Visiting a Napa Valley winery is always a good time, but it’s an even better time when your trusty companion is by your side (or, at least at your feet). These days, a lot of people enjoy traveling to Wine Country with their pets, even if the destination is only an afternoon at a winery. That’s why we sniffed out these dog-friendly wineries in Napa Valley, where your pampered pet is allowed to join in the wine tasting festivities.
It’s important to note that at most pet-friendly wineries, your dog will need to remain leashed and won’t be allowed in the tasting room, wine cave, or cellar. However, as long as Fifi or Fido is well-behaved and considerate (no barking at other guests or dogs, please), these Napa wineries happily welcome you and your faithful four-legged friend to enjoy a taste of the good life, and maybe even a biscuit or two.
Where to Enjoy Pet-friendly Wine Tastings in Napa Valley
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Courtesy of Trefethen
This family-owned and operated winery is the only 19th century wooden three-level, gravity-flow winery still surviving in Napa Valley. While your pup may not be interested in winemaking processes, learning about how gravity-flow production uses gravity to move wine around more gently than if pumps and other machines are involved, he will at least be happy that he is allowed to accompany you while you taste through the “essentials,” small lots,” “all reds,” or “seasonal” flights, so long as he stays on leash.
1160 Oak Knoll Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-7700
Chimney Rock Winery
Courtesy of Chimney Rock Winery
Chimney Rock is one of just a few wineries that produces all Stags Leap District estate-grown cabernets, which is why it’s a must-visit if you like cabernet sauvignon. While you’re sitting on the shaded patio and sipping your way through those richly textured wines, your (leashed) dog can take a nap or rehydrate (dog bowls with water are provided). Want to explore the property full of stunning South African architecture or go inside the tasting room? Your pooch is welcome there as well. Even your kids can join this Napa excursion; just be sure to include them all in your reservation.
5350 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-2641
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Courtesy of Facebook: Pine Ridge Vineyards
Pine Ridge, known for its elegant cabernet sauvignon wines, offers traditional tastings, but if you’re bringing your pup, “Bottle Service and Picnic in the Garden” is a great option. Your group will have a dedicated seating area in the estate gardens where you can pour your own wine and relax. Your dog (who must be leashed and well-behaved) will be happy to have a shady spot in the grass and will get a bowl of water, upon request (and perhaps a belly scratch as well).
5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-4751
HALL Wines
Courtesy of HALL Wines
If your dog goes nuts when he sees rabbits, shield his eyes from the “HALLmark” giant Bunny Foo-Foo sculpture at the entrance of this St. Helena winery in Napa Valley, known for its cabernet sauvignons, merlots, sauvignon blanc, and contemporary art pieces spread across the property. Dogs aren’t allowed inside of the buildings, which means not all of the tours and tastings are a possibility, but you can absolutely enjoy tastings outside on the patio, as well as hang out and relax on the Great Lawn. (While Hall is dog-friendly, please note that dogs are only allowed at the St. Helena location, not the Rutherford location.)
401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626
Tamber Bey Vineyards
Courtesy of Tamber Bey
You and your dog will both enjoy saddling up to this picturesque winery located at Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, home to the largest horse facility in Napa Valley. While there, not only will you be able to sip Bordeaux-style blends and premium single-vineyard estate wines, but you can say hello to the horses, both high-performance Arabians, as well as some that have been rescued from abuse and neglect. Your dog will love it because there’s lots of outdoor space and even a dog park. Plus, they will get plenty of water and tasty food. Feeling left out? Don’t. At Tamber Bey you have the option of adding a cookie pairing to your tasting. Bone appetit!
1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-2100
Tres Sabores Winery
Courtesy of Tres Sabores Winery
When you arrive at this family-owned and women-led winery in St. Helena, you and your pup will be greeted by a fluffy, four-legged welcoming committee of three friendly Golden Retrievers: Cava, Bouzy Rouge, and Brilla. If you’re lucky, the assistant winemaker’s dog Toby will also join the party. After you’ve told everyone what good girls and boys they are, you can enjoy a tasting of Tres Sabores’ zinfandels, cabernet sauvignons, and petite sirah, while your dog (who should be on a leash, at least initially until everyone has sniffed each other out) enjoys fresh water, treats, and pets. All tastings are intimate and hands-on and require an appointment. (And kids can come along, as well.)
1620 S. Whitehall Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-8027
Honig Vineyard & Winery
Courtesy of Honig
The folks at Honig say, “We’re dog friendly as long as your dog is friendly” — a fair trade, indeed. As far as wine tasting goes, this family-owned Napa winery focuses solely on its (very popular) sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon, but is also committed to environmentally sound practices, which makes a visit not only unique but educational. Your leashed dog may even learn a thing or two as the winegrowers at Honig use golden retriever “sniffer dogs” to detect vine mealybugs, which are nearly invisible to the naked eye but can do major damage to a vineyard.
850 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 963-5618
If planning to make your day trip to Napa Valley more of an extended visit with your pooch, you’ll love knowing that Napa has several pet-friendly hotels where your canine companion is pawsitively welcome to stay a night or two. Here are our picks for the best dog-friendly hotels in Napa Valley.
Source: https://www.napavalley.com/blog/dog-friendly-wineries-napa-valley/
Published on 2021-09-09 10:56:49
