Around here, if something needs fixing, fetching, fuelling or figuring out, chances are, I’m already on it. My name’s Enzo. I’m the Farm Manager at Long Dog Wines, and yes, I’m a dog. A working dog. A doing dog. A let’s-get-things-done-with-a-wag kind of dog.
People often ask, “What does a farm manager actually do?” The short answer? Everything.
From the moment the sun peeks over the vines, I’m making rounds. My first stop: the bakkie. The old girl’s been with us a while, and I keep her purring, tyres checked, oil topped up, back seat cleared of suspicious sandwich wrappers (you know who you are). A farm doesn’t run without wheels, and ours run best when I’ve had a paw in the servicing.
Enzo doing his morning rounds.
Next up, the tools. Every crew member, every task, every row in the vineyard, they all depend on having the right kit, at the right time. Need pruning shears? Trellis wire? That one odd wrench that only fits the tank valve? I’ve already laid it out before you even thought to ask. Organisation is my middle name (well, not really, but it could be).
And while I take my job seriously, I don’t take myself too seriously. There’s always time for a tail wag, a sunny stretch, or a quick roll in a particularly inviting patch of soil. I believe a good day’s work should end with a happy sigh and a little dust on your coat.
Enzo running to sort out another issue. Dino following to lend a hand.
My secret? Simple: keep the farm humming, keep the people smiling, and stay two steps ahead of whatever could go wrong. That’s what I do, quietly, consistently, and always with good energy. Sam tends the vines. Dino makes the wine. Noodle runs a tight perimeter. But me? I’m the glue that holds the whole operation together, with grease on my paws and a grin on my face.
At Long Dog Wines, it takes more than grapes to make great wine. It takes well-oiled tools, a reliable bakkie, and a whole lot of tail-wagging commitment.
And I’m here to make sure we’ve got all three.
– Enzo
Farm Manager, Equipment Whisperer, and Bakkie Boss at Long Dog Wines