Meet the Dorper Sheep of Piccione Vineyards

When you visit Piccione Vineyards, you may notice a flock of sheep grazing peacefully among the vines or relaxing in the nearby pasture. While they're certainly a guest favorite, our Dorper sheep are much more than adorable vineyard residents; they're an important part of how we care for our estate-grown vineyard.

As a working farm, every part of our property serves a purpose, and our sheep play a small but meaningful role in maintaining the health and beauty of the vineyard throughout the year.

Why Dorper Sheep?

Dorper sheep originated in South Africa and are well known for their hardiness, calm temperament, and ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making them an excellent fit for our North Carolina vineyard.

Unlike many other breeds, Dorpers naturally shed their coats instead of requiring annual shearing. They're efficient grazers and easy to care for, allowing them to spend their days doing what they do best.

Natural Vineyard Helpers

After harvest and before the growing season begins, our sheep are given the important job of grazing between the vineyard rows.

During the off-season, they help manage the natural vegetation that grows beneath the vines. Their grazing helps reduce excess plant growth while returning valuable nutrients back to the soil naturally. It's a simple, time-tested farming practice that complements the work we do by hand and with equipment throughout the vineyard.

This seasonal rhythm allows both our vines and our flock to thrive.

A Favorite Among Visitors

Although they have an important job to do, the sheep have also become some of the most photographed residents at Piccione Vineyards.

Guests often stop to watch them grazing from the Courtyard, and they're especially popular with families visiting the vineyard. Whether you're enjoying a wine tasting, attending one of our seasonal events, or simply taking in the mountain views, spotting the sheep has become part of the Piccione experience.

They're a reminder that wine begins long before it reaches the bottle. It starts in the vineyard, where every season brings different work, different challenges, and a deep connection to the land.

Come Meet the Flock

Bring your camera, enjoy a glass of estate-grown wine, and take in everything that makes Piccione Vineyards unique from the vines to the views, and of course, our four-legged vineyard ambassadors.

Depending on the season, you may find them grazing among the vineyard rows or relaxing in the pasture nearby. We think you'll quickly see why they've become such an important part of life at Piccione Vineyards.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.