Founding Dogs of Black Dog Ranch

Told by Molly

Hi there, I’m Molly, Chief Vineyard Dog here at Black Dog Ranch—and proud descendant of a long line of legendary vineyard dogs. I may only be seven years old, but trust me, this nose knows its history.

Let’s start at the beginning. Before there was me, there was Chester—the original Black Lab who followed my human Steve everywhere, from vine rows to barrel rooms. Chester was so iconic in Napa that he and Steve are pictured in James Conaway’s book “Napa.” He wasn’t just a good boy—he was the first Black Dog of Black Dog Ranch, and his paws set the path for the rest of us.

Then came Luca Brasi, named after Vito Corleone’s guardian in The Godfather. Our Luca was just as loyal, guarding the vineyard and greeting neighbors with tail wags and pride. Vito followed—a fierce protector of his grapes, always barking off ground squirrels and birds. He didn’t warm up to everyone, but he adored his family. Classic Vito.

And during Vito’s reign, there was Roscoe—our beloved outlier. The only non-black lab to make the team, Roscoe was an Anatolian Shepherd–Great Dane mix with the stature of a sofa and the heart of a golden retriever. When he sat on the couch, his hindquarters perched while his feet stayed firmly planted on the floor. Where Vito was standoffish, Roscoe was a walking welcome sign—he’d lick any animal or human from chin to forehead without hesitation. Together, they were the odd couple of vineyard security, and an unforgettable duo in our canine chronicles.

After Vito, came Corleone—or Corley, as we call her. She’s my mama, and she’s vineyard royalty around here. Born on a farm in Fresno in 2014, Corley joined the ranch at just 7 weeks old. Ever since, she’s been patrolling the vines, riding shotgun in the Kubota, and teaching me everything I know about grape-growing and being a good dog.

In 2018, Corley gave birth to three pups: Mulan, who lives with our sire’s family in Napa; Diesel, who lucked out with a vet-tech mom; and me, Molly, who stayed right here to carry on the legacy. That’s us in the photo—with me on the far right, standing tall (and sitting pretty) for Black Dog Ranch.

Today…

The Nose Knows™

Now, about our motto: The Nose Knows™. It started when Steve worked alongside the legend, André Tchelistcheff, who always said that the soul of a wine is found through its aroma. We dogs? We’ve been saying it all along. Our noses guide us—through the vines, through life, and into every glass poured here at the ranch.

And then there’s Roscoe, the lovable outlier. He wasn’t a black lab—he was an Anatolian Shepherd–Great Dane mix with eyebrows and a couch habit. Roscoe may not have fit the black dog mold, but he was family through and through.

So when you hear Black Dog Ranch, just know it’s more than a name. It’s a lineage. A legacy. A vineyard watched over for generations by paws, noses, and hearts full of love.

From Chester to Corley, and now me—the legacy continues.