Hygiene in the cellar is the secret ingredient to those crisp, clean flavours you love.
So yes, spring cleaning is very much in season.
Spring time is picnic time!
A Walk Through the Budburst
Each morning, I strut through the vineyard and stop to admire the tiny green shoots pushing through the vines. It’s called budburst — the magical moment when the vineyard wakes up.
The air hums with life. Bees buzz, birds chatter, and Nibby (our enthusiastic intern) chases everything that moves. The vines stretch like sleepy dancers, and even Sam softens a little when the sun hits the leaves just right.
But here’s a truth you won’t see on the wine labels:
Industry truth:
Spring is breathtaking… and terrifying. One chilly night of frost can destroy a season’s worth of buds. Farmers hold their breath through every cold snap, praying their vines make it through. That’s the thing about winemaking — it’s beauty and risk, art and agriculture, glamour and grit.
It’s a lot like love, really. You put in the work, wait for the right conditions, and hope your heart — or your harvest — doesn’t freeze overnight.
Spring Pairings: Food, Fashion, and Flavour
Now that the sun’s out and the wines are flowing, let’s talk about pairings. I may not be a sommelier (I prefer a more “sniff-and-see” approach), but here’s my spring shortlist:
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Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc for picnics, or a light Pinot Noir for sundown strolls.
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Food: Fresh greens, grilled fish, or anything you can eat outdoors with the wind in your hair.
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Fashion: A wide-brimmed hat, a relaxed smile, and muddy boots — because even the chicest guest ends up walking the vines.
Did you know?
Most wineries release their lighter, more playful wines in spring. It’s not just a marketing move — the season’s mild temperatures and longer days are perfect for tasting bright, young vintages.
So next time you sip that zesty Sauvignon, remember: it’s basically spring in a glass.
Weeds, weeds, where are you? I will find you and get you!
Closing Toast – To New Beginnings
As the sun dips behind the hills and the vines glow in gold, I find my favourite spot by the cellar door and raise a paw.
Here’s to new beginnings, bold colours, and the beauty of growth. To vines and hearts waking up after a long winter. To friendship, flavour, and a good glass of wine that never goes out of style.
So go on, darling — drink pink, think green, and always keep your nose in the glass… not the gossip.
Until next season,
Ziggy
Chief of Charm & Vineyard Muse
