The Dogs Of Hunter's Wines
The Dogs Of Hunter's Wines
Founded in 1979, Hunter’s is Marlborough, New Zealand's oldest independent, family-owned winery, credited with putting Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world map.
At Hunter’s, dogs have been part of winery life since the very beginning. Today, Billy and Lola continue that much-loved tradition, bringing plenty of personality, companionship and the occasional hunt for a snack to the vineyard.
To celebrate International Dog Day, we caught up with the team to learn more about the dogs behind the winery and their place in the Hunter’s story.
To start, tell us about the dogs at Hunter’s.
We love having dogs here at Hunter’s. In fact, dogs have been part of life at Hunter’s since the start. Jane, who started Hunter’s with her husband Ernie, had the very first famous dog, Commodore – a huge 90kg St Bernard who must have made quite an impression around the winery.
Billy, who belongs to James, our head Winemaker, is a Border Collie aged five, and Lola is our resident cuddler – an eight-year-old Black Labrador who belongs to Ed, our CFO. Lola is very food-driven and always seems to know when there might be a snack nearby, while Billy is very much a working dog, happiest when he is out and about with James.
What does a typical day look like for Billy and Lola?
Both Billy and Lola have grown up at the winery, so they are completely at home here. They know the place inside and out – including exactly where to find the best snacks and the most willing people to give them a pat.
They are as much a part of the daily rhythm of the winery as the staff and family are. We all know their routines, where they are likely to be found, and when it’s time for a walk. Lola can usually be found making the rounds of the office, while Billy is often out with James, particularly in the vineyards.
What do the dogs bring to the winery?
They bring a lovely sense of familiarity and companionship to the winery. They are part of the fabric of everyday life here.
There is something special about having dogs around a workplace – they have a way of making people stop for a moment, whether that’s to give Lola a cuddle or take Billy out for a walk. They certainly keep us company, and they always seem to know when someone needs a little cheering up.
Lola treats us to a different collar every now and then. The girls in the office are particularly fond of her diamante collar, which she wears for special occasions.
Have dogs always been part of the Hunter’s family?
Dogs are very much part of the Hunter’s story. Commodore (St Bernard) was the first, and after him came Paddy, a much-loved Clumber Spaniel who is still very fondly remembered. Both dogs were a big part of life at the winery and certainly left their mark among the family and wine lovers everywhere.
What happens when harvest rolls around? Do they get involved in the action?
Lola, I don’t think, cares all that much about harvest – although she has now seen eight of them!
Billy, on the other hand, is a working dog through and through. Being James’ dog, he is very much at home in the ute and out in the vineyards with James during harvest. He gets to be right in the middle of the action and is very much part of the harvest team.
Favourite product from Ashley & Co.’s pet range?
We love the Awoof Dog Wash. It has such a gentle, soft scent – and is perfect after a long day running around the vineyards!
From vineyard walks to harvest days, Billy and Lola are a much-loved part of life at Hunter’s. Head over to the Hunter’s website to discover more about the winery, its wines and the story behind this special Marlborough family.
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