Shadow cast over hearts of wine industry

  SOUTH Australia's wine world lost a faithful friend this week with the death of Fox Creek winery mascot, Shadow.

  Shadow, a border collie, greeted visitors to the McLaren Vale winery for more than a decade, appeared on TV shows and even had wine named after him.

  Shadow's Run was released in 2001, a red wine named after the dog's habit of chasing trellis wire during vine pruning. A white wine followed.

  Shadow was keen to help those on the land – a percentage of funds from the sale of that wine were donated to the farmers' drought appeal. "Shadow was loved by many people," said Fox Creek marketing manager Kristin McLarty, daughter of Shadow's owners Helen and Jim Watts.

  "I always called Shadow our silent salesman, as he charmed many. He was the perfect host and would often meet and greet guests at the cellar door."

  Shadow, who died on Tuesday, was brought from the local vet by Helen Watts 10 years ago. The puppy was unclaimed and was to have been put down.