7 Reasons Why Amista is Dog Friendly

7 Adorable Shelties…

 

…and the  Amista wines they exemplify.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.

 

Did you know Amista is dog friendly? For many of our guests, this is a highlight—bringing their best furry friends to relax among the vines while sipping our handcrafted red, white, and sparkling wines.

But for us, it’s more than just being dog friendly. It’s personal. Over the years, we’ve shared our lives with seven wonderful Shetland Sheepdogs—affectionately known as Shelties. Each has left a pawprint on our hearts and inspired our connection to the special bond between humans and dogs.

So, meet the Shelties who have shaped our days and discover the wines that embody their unique personalities!
 

1. Mickey – Our First Sheltie

Mickey came into our lives unexpectedly. A colleague of my late husband Mike, needed a home for a dog he couldn’t keep, and we couldn’t resist. Mickey was about a year old, sensitive, loyal, and intelligent—the classic Sheltie personality. He also introduced us to their well-known tendency to bark, sometimes a little too enthusiastically!

Mickey’s arrival marked the beginning of our love affair with this remarkable breed.

The Wine: Mickey earns the honor of being paired with our Syrah, the first wine Mike ever made for Amista—a fitting tribute to our beginnings.
 

2. MacDuff – A Pal for Mickey

With both Mike and me working long hours, we realized Mickey needed company. Enter MacDuff! This charming little Sheltie shared Mickey’s Sable coloring and quickly became his partner-in-crime.

The Wine: MacDuff’s lighter personality best matches our Grenache, a Rhône variety similar to Syrah but with a softer touch.
 

3. Casey – An Adventurous Companion

Casey was our first tri color Sheltie and quickly became Mickey’s new sidekick after we said goodbye to MacDuff. Casey loved exploring the woods around our home in New Jersey, often returning with that unmistakable sparkle of mischief in his eyes.

The Wine: Casey’s three colors and adventurous spirit are captured by Tres, a bold blend of three Rhône varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
 

4. Finnegan – Jumping for Joy

When we moved to Verdi, Nevada, Casey needed a new playmate, and Finnegan came bounding into our lives. His bubbly energy, love for leaping, and fascination with lawn sprinklers brought endless joy to our home.

The Wine: Finnegan’s effervescence shines in the Amista Sparkling Syrah rosé, our most robust sparkling wine—perfect for his spirited personality.
 

5. MacGregor (Mac) – The Resilient Soul

Mac’s story is one of resilience and redemption. At 13 years old, he came to us through Sheltie Rescue after enduring years of neglect. Tiny, nearly toothless, deaf, and fearful of the world, Mac slowly found solace in our gentle care. With patience and love, he transformed into a trusting, cherished member of our family, blessing us with four unforgettable years.

The Wine: Mac’s quiet strength and unexpected blossoming remind us of our Estate Chardonnay - a variety we hadn’t planned to make but has since become a cornerstone, featured in five of our wines.
 

6. Torin – The Independent Spirit

We brought Torin home as a puppy from Orland, California. A winding drive made for a messy (and memorable!) journey, but his strong, independent personality makes him unforgettable.

The Wine: Torin's coloring and character mirror our Sparkling Tres, a rosé blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Both are unusual, complex and full of pleasant surprises.
 

7. Dylan – A Bundle of Love

After saying goodbye to Finnegan, Torin needed a new puppy to boss around. Dylan entered our lives as the perfect balance—cuddly, affectionate, and endlessly playful.

The Wine: Dylan’s bright, lively nature makes him the ideal match for our Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, a wine that brings happiness to every moment.

At Amista, we don’t just welcome dogs—we celebrate them. Our Shelties remind us of the special connection between a dog and their human, and we’re thrilled to see that bond shared here at the winery. So, the next time you visit, bring your furry friend. We’d love to meet them!

Cheers to dogs, wine, and the joy they bring into our lives!