The Story of Ironstone Vineyards

Every Dog Has Its Day
The Story of Dog Tail Vineyards
F
rom humble beginnings as
The Mutts
a row crop farmer, John
Kautz had a vision and began
A glance at the Head Breeder’s Notes
growing grapes on his 12 acres of land
(read winemaker) reveals two different
in Lodi, California in 1948. Today the
Dog Tail offerings. The mixed-
Kautz family - John, wife Gail, and
breed “Mutts” are wine blends and
their children Stephen, Kurt, Jack and
the “Purebreds” are vintage single
Joan – are one of California’s top grape
grape offerings. The Mutts include
unfold as cherry, current and cassis on
growers with over 5,000 acres of wine
Fire Hydrant Red which is a blend of
the palate. It is a medium bodied wine
grapes in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills.
Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of
Ironstone claims will keep you warm
In 1988, the Kautz family hired award-
Cabernet Franc and Souzao grapes.
on a “three dog night.” The Merlot has
winning winemaker Steve Millier and
Fire Hydrant Red is loaded with spicy
a sultry aroma of cedar and bright fruit
launched Kautz Wines, which is known
cherries and black currant with subtle
with flavors of black cherry and plum
today as Ironstone Vineyards. Their
hints of cedar, vanilla and eucalyptus.
in a silky smooth wine.
brands include Ironstone Vineyards,
The other “Mutt” is Watchdog White,
Leaping Horse, Sonoma Creek and Dog
an ideal blend of Chardonnay balanced
Tail Vineyards. Ironstone Vineyards
with a touch of Symphony grapes to
has produced numerous award winning
create a remarkable wine, perfect for
Ironstone Vineyards is the largest
wines including several varietals from
summertime. Watchdog White features
winery
Dog Tail Vineyards.
aromas of pear, citrus and honeysuckle
California. The 2008 Ironstone Concert
in a remarkably versatile white wine.
Series runs from June through October
So how did they come up with the name
Dog Tail? The various Kautz family
www.ironstonevineyards.com
Visiting Ironstone Vineyards
entertainment
complex
in
and features artists Sheryl Crow, Willie
The Purebreds
members all have dogs that run around
Rescue one today !!!
Dog Tail’s Winemaker, Steve Millier
Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak,
George Thorogood & the Destroyers,
the vineyard and find uncanny ways of
Dog Tail’s Chardonnay took a gold
Steve Miller Band, Steely Dan, Boz
getting into things. Being the sort of
medal at the 2007 San Francisco Wine
Skaggs and more. Their complex also
farming dogs that they are, they often
Competition for Chardonnays priced
features a Culinary Exhibit Center,
sneak off into the vineyards to chase
under fourteen dollars. For those
Wine Aging/Tasting Caves, a seven
squirrels, skunks and other playful
who don’t follow the wine world, it’s
story winery, gardens, a lakeside park,
neighbors. It is not uncommon to see
the world’s largest American wine
gourmet deli, book store, jewelry
one of the dogs nose down in a freshly
competition and taking a gold medal is
store, museum, banquet and wedding
dug hole between the rows of vines
quite an honor. Dog Tail’s Chardonnay
facilities and more. Other annual events
feverishly pursuing a furry find. The
has aromas of green apple and citrus
include art shows, a BBQ challenge
Kautz family decided it was only fitting
with a hint of pineapple. Dog Tail’s
and the Concours D’Elegance in
to immortalize the dogs with their own
Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of
September featuring over 300 classic
wine label.
cranberry, raisin, fig and plum which
cars. Definitely worth the trip.
June 2008 - Mile High Dog - 27