It’s official! I, Nibby, am no longer “the intern.” The collar’s off, the badge is on, and my new title reads: Head of Pest Control. A big job for a tall (and mighty) dog.
Now, before you picture me in a hard hat holding a clipboard — let’s be clear. Pest control around here isn’t about traps and sprays. It’s about vigilance, speed, and a well-timed bark. My job is to protect the vineyard from feathered fiends who think our grapes are their personal buffet.
Did you know?
Guineafowl and other birds can cause losses of up to 30% of a vineyard’s grape yield if not managed properly. Many farms use trained dogs, reflective tape, or netting to keep them at bay.
The Great Guineafowl Problem
If you’ve ever met a guineafowl, you’ll know they’re… loud. Loud and confident. They march through the vines like they own the place, clucking about vintage years and terroir as if they’re wine critics. I, of course, have no time for that nonsense.
When I spot them swooping in, I spring into action — tail high, paws flying, bark sharp. My mission: clear the rows before a single beak touches a single grape. You’d be surprised how fast they scatter when they see me coming. Sam says I’m “worth my weight in netting.” Dino says I’m “the difference between good wine and great wine.” I’ll take both compliments, thank you.
Did you know?
It takes roughly 600 to 800 grapes to make a single bottle of wine. Every cluster counts — which makes Nibby’s grape-guarding duties even more important!
Enzo giving Nibby some tips to help her in her new job.
The Menace Mob
Every now and then, we get a visit from what the humans call the Menace Mob. Nobody’s entirely sure where they come from — perhaps the neighbouring farm, perhaps the shadows. They’re a ragtag bunch of troublemakers: some crafty porcupine, a snake or three, and the occasional squirrel who thinks he’s a daredevil.
When they show up, I go into full patrol mode. I’ve perfected the art of the midnight perimeter check. Sometimes I catch Ziggy peering from the window, sipping her evening glass of rosé, whispering “Go get ’em, Nibs.” That kind of moral support keeps a dog going through long nights and longer rows of vines.
Did you know?
Rosé gets its pink colour not from mixing red and white wines, but from brief contact between red grape skins and juice — usually just a few hours.
A Nose for the Job
Truth be told, pest control is more than chasing. It’s about balance. Too few guineafowl, and we get lazy insects nibbling the leaves. Too many, and there’s nothing left for the harvest. Dino calls it “an ecosystem.” I call it “job security.”
Still, I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of it all — the hum of bees, the flutter of wings, the smell of ripe fruit in the air. Every grape I guard feels like a small victory, a promise of what’s to come in the barrel room. And when the team raises a glass at sunset, I like to think they’re toasting to me too — the four-legged guardian of the crop.
Did you know?
A healthy vineyard ecosystem depends on balance — some birds help control insects, while too many become pests. Vineyard biodiversity is key to sustainable wine farming.
From Intern to Icon
Life as Head of Pest Control is busy but rewarding. My paws are dirty, my fur sometimes sticky with grape juice, and my heart? Full. I used to watch Sam and Dino talk about harvest strategy, dreaming that one day I’d have a real job around here. Now I do, and it’s one that truly matters.
Because here’s the thing: behind every good bottle of Long Dog Wine lies teamwork, from Enzo’s steady farm management to Dino’s magic in the cellar, to me keeping the grapes safe from the guineafowl. We all play our part.
Nibby, the moment she heard of her promotion.
Did you know?
Wine production involves a surprising number of experts — from viticulturists (who manage the vines) to oenologists (who craft the wine) — all working together to turn grapes into the perfect pour.
So, next time you open a bottle and take that first sip, remember there’s a proud dog behind it who’s been keeping watch, day and night, over the vines.
Cheers to fewer feathers, fuller barrels, and one very proud Head of Pest Control.
– Nibby
Head of Pest Control at Long Dog Wines