Wine Country’s Top Spots to Grab a Drink with Your Dog

Wine Country’s Top Spots to Grab a Drink with Your Dog

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Whether it's wine or beer you're craving, we've got you covered (Sorry Fido, only water for you!)



Mutt Lynch Winery, Windsor

With a slogan like "Bark Less, Wag More," Fido is in for a good time at this dog-friendly winery recently relocated from Healdsburg to downtown Windsor (follow your tasting with a romp on The Green park). The labels feature dog art, a portion of sales is donated to local animal rescue organizations, and besides boasting a dog-welcoming tasting room, the winery hosts events like monthly Yappy Hours, and the annual Dog Days of Summer gala. // 9050 Windsor Rd. (Windsor), muttlynchwinery.com


Kunde Family Estate Winery, Kenwood

How about a dedicated dog hike on moderately strenuous trails across the 1,850-acre Kenwood estate? The paths wind through oak woodlands, native grasslands, and chaparral, while taking in panoramic views of Sonoma Valley. And since it's led by fourth generation winegrower, Jeff Kunde, plus his dogs Cooper and Marley, the trek rewards with insight into Kunde's sustainable winegrowing practices. Conclude with a tasting and Wine Country lunch, and feel good knowing that a portion of the fee is donated to Canine Companions and the Sonoma County Humane Society. // 9825 Sonoma Hwy. (Kenwood), kunde.com


(Photo coutesy of TravelEatLove)

Truett Hurst, Healdsburg

The upscale ranch-like setting is a welcoming backdrop for dogs, spanning five acres of lush heirloom fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens, a creek running with Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, olive trees for sniffing, and goats and sheep for (politely) observing. Purchase some salumi, cheeses, smoked salmon, and pita chips, then take a seat on the paver stone patio, or on the red Adirondack chairs nestled beneath shade trees on the banks of the creek. // 5610 Dry Creek Rd. (Healdsburg), truetthurst.com


BobDog Wines, Cloverdale

Winery dog Cabernet welcomes fellow furry friends to her estate set 2,000 feet above Alexander Valley, and winemaker Tim Ward and his wife Kandy Ward actually get hurt feelings if they find out you have a pooch and didn't bring him/her along. Tastings include a vigorous hiking tour through the vines, and introductions to the winery's miniature horses, mini-mule, followed by playtime on the crush pad and lawns. // 31955 Pine Mountain Rd. (Cloverdale), bobdogwine.com


Hill Family Estate, Yountville

Fido may need a nap after a day of exploring dog-friendly wineries, and this downtown Napa Valley tasting salon is the perfect posh snoozing spot. Owners can sip amid an eclectic décor boasting a Fender electric guitar, antique furniture, and a surfboard and baseball bats stained with Hill Harvest Red wine. Go for the antipasti-paired seated tasting, and slip your friend a few bites here and there. // 6512 Washington St. (Yountville), hillfamilyestate.com


Bink Wines, Philo

Every good dog deserves a road trip, so pack the pup in the car and head to Philo in Mendocino County. At Bink Wines in the Madrones luxury bed and breakfast complex, co-owners Cindy Paulson and Deb Schatzlein have their own winery dog, Reilly, and love canines so much that they keep a collection of dog toys "for borrowing" in their tasting room. The floors are polished concrete for easy cleaning, there's a large garden for exploring, and hosts can recommend other pooch-perfect adventures like the nearby Navarro River and beach. // 9000 Highway 128 (Philo), binkwines.com


(Photo courtesy of Forbes)

Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma

Don't doubt that the team behind one of Wine Country's most popular brews loves dogs: the mascot is a hound in a top hat; Santa Rosa's Lost Dog Found is one of their most popular live music acts; and their signature, malty ale is named Dogtown Pale Ale. Plus, the brewery sponsors non-profits like the Animal Rescue Foundation. And should you be sad enough to not have a pooch of your own, the owners and employees bring their dogs for borrowing a belly rub. // 1280 N. McDowell Blvd. (Petaluma), lagunitas.com


The Birds Café, Bodega Bay

You can and should bring your bird dog to this Alfred Hitchcock-inspired café on a bluff overlooking the water. The expansive deck offers plenty of space to stretch out and load up your picnic table with excellent fish tacos, briny fresh oysters, crunchy crusted artichoke fritters, and for your beloved companion, a corn dog, of course. // 1407 Highway 1 (Bodega Bay), thebirdscafe.com


Cairdean Estate, St Helena

This posh property has it all: it's a wine and food village, with two tasting rooms, boutique shops, an art gallery, a deli, and plenty of courtyard and lawn space for Rover to scamper. Buy him some charcuterie from the Butterscots deli, kick back with a bottle of Picpoul Blanc or Roussanne, and love your life. // 3111 St. Helena Hwy. North (St Helena), cairdeanestate.com


(Photo courtesy of Hall Winery)

Hall Winery, St Helena

At this gorgeous estate, staffers welcome four-legged guests with dog biscuits and invite canines and humans alike to relax on the balcony of the upstairs tasting room. It's a gorgeous, modern building brimming with artwork (including the giant Bunny Foo Foo sculpture at the entry), a wide array of Cabernet Sauvignon styles, and the 33-acre site features a Great Lawn for burning off puppy steam.// 401 St. Helena Highway South (St. Helena), hallwines.com


The Pear Southern Bistro, Napa

Take the pooch on a stroll down the river walk, then head to Pear Southern Bistro's patio for some good ol' Southern sustenance such as catfish, tater tots for tossing to your furry pal, and Dogfish Head beer. Puppy will be happy to help you with that meatloaf, too, or chicken and dumplings, and certainly the bourbon pear glazed baby back ribs (hold the peanuts, though). // 720 Main St. (Napa), rodneyworth.com/pear-southern-bistro

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