Almost two years ago, I did a story in a local paper about Long Island Wine dogs. These dogs serve as mascots, tasting room greeters and constant companions to many in the local wine industry. And they are damn cute to boot.

This week, we say goodbye to Ch. Montage Petit Syrah, known by simply Syrah by most, who has served as the mascot for Lieb Family Cellars for years.

Owned by general manager Gary Madden, I’ve hung out with Syrah several times in the tasting room and I’m sure that many other visitors have as well. Friendly doesn’t begin to describe him and as you can see, he also took care of many of Lieb’s wine deliveries.

I’m sure that there is a special place in Doggy Heaven for wine dogs…a place with juicy steaks and endless bowls of top-flight vino. Be well, Syrah, be well.