Tri City Herald
August 19, 2007

"Pouring Over Pooches"
Canine companions become winery mainstays

Workers at some wineries labor for only food and board—literally. They spend long hours on intruder and rodent control. They greet every visitor, providing escort service from car to door and back again. They work like dogs because they are. They’re canines, and they live to serve.

The only compensation they ask for are brisk belly scratches and an occasional romp with their humans. They consider forklift rides a nice perk and the attention from winery visitors their due. And they deserve it. Ask their owners and you’ll hear that the dogs who live, work and provide comic relief at several Mid-Columbia wineries are almost as much a draw for visitors as their fine wines.

“Our dogs set the tone around here. We like the winery to be a fun place, and our dogs add a lot of life. A lot of people who are traveling come here to get their dog fix,” said Mike Dunham of Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla.

Visit Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla and a trio of border collies—Port, Maysy and Konnie—will make you welcome.

Port is the most famous. Eric Dunham, winemaker and son of the owners, Mike and Joanne Dunham, rescued him in 1994 from death by pitbull when Port was just a puppy. He lost a front leg but found a home with the Dunham’s.

Port was also the first Dunham dog to have a vintage named in his honor—the 2002 Three Legged Red.

“Younger, Port was a real athlete. Even missing a leg he was fast and fun to watch play.” said Mike Dunham.  He’s older now—12 years old—but still a character and has