“She absolutely chose us,” says Michelle Barnard, recalling the day Zoey made her intentions clear. She made her move at Animal Welfare Helderberg, a shelter renowned for its dedication to rescued animals. “She was in an enclosure second from the end of the row,” Michelle recalls. “She jumped up gently, paws on our arms and with a deep stare into our eyes told us in no uncertain terms that she was ours. We didn’t have a choice. She’d picked us, plain and simple.”

Zoey’s human family comprises Michelle and her husband, Craig Barnard, the cellar master at Eagles’ Nest Wines. Craig admits it took some time to persuade him that a furry family member was a good idea. “I was hesitant at first,” he says. “But Zoey has completely won us over. She adores her human dad the most, much to her human mom’s slight dismay, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

According to the Barnards, Zoey is a personality in motion. They agree that if she were a wine, she’d be a Malbec or Shiraz: bold, full-bodied and just a little unhinged. “The barking when a motorbike passes is something else,” Michelle says. “She doesn’t like motorbikes. At all.” Beyond her bark, Zoey is full of quirks that have them – and anyone lucky enough to spend time with her – in stitches.

Take her signature head tilt, for example. This move appears when a snack packet crinkles in the kitchen or when she hears the word “bakkie” or “pants”, the latter referring to her harness. “It’s impossible not to laugh,” Craig admits. “She’s got the most expressive little face and somehow she knows exactly how to get everyone’s attention.”

Zoey is also a meticulous supervisor in the vineyard and cellar. She inspects grape samples with the seriousness of a sommelier, lingering nearby as if to ensure everyone is doing their job. “She’s a real stickler for quality,” Michelle jokes. “She may not be able to lift a crate, but her nose is unparalleled.”

Of course, her supervision comes with its fair share of shenanigans. Zoey has been caught tasting – or at least thoroughly investigating – some rather unpleasant surprises, including a pile of wild animal droppings, much to the horror and amusement of staff and visitors alike.

Despite her mischievous side, Zoey is deeply affectionate. Her favourite treats are droëwors and biltong, which she devours with gusto. “She’ll patiently wait for her share if she sees someone else snacking, inching her nose closer and closer,” Michelle says. “It’s a subtle but firm reminder that she’s there and ready to partake.”

Zoey’s energy is boundless. Whether racing through the vineyard, supervising grape sorting or simply lounging in the sun with an expression that says she owns the place, she embodies a rare mix of exuberance and charm. She is, as the Barnards put it, “Rugged like the terrain but, like the wines, beautiful, bold, unique and well loved.”

Her Instagram bio (if she had one) would read, “Adventure-seeker, wild at heart, boundless energy, lover of snacks.” It’s a description that captures her spirit perfectly: a pup who turns mundane moments into adventures and brings joy to everyone around her. She might not speak, but her personality speaks volumes. Ask her what she would say if she could talk and the answer is clear, “When are you taking me for a dog’s day out again?”

It’s not just her human family who adores her. A pack of neighbouring dogs scamper over to greet her on walks. Visitors to the winery are treated to a loud, enthusiastic welcome, sometimes with a playful punch in the stomach, a greeting only Zoey can pull off without offending.

“Zoey’s the perfect face for celebrating South Africa’s canine and wine culture,” Michelle says. “She’s enthusiastic, passionate about the farm and has a nose for the finer things. She’s the full package, the perfect mascot for 2025.”

To explore more articles in our December issue, Vat die pad, purchase our digital or print magazine here.