Guide
Visiting Wineries With a Dog
A surprising number of American wineries welcome dogs, and a few have become famous for it. The rules, though, are set by county health codes, state alcohol regulators and the winery’s own insurance, so the answer to “can I bring the dog?” changes from one driveway to the next. Here is what to expect and what to check.
Outside, usually; inside, rarely
Health codes in most states bar dogs from any indoor space where food is prepared or served, and many tasting rooms count. Patios, lawns, picnic areas and vineyard walks are where dogs are welcome. Service animals are the exception and must be admitted anywhere. When a winery says “dog friendly” it almost always means outdoors, on a leash, with water bowls provided.
Where the culture is friendliest
Oregon‘s Willamette Valley, Washington, Colorado, Virginia and Sonoma County have the highest share of wineries that advertise a dog policy, and several publish their own dog-friendly trail maps. Napa is the least friendly, partly because seated, reservation-only tastings do not mix with dogs and partly because of county rules. Texas Hill Country and the Finger Lakes are a mixed bag: many large lawns, many no-dogs signs.
What to check before you go
Look for the words “dog friendly” or “pets” on the winery’s own website; on this site, the amenities line on a winery profile shows it when the producer states it. Confirm by phone if it matters: policies change with new owners, new tenants and new insurers. Ask about events; a winery that welcomes dogs on a Tuesday may not during a Saturday concert.
Etiquette
Leash on, always, even if the sign does not say so; vineyard dogs, cats and chickens live on many properties. Bring your own water and a bowl, pick up after your dog, and keep it away from the bar and other guests’ picnic blankets. Do not leave a dog in the car: tasting takes longer than you think and wine-country parking lots are hot. Vineyards are farms: grapes are toxic to dogs, and dropped fruit in harvest season is a real hazard.
Planning a dog-friendly day
Pick two or three wineries with confirmed outdoor seating rather than five, book a dog-friendly hotel in the wine town, and plan a walk between tastings. The road-trip guide and etiquette guide cover the rest, and every winery listed on the map links to its own site for the current policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting Wineries With a Dog: where does this information come from?
Winery counts and locations come from the federal TTB permit list and each producer's own website. Nothing on this page is a paid placement and we publish no ratings.
Find the wineries
Every producer in the country is on the map, with the address, phone and website we could confirm.