Natalie Fryar, Winemaker, Tasmania

Natalie Fryar Winemaker Tasmania Story by Jansz

No vineyard is complete without a dog, especially a classic Aussie worker like a kelpie, and kelpie Bob sees her job as keeping geese out of the Jansz Tasmania vineyard.

At the Pipers River vineyard, winemaker Natalie Fryar tastes the grapes that will make Jansz sparkling wines. She watches Bob strike the "I need to herd these things up" pose. The geese, of course, disagree and think they are perfectly fine munching grapes.

Nevertheless, she launches into work. “She” being Bob, not Natalie, and yes Bob is a she. Don’t ask.

A thunderous sound arises. The 80 geese are not happy. Honking. Flapping huge wings. Bob rises to the challenge. Round and round the flock, barking orders. Then, a mistake. She charges straight in. The geese charge straight out of the vineyard, bowling over Bob, sending the kelpie tumbling, rolling, over and over.

Despite her wounded pride, Bob believes her job is well done. The geese are back in the pond. No one is hurt. The kelpie marches back to Natalie’s side and resumes her quiet role as vineyard dog.