Southampton - Who let the dogs out? Elaine Riordan did - as she has written a beautiful homage to the four-footed workers and companions of vineyards across Long Island, Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes. With photography by Andrea Jacoby and Marjorie Adams this is a doggone good read.

Riordan, based in Seattle, has previously written "Winery Dogs of Napa Valley," "Winery Dogs of Sonoma," "Winery Dogs of Central California," and is currently working on "Winery Dogs of Oregon." Certainly no bias intended, however, the New York pooches are the finest group of hounds around!

This is the fourth book of winery dogs by Riordan, and she has lovingly and laughingly captured the 'essence' of these tail-wagging, energetic, loyal canines occupying wineries on both the North and South Forks of Long Island.

North Fork Vineyards And Their Canine Stars
 • Ackerly Pond Vineyards (Teddy, Waffles, Dallas, Desi, Jaxon and Abbey)
 • Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard (Codi and Tori)
 • Bedell Cellars (Ripple, Kobe and Moose)
 • Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery (Brix)
 • Corey Creek Vineyards (Clover, Willow and Jefferson)
 • Croteaux Vineyards (Julia and Sargent)
 • Duck Walk Vineyards North (Lacy)
 • Jason's Vineyard (Hercules)
 • Macari Vineyards (Fenga)
 • Martha Clara Vineyards (Bernie and Bennie)
 • Osprey's Dominion Vineyard (Ginger-Louise)
 • Paumanok VIneyards (Vina)
 • Peconic Bay Winery (Merriweather and Lilly)
 • Pellegrini Vineyards (T.G. and Gidget)
 • Pindar Vineyards (Jake)
 • Sherwood House Vineyards (Sunny, Raven, Rufus, Radish and Roger)
 • Shinn Estate Vineyards (Beckett and Panda)
 • The Lenz Winery (Bella and Bryn Llwyd)
 • The Old Field Vineyards (Dekka)

South Fork Vineyards And Their Canine Stars
 • Channing Daughters Winery (Remy)
 • Wolffer Estate Vineyard (Diego)

Large, small, young and aged, the vast number of breeds is a delight to discover, and both the absolutely beautiful photography and insightful text reveals the personalities of man's best friend as it should be - in environments where the dogs are free to roam, play and interact with visitors to the vineyards to be patted, hugged, spoiled and admired.

Among just a few of the heartbreakers and vineyard warriors are Clover (Corey Creek Vineyards) - an eight-year-old Samoyed described as a "man of leisure" by events director Kim Folks-MacKinnon; Lacy (Duck Walk Vineyards) - an 11-year-old German Shepherd, who is the daughter of two FBI dogs; Hercules (Jason's Vineyard) - a one-year-old Maltese who is so adorable you'll have a hard time peeling your eyes off this photo; Merriweather (Peconic Bay Winery) - a 19-year-old Minature American Eskimo, known as "the family's prima donna;" and Remy (Channing Daughters Winery) - a five-year-old Labradoodle who is "A big teddy bear and soft as a pillow" according to Christopher Tracy and Allison Dubin.

The two stars gracing the front cover of the book, Toby (one-years-old) and Jake (three-years-old), from Arcadian Estate Winery in Seneca Lake, are two black Labrador retrievers who are so sleek and handsome you'll find yourself wanting to visit your local animal shelter or pet store immediately! Both dogs "are talented therapy dogs, working in schools and hospitals" as well. Gorgeous and intelligent - what a combination.

All the furry friends in this book remind us to appreciate the companionship, loyalty and joy dogs bring to our lives, and to simply enjoy being with them as much as they enjoy everyone - especially accompanied by a delicious glass of wine.

Many of the canine stars of this book were recently celebrated at Bedell Cellars 'Dog Day Afternoon' held at the vineyard in Cuthogue, and pawtographs were surely requested.