Perro Guardián

Origin

Those who know, more from age than from cunning, say that life in the village of San José de Tinogasta changed when the stray dogs arrived. Many things are said, many stories told. People speak of the Miquilo, the Light of San José and many other mythical village figures. Few, however, dare to tell the tale of the Guard Dog, the Perro Guardián.

Those who know say the Perro Guardián does not always growl the same way or bark the same way. His size and shape change with the time of day or the place. What never changes is his nature: he is a guardian. What does he watch over so closely? The vineyards, the flow of irrigation water, the ageing wine and his winemaker masters. He is the avenger of good harvests: he bites the hand of anyone who tries to steal grapes, chases those who would take part of the irrigation turn, punishes those who over-prune the vines and barks away anyone lighting fires near the vineyard in winter.

Villagers say that since the stray dogs came there has never been such a lush vineyard or such a green estate. They say the Perro Guardián has a pact with the Devil, and that is why his harvests are so good; that he changes shape because the Devil tricked him, turned him into a dog and never gave him a fixed body. Many things are said…

By day he is always there. Some nights he sleeps inside the winery, they say to guard the wine when he senses that drunkards want a taste without asking. On those nights he leaves his friends the owls to warn him of intruders with their hooting.

Of all that is said, this is the truth: the Perro Guardián does change his looks; he can be tall and thin, short and long, medium and wiry, bearded or bald. He does not talk to the Devil, but he fights like the devil when he has to protect and defend. He is loyal and loves his people; that is why he guards their vineyards, their winery, their affection.

Since he arrived, San José has never been the same. No one steals water or grapes any more, and no parrot dares eat the fruit. The Perro Guardián brings remarkable vintages, helps the agronomist enforce his rules and looks after the winemaker so he can work in peace.

The Perro Guardián is every dog that has guarded, guards and will guard our dreams: our winery.