Spring came a day early and delivered absolutely perfect weather for a Doggy Winery Tour to Yarra Valley! Diesel welcomed doggy guests and their hoomans at Port Melbourne where sandy paws soaked up the morning warmth. Once pooches and people were settled on the bus, it was clear it would be a day full of excitement. An off lead romp and swim (or wade in the very popular muddy puddle) at Lilydale Lake was the first stop for the day. It was also a glorious day for stroll around the lake for Tilly and Sadie. Charlotte’s long silky ears in the water bowls was the theme for the day! Penny’s soft Labradoodle fur was also a culprit for the bearded-water bowl wipe down!
The first tasting at St Huberts was full of new smells for most dogs, with Juno and Issa having a sniff and wander in the large off lead area. While Jason led the human wine tasting, most of the pooches were interested in a tasting of their own; tasting all of the six varieties of water bowls on offer. Lenny and Bear were the most regular tasters, making sure they didn’t miss out by only tasting one bowl. Buckley may have been trying to taste the wine as he might have been exploring the cellar door! Charlie had almost the same idea, but hung out on the veranda, just taking in the action. Tilly was certain her size was not going to prevent her from seeing what all the action was, even taking a very close interest in the wine glasses, cheeky monkey. Sadie was now ready to wander around on her own with the bigger dogs, which was very brave as they were romping in all directions.
Lunch at Domaine Chandon was in their historic homestead, with the French verandah doors wide open letting in the glorious sunshine. The dogs loved their relax time with Bentley taking good care of them.
One more tasting stop at Train Trak to round out the day, brought on the tired pooches. Elmo’s rules of patting succession had become known by then, and any pats, or looks Cookie received were, of course, matched amongst the siblings. Abe showed off his tricks of shaking paws (with both paws!) and Benny had a pretty impressive photo shoot inside the Cellar Door—moose head involved. Tilly and Sadie only had to make eye contact with a certain dog carer resulting in lots of extra cuddles!
A great day was had by all, with Lenny taking out the Facebook photo competition with his flower garland, wine glass photo, and an honourable mention going to Benny for his moose lodge-esque, wine barrel balancing act!
