By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
Pups and Peeps: The Bond
Dogs have been by our side for tens of thousands of years. Science has shown that our best furry friends have been domesticated from gray wolves roughly 15,000–30,000 years ago. Dogs were originally hunting partners and guardians rather than companions. Over time, their roles expanded as their bond with humans deepened. There is evidence in every civilization in history that dogs held a place of honor, companionship, and utility. Today, that ancient partnership has grown and expanded into vineyards and cellars, where their loyalty and intelligence now serve the noble cause of great wine.
Sommelier vs Sniffmelier
Sommeliers spend years training their palates and noses to be able to detect subtle flaws like cork taint, oxidation or Brettanomyces. Although their olfactory senses are very impressive, they are no match for a dog’s. It has been documented that the top sommelier can detect compounds like TCA at concentrations as low as parts per billion, (per Food & Wine) a dog can identify the compound at parts per trillion (per North Bay Business Journal).
Protecting the Vines
Dogs have also been trained to sniff out pests in the vineyard.
Vine mealybugs, tiny insects invisible to the naked eye, are the culprits behind grapevine leafroll virus—a disease that can severely reduce vine health, yield, and fruit quality. Dogs, specifically golden retrievers have been trained to sniff out the female mealybug pheromone long before infestations can spread. (wine enthusiast) By catching infestations early, these canine detectives allow the vineyard managers to target specific intervention, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and promoting more sustainable viticulture practices .
Fetch Fido!
Although dogs naturally have this “super power,” reaching elite status requires some serious training. Typically through the use of positive reinforcement, handlets reward correct alerts with treats, toys and praise. Teaching them to detect faults, trainers introduce synthetic compounds, including artificially created TCA. Once a dog recognizes the target scent, they’re trained to signal detection—by sitting, pawing, barking, or pointing which provides a clear cue for their handler. (Lodi Wine) Whether it’s pinpointing tainted barrel staves or signaling pest pheromones, their training is tailored to tackle viticultural challenges with sniffing precision.
Better Than Science
Yes, dogs are better than science. Not only are they fast, but they are furiously efficient (and work for biscuits.) They are equipped with up to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our mere 5 million), they can sniff through an entire batch of barrels in just minutes, covering ground and bypassing obstacles far faster than any lab technician pulling samples. When it comes to cost, canine QC is a clear winner: screening a 40‑acre vineyard over two days with two dogs and a handler runs around $5,200, averaging under $0.01 per vine—significantly cheaper than lab-based tests and chemical assays (drink business.) Not to mention they’re just plain adorable!
MVPs—Most Valuable Pooches
Whether they’re sniffing out cork taint in the barrel room, detecting mealybugs in the vineyard, or charming guests in the tasting room with a perfectly timed tail wag, wine dogs are the unsung heroes of the industry, so let’s raise a paw to them! Sure, their noses might outshine the fanciest lab equipment—but let’s be honest, it’s their puppy-dog eyes and wagging tails that really steal the show. In the end, they’re not just making wine better—they’re making the wine world a whole lot fuzzier. Slàinte to the dogs who keep our wine clean and our hearts full!
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
