Traveling to wine country doesn’t require hiring a dog sitter for the weekend. Here are our top five dog-friendly Napa wineries that will give both you and your faithful companion a warm welcome.
Tip: while many wineries might say that they are dog friendly, dogs aren’t always allowed in the tasting rooms. Be sure to check in advance, particularly during the summer when Napa temps can reach into the hundreds. This will avoid any last-minute guilt about having to leave your pup outside while you sip wine indoors.
For you: Experience Cuvaison’s small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on a scenic terrace overlooking the rolling Carneros hills.
For your dog: Dogs are free to relax in the tasting room or on the terrace. Staff are happy to hand out Milk Bone treats and keep the water bowls filled.
Frenchie Winery at Raymond Vineyards
For you: Enjoy certified organic and biodynamic wines from Rutherford and St. Helena. In addition to renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, Raymond Vineyards also produces estate Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and more.
For your dog: While we must caveat that pets aren’t allowed in the tasting room, they are welcomed somewhere potentially even better — Frenchie Winery, a shaded dog suite replete with wine barrel beds and a “water bar”. Owners can keep an eye on their pets from the indoor tasting room via the Frenchie Cam. Tasting room staff will also happily give visiting pups a treat. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also purchase a bottle of Frenchie wine, featuring French bulldogs as historical figures, Frenchie-opoly (dog-themed Monopoly), and more.
For you: Chimney Rock is renowned for its powerful-yet-elegant Stag’s Leap estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is also loved for its unique South African-style architecture and picturesque setting in the rolling hills of Stag’s Leap.
For your dog: Dogs are allowed throughout the property and tasting room. Water bowls are provided on an outdoor patio.
For you: While most know Pine Ridge for its crisp, lighthearted Chenin Blanc-Viognier blend, a visit to their vineyards reveals a more serious side. Journey through Napa’s distinctive appellations with estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros.
For your dog: In addition to tasting room access, your dog will be rewarded for her patience with treats, water, and plenty of staff attention.
For you: California Cab lovers will savor Clos du Val’s complex, age worthy Stag’s Leap district Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
For your dog: Staff are known for providing a warm welcome to dogs, and also have water available in the tasting room.
Header photo credit: Raymond Vineyards