Sleeping Dog Wines was established in 2002 after ten years of experimentation by owner/winemaker Larry Oates, gleaning grapes from the Buoy Vineyard, across the road from the house. The name of the winery was derived in part from his infatuation with our canine friends, coupled with the fact that reds are allowed to age prior to release - let those dogs lie.
All wines are stored in stainless steel tanks to allow the grapes to better express their characteristics; small amount of oak are added to impart some of their beneficial traits. Varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Carménère, Malbec, Merlot, Montepulciano, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Rosé as well as an assortment of red blends. A small operation (~300 cases per year), they don't distribute widely and are open for tasting weekends only from April through November.
In 2015, the 2008 Tail Wagger blend was named the best wine from both the Yakima Valley and the Columbia Valley in a judging held in Santa Rosa.
Come visit and learn more about us while tasting with the winemaker!
Up to six wines may be available on a given day.
We are a small operation and self-contained. The vineyards are across the road. The winemaker is usually in the tasting room and can discuss all aspects of the winery. Depending on customers, a tour of the adjacent vineyards may be possible, along with a discussion of all processing operations.
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