The Vineyard Dogs of Leelanau County

You won’t find them in the tasting room, or plucking grapes from the vine. You won’t find them sampling the products or even eyeing the charcuterie board at your table. Nevertheless, they are essential members of your local wine and cider staples. Meet the dogs of Leelanau’s orchards and vineyards. 

Porsche at Chateau Fontaine
Named after her owner’s vintage car, this 3 ½-year-old English Setter is the third in a line of what co-owner and operator Dan Matthias calls the “wine dogs” at Chateau Fontaine. Porsche is the resident greeter, who is especially happy to see kids.

“Some folks with three children came in to taste wine one day and the kids were bored, so I told them to take Porsche over on the grass to play,” says Matthias. “She ran them ragged and they just loved her. The parents said it was the best tasting they ever had.” 

One of Chateau Fontaine’s bestsellers is the everyday red blend Big Paw Red, a perfect souvenir for visitors who want to remember both the winery and its gentle mascot. Although you might also consider a bottle of Chardonnay: Chateau Fontaine has the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the county at 30-plus years, “and we’re making some the finest Chardonnay we have ever made,” says Matthias. In fact, the 2020 Chardonnay just won double gold and Best of Class at the International Finger Lakes competition in New York, beating out ten different countries and every winery in the U.S. and Canada.

And of course, you’re welcome to bring your mild-mannered pooches along for an outdoor visit as well. To know: leashes are mandatory and aggressive behavior is prohibited. 

Lexi at Blustone Vineyard 
As the owner’s “granddog,” this 7-year-old British Labrador make frequent appearances at the vineyard. “She knows when the car has turned the corner on Sylt Road and the vineyard is at the end of the street,” says owner Tom Knighton. “She can’t wait to get out and patrol the vineyard and welcome our guests.” 

Now surrounded by a blaze of color, Blustone is one of the most picturesque spots on the Leelanau Peninsula — perfect for Lexi’s Instagram modeling career. When not posing for the camera, you can find her riding shotgun on the RTV when there are vineyard chores to be done.

Though no paws are allowed inside according to MDARD law, Blustone Vineyard is indeed canine-friendly outside. All guests will be greeted with a bowl of water and a doggie treat. 

Gordie at Suttons Bay Ciders
Meet Gordie Howe — the 7-year-old Border Collie, not the hockey player. Although Gordie’s claim to fame is his Frisbee, his main responsibility is to keep deer away from the apple trees. He’s protecting the goods so you can enjoy Suttons Bay Ciders’ two newest brews — Saskatoon and Sumac — which are both made from locally-sourced, native berries. 

Gordie groupies can even go home with the cidery mascot's merch: There’s nothing cuter than a Gordie on your sweatshirt, except maybe lookalike stuffed animal wearing a tiny SBC t-shirt. There’s definitely nothing cuter than that. 

Koi at Leelanau Cellars 
Though he hasn’t reached his first birthday, that hasn’t stopped this 90-pound German Shepherd from being one of the most-often named employees of the month — despite frequently distracting his coworkers with requests for ball throwing and treat sharing. The Leelanau Cellars production facility on M-22 north of Omena is undergoing a 45,000 square foot expansion to accommodate national growth, and Koi is ready to meet the construction crew outside on arrival.

“He puts a smile on everyone’s faces and always makes sure to say hello,” says Sarah Kosteva, digital brand manager. 

At the tasting room in Omena village proper, the outdoor patio is dog friendly and comes fully stocked with a water bowl and dog treats.

The Pack at 45 North Vineyard & Winery
There’s more than one four-legged resident at 45 North: Corgis Darla and Josie are owner/founder Lori Grossnickle’s. Corgis Petey and Mila belong to Katie Grossnickle, along with a Catahoula named Indie. 

Ruby the 11-year-old Golden Retriever belongs to Alanna Grossnickle and her husband, Eric. She met her family for the first time at the winery and grew up running around the vineyards. “She loves racing me down the rows of vines while I drive the Kubota UTV and swimming in the pond on site,” says Alanna. Winter snow and stylish vests are also passions of Ruby’s. 

As you’d expect, dogs are welcome outdoors at 45 North; yours can grab a complimentary, locally made dog treat from the Dog Bakery while you sip. 

Sounds like it’s time for a dog date around Leelanau, doesn’t it?

Dog and cat people of the county, also check out this week's Northern Express, the Pets Issue. Our sister publication is sharing the incredible journey of an Anatolian shepherd who traveled from Turkey to TC to find a forever home, local shelter animals still waiting for theirs...and more.

Pictured clockwise from left: Gordie at Suttons Bay Ciders; Lexi at Blustone Vineyard; Ruby at 45 North