About Us

Sleeping Dog Wines was founded by Larry “Alpha winemaker” Oates along with his wife and partner, Joyce “I’d rather be fishing” Oates in 2002.  Their home and small winery overlook the Yakima River, where they reside under the watchful care of Aurora, the Sleeping Dog, Bella, the plump guardian cat, and Syrah, the self-appointed winery cat.

Larry & Joyce

Larry’s first encounters with wine were typical of the ’60′s–a swig of fortified wine, a jug of Chablis, a squeeze of “What is that?” from a Boda-bag.  To finance his extended career as an undergraduate, he accepted gainful employment–at a wine shop.  The owner encouraged him to experience some of the classic French vintages offered at the shop, to better advise customers and sell more wine.  Thus began Larry’s exploits in the divine realm of fine wines.