Inside the lives of 7 wine pups: Where you can meet and pat South Australia’s winery dogs

It’s a pawfect pairing – wine and pats – and these pups are on duty at some of the state’s best wineries specialising greeting wine lovers and eating leftovers.

South Australian winery dogs Dave, Bandit and Leo and some of their humans. Pictures: Matt Loxton and supplied

When you’re visiting one of South Australia’s incredible wineries you may find yourself wondering “how could this get any better,” as you sip wine in the sunshine.

But then, all the sudden, an adorable furry friend comes bounding towards you and now you know that your perfect experience has been made complete.

Whether they’re working hard or are simply there for the pats, winery dogs bring the cute factor to cellar doors across the state.

Get to seven canines who keep crowds coming back for more at their family wineries.

Dave the Groodle

Kangarilla Road Wines, Kangarilla

Charlie O’Brien, Dave, 7, the Groodle, and Helen O’Brien at Kangarilla Road Wines. Picture: Matt Loxton

Dave ready to welcome guests to the cellar door with Charlie and Helen O'Brien. Picture: Matt Loxton

Dave joined the Kangarilla Road Wines family seven years ago and has become a major drawcard for those looking enjoy a glass of vino with a side of puppy love.

“People come to the cellar door specifically because they have seen pictures of Dave on our website or Instagram,” co-founder Helen O’Brien said.

“You often hear ‘Hi Dave!’ when people walk in and they spend time with him before coming down to cellar door.”

Helen O'Brien, Dave, 7, the Groodle, and Charlie O’Brien at Kangarilla Road Wines. Picture: Matt Loxton

According to Ms O’Brien, his humans did not teach him to do this; it came naturally with Dave’s social butterfly personality.

“If he is inside and he hears a car come in he waits impatiently at the door for the people to come in so he can say welcome,” she said.

“He is very happy to be cuddled and stroked and generally adored.”

Some guests have fallen so in love with Dave that they have decided to get their own groodle from the same breeder.

“We know at least two couples who have bought a Groodle from Rivergum Puppies because of their love of Dave,” Ms O’Brien said.

“His presence has added to our bottom line!”

Arnold the German Shorthaired Pointer

Mr Riggs, McLaren Flat

Ben Riggs and his dog, Arnold from Mr Riggs. Picture: Supplied

Mr Riggs now owns three German short-haired pointer’s including Arnold whose love for eating leftovers and “goofy” personality secured him the jobs of vineyard manager and head of waste management.

“Arnold has a strong passion for running around the vineyard, chasing kangaroos, and jumping bails of netting – how could we not get him involved?” he said.

This big friendly giant brings a “healthy sprinkle of chaos” to the McLaren Flat winery and continues to win people over with his “kind, dopey nature”.

Frankie the Golden Retriever

Home of Plenty, Currency Creek

Frankie from Home of Plenty. Picture: Supplied

After having two litters with eleven puppies in each, Frankie had officially retired from mum-life and now enjoys her days at Home of Plenty which opened in December 2023.

The location not only provides a cellar door experience but also on-site accommodation and a wedding venue with Frankie quickly becoming a common appearance in visitors’s photographs,

“People (have booked) a wedding based on seeing her and also loving the visits from her when staying in our BnBs,” owner, Natalie Shaw said.

“She is often mentioned above anything else people enjoy about our property.”

With her payment coming in the form of pats and attention, this happy girl is the perfect guest at any table.

Bandit the Border Collie

Fernfield Wines, Eden Valley

Bandit from Fernfield Wines. Picture: Supplied

Bandit’s life did not start out easy, after he was rejected as a puppy from sheepdog breeders for his non-traditional look.

But 11 years later and Bandit is now a thriving member of the Fernfield Wines family.

“We were lucky enough to find out about him just a month after we arrived at Fernfield,” owner, Bec Barr said.

“We of course loved his unusual look and took him home straight away.”

Bandit learnt the ropes of being a winery dog from the family’s older dog, Dexter and officially took over the job of head of welcoming committee once Dexter retired.

“He is also lead tour guide when we head off on tours of the vineyard and winery – as a clever little Border Collie he knows immediately where we’re going and trots off in front to guide our guests,” Mrs Barr said.

“His favourite thing in the world is to meet new people, he sometimes gets so excited that he cries when it’s time to head to the cellar door.”

Bandit is a favourite with visitors with many of Fernfield Wine’s Google reviews making mention of the popular pup.

“We’ve had occasions where he’s been missing – most likely on house arrest for rolling in something smelly – and guests have been visibly disappointed to be met by just (me) or Scott,” Mrs Barr said.

Rosie the Blue Heeler Australian cattle dog

Seabrook Wines, Vine Vale

Rosie from Seabrook Wines. Picture: Supplied

“She has the perfect calm and friendly temperament to welcome kids, other dogs, and, of course, wine lovers,” owner, Hamish Seabrook said.

Rosie keeps herself busy as the winery’s Vineyard supervisor and safety manager, waste disposal specialist, customer service superstar, office administrator and risk manager.

“Rosie wears many hats (or should we say collars?) in her role at the winery,” Mr Seabrook said.

“Her support is invaluable during paperwork marathons as she snoozes under the desk (and her) thunder-detection skills are top-notch, and she keeps us alert when storms are brewing — though she insists on extra cuddles during the thunderclaps.”

Originally nicknamed Princess, Rosie has continued to ensure that her royal title is respected, particularly while she was recovering from a serious car accident earlier last year.

“She was treated like royalty, and now she expects no less! She’s a princess through and through,” Mr Seabrook said.

Leo the Australian Shepherd

Alpha Box & Dice, McLaren Vale

Ball-obsessed, Leo brings an extra touch of “majesty and beauty” to his winery family at Alpha Box a& Dice.

Head winemaker, Sam Berketa with Leo from Alpha Box & Dice. Picture: Supplied

While he can be “super-sassy” at times, there’s no denying that this canine is the best buddy someone could ask for.

“His roles at the winery include (but aren’t limited to): maître-d’ at the cellar door, bung chaser, bird scarer and grape sniffer,” head winemaker, Sam Berketa said.

“He’s not overly into wine, but his favourite food pairing is twiggy sticks and the oak from a Chardonnay barrel.”

When he’s not chasing his ball, Leo can be found “posing with noble expression on his face as the wind blows majestically through his flowing locks”.

What a cutie!

Aggie the Hungarian Vizsla

Deviation Road, Longwood

Aggie has her whole world on her doorstep with her home, winery and cellar door all located on the same property.

Aggie from Deviation Road. Picture: Supplied

This is perfect for the seven-year-old canine who loves to fulfilling her role as a member of the Deviation Road team.

While she is nearly always up for greeting anyone and everyone who visits the winery, like all of us she values her alone time and sometimes prefers to sit in the sun and watch from afar.

“She can be selective who she decides to spend time with, so the customers who get her attention always feel a bit special,” general manager, Anna Trowse said.

Aggie is also handy for helping staff find the location’s owner and winemaker, Kate Laurie as her “permanent shadow”.

“If Aggie by herself, it generally means Kate is off-site,” Ms Trowse said.

Originally published as Inside the lives of 7 wine pups: Where you can meet and pat South Australia’s winery dogs