Meet Our Grape Vine Patrol Squad

Did you miss our segment on NBC12 out of Richmond on April 22, 2020? You can watch it now.

We have 12 rescue dogs that patrol the vineyards, chasing away wildlife so our grapes have a chance to thrive & later become the wine we all enjoy. Nearly all of our squad members were recruited from local animal shelters. Our newest (and youngest) rescue is Denver who joined us in the fall of 2023. Marianne (owner Katie Krop’s sister-in-law) with the constant support from vineyard manager Danny and assistant winemaker Belen take care of their food & water supply as well as their medical needs. Each section of the vineyard has a large, white hut where the dogs can seek shelter from the elements, but most of the time they prefer to be outdoors & on patrol.

All of the dogs are friendly, but sometimes get excited when visitors come to play. They’re all restrained by invisible fencing, so they won’t try to go home with you no matter how many milk bones you give them; they’ll remain in their cozy, designated section.