Dog Days of Summer at Kiepersol


It’s hot out there! In fact, it’s the dog days of summer. So we decided to take a different view of the weather and highlight some of the dogs of Kiepersol in our “Dog Days of Summer” collection. Here’s some of our favorite furry friends of the vineyard and their stories.

Make sure to scroll to the end for some outtakes. These silly dogs loved the fun of a photo shoot no matter the temperature….and it shows!

Sirius - Dogs Days of Summer in the Vineyard

Meet Sirius

Sirius — another vibrant star in our Dog Days of Summer constellation! 💫

He’s full of energy and simply doesn’t know the meaning of “tired.” With one eye blue, the other brown, and his tongue sticking out at every nap, he’s impossible not to adore.

Sirius belongs to Emily Ward, one of our wonderful servers at the Kiepersol restaurant, and her boyfriend, Dustin Vineyard (a last name that couldn’t be more fitting!).

But there’s more to his name than meets the eye.

Sirius, dubbed the “Dog Star,” is the brightest star in the night sky. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that when Sirius rose alongside the sun, it brought the extreme heat and sultry days we now call the Dog Days of Summer. ⭐️☀️

Just like his namesake, Sirius brings warmth, brightness, and a whole lot of charm to his family.

Mabel Rose - Dog Days of Summer at Kiepersol

Meet Mabel Rose

Meet the ever so majestic Mabel Rose. 🌹

This beautiful eight-year-a good old German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to Kevin and Tessa Hall, who manage Bushman’s RV Park.

Mabel Rose is a true sporting pup. She starts her days with morning walks alongside Kevin and Tessa and spends the rest of her time hunting… well, just about anything that moves. From pointing birds to the occasional unsuspecting cat, she keeps everyone on their toes.

It wouldn’t be the dog days of summer without a little pointer power and plenty of personality.

Meet Maya

Still deep in the dog days of summer, so we figured it’s the perfect time to introduce… Maya. 🐾

Her parents describe her as their little bundle of chaos, energy, love, and so much sass. She brings a smile to their face every day and always greets them at the door with her favorite stuffed dinosaur.

Her favorite person in the world is her dad, Cebastian, who many of you may know from the Restaurant. But she also fiercely loves and “protects” mom, Wine Club Director Emily, too.

She is the goodest good girl and will do just about anything for a treat, but if you ignore her begging for too long, then the side eye is real. 👀

There is never a dull moment in their house, that is for sure!!

Meet Luke

Oh Luke-y! ☀️

Luke is Melinda, our receptionist’s 11-1/2 years young dog who sticks to his routine. He is very nosey and always wants to know what is going on with his neighbors (who he loves to stalk).He always knows when “happy hour” is with the neighbors and begins to get antsy to head out the door to use up his energy, run over there, and explore.

He loves breakfast and dinnertime and will let you know when he thinks he deserves a treat (which is all throughout the day)!

Sweet Lucky Dog in the Dog Days of Summer at Kiepersol

Meet Lucky

Another good boy for the Dog Days of Summer ☀️🐕

Meet Lucky!

He’s a licky, happy-go-lucky rescue pup who calls Kiepersol home. He’s the constant companion of a boy many of us have watched grow into a young man here on the farm. If his boy is out exploring, Lucky is either right by his side or on the lookout for him.

He also has a soft spot for pets and attention, so don’t be surprised if he wanders onto the patio to greet guests and politely hint for a charcuterie treat. If you see him during your visit, be sure to give him some scritches… and maybe a tiny piece of cheese.

Shenna Dog Days of Summer at Kiepersol

Meet Sheena

Sheena is the guardian of our vineyard — an imposing and graceful Irish Wolfhound who watches over both her family and these vines. She belongs to Marnelle, and everyone at Kiepersol knows that if Sheena is near, Marnelle is never far behind. She’s loyal to the core, patiently waiting outside any building Marnelle visits and, to the surprise of those around, sometimes trying to slip inside with her.

Though she looks intimidating, Sheena is shy at heart. Approach her too quickly and she’ll keep her distance… unless you happen to have food, in which case she might just be your new best friend. Beyond her watchful nature, Sheena has a nurturing side too — she’s taken on the role of adopted mother to orphaned baby lambs and plays big sister to her fellow Kiepersol pups, like Lucky.

Sheena embodies the spirit of a true vineyard dog — protective, loyal, and part of the very fabric of this place. We’re honored to conclude our Dog Days of Summer series with her, and we look forward to welcoming cooler days ahead.

Coco Dog Days of Summer at Kiepersol

Meet Coco

Coco-loco. Coco-nut. Coco Chanel, the mini Doodle.

She rules the house with a fuzzy paw and loves hanging out with her mom Kelly, our Branding & Marketing Director. Coco loves dog puzzles, snacks, sprinting, and is definitely on high alert for dangerous predators like the occasional cardinal or squirrel.

She has only two modes - hyper-happy and asleep. We love your energy, Coco! Cheers to the dog days of summer.

The Outtakes

There were some photo shoot bloopers, some rolling in the grass, leaping and the air, and genuine jumping for joy. Click below to see the larger versions of these fun outtakes.


Photography created by Carrie Latham, Marnelle Durrett, and Kelly Doherty

By Kelly Doherty

Kelly Doherty is the Branding and Marketing Director of Kiepersol in Tyler Texas. She has been with the estate since its inception in 1998 creating the brand from the ground up, literally helping plant the first Cabernet and Sangiovese vines. 

A photographer, graphic designer, and writer at heart, the winery and vineyard are the inspired backdrop for Kelly’s creative endeavors. She designs the website, runs the social media team, and hosts a vineyard blog. She is a wine and spirits packaging expert with over 25 years of designing eye-catching classic and timeless designs.

She holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and is in the midst of the exciting journey of Level 3. Teaching and giving behind-the-scenes tours on the estate are her passion. You can also find her creating wine pairing dinners with chefs across the state.

Her other adventures include life coaching and podcasting. Kelly is the creator of the ‘Drink a Little’ podcast that explores the possibilities intertwined in the world of wine and wellness. Each week a different wine from around the world is tasted and paired with a conversation about creating a balanced and abundant life without overdrinking.

*Kiepersol is a Texas wine and culinary destination with a vineyard, winery, distillery, steak house, fifteen B&B rooms, and even an RV Park located in the countryside ten miles south of Tyler, Texas. Kiepersol has recently won the Top Texas Winery Award from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition of 2024.

kellydoherty.com

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