Mutt Lynch Winery, Windsor
Winemaker Brenda Lynch and her husband Chris founded their winery as a tribute to [wo]man's best friend, and Mutt Lynch Winery is just that: "all things dog." Their downtown Windsor tasting room allows dogs to run free and play while their owners sip through cabernet, zinfandel and chardonnay - all with dog-themed wine labels. Their tasting room features plenty of water, treats and toys, and possible playmates, as staff members often bring their own pups to work. Human tastings are free. (Photo: Carol Witter)
Deerfield Ranch Winery, Kenwood
"May All Fours Be With You" is the motto of Deerfield Ranch's winery dog, Obi Wine Kenobi. The standard poodle frequently welcomes human and furry guests to the winery's 23,000 square foot wine caves and tasting room. Water is available for pooches and humans can sip Obi Wine Kenobi's White Rex signature wine (the dog graces the Star Wars themed label) or try Deerfield's Clean Wine, which is low in histamines and sulfites. Human tastings start at $10.
Larson Family Winery, Sonoma
You know a winery is serious about dogs when they make a dog-themed wine: Three Lab Cab, named after their winery dogs: Buster, Bubba and Pete. The three labradors are often at Larson Family Winery, greeting customers of any species. The old barn, now a tasting room, welcomes dogs, as does the vast green space and picnic area, where you can play cornhole while your dog relaxes in the sun. Kids are welcome, too. Human tastings start at $10.
Roche Winery, Sonoma
Located in the heart of downtown Sonoma, Roche Winery welcomes dogs and wine lovers with "down-to-earth Irish hospitality." Their patio is popular with locals and Wine Country tourists alike, who huddle around the fire pit and relax under shady trees while watching the world go by - dog by their side. The tasting room offers barrel tastings, snacks, and some of the best people watching in town. Human tastings are free.
Muscardini Cellars, Kenwood
Don't be surprised if, when you visit Muscardini Cellars, you and your dog are greeted with kisses from winemaker Michael Muscardini's winery dog, Biondi, a golden retriever. Biondi and staff welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting room, patio and the green rolling grounds behind the tasting room. Staff offer dogs treats, water and toys. Check out their online calendar for upcoming dog-themed events, which include dog photo booths, costume contests, and of course, vino. Human tastings start at $15.
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Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma
One of the most historic wineries in California is also one of the most dog-friendly. Dating back to 1858, Gundlach Bundschu welcomes on-leash dogs to their Rhinefarm, where they pour tastes of their gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the patio, which overlooks the estate vineyards, or bring your dog into the historic tasting room, a pet-friendly pick for a rainy day. They also sell dog accessories in their tasting room. Human tastings start at $20. (Photo: @whatsupbrona)
Wilson of Dry Creek, Healdsburg
The Wilsons are known for their love of dogs - they even make a dog themed wine, 3 Dog Zin, which features the family's three dogs, Molly, Sydney and Victoria. The staff at Wilson of Dry Creek welcomes dogs with open arms, offering pups treats and water, while parents sip zinfandel in the tasting room or on the patio, which overlooks estate vineyards. Human tastings start at $20.
Amista Winery, Healdsburg
Amista Winery loves dogs so much they not only have dog-themed art hanging in their tasting room and let their staff bring their dogs to work with them, they also host an annual fundraiser to support dog assistance nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence. After taking a self-guided vineyard tour of the property, with your dog, taste Amista's sparkling and still wines on the patio or in the tasting room with your pup. Human tastings start at $15.
Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Sebastopol
Dogs are family at Dutton-Goldfield Winery. Winery partner Theresa Dutton serves on the board of Canine Companions for Independence, and her dog sires puppies for the nonprofit that provides assistance dogs to those in need. When it comes to their tasting room, Dutton-Goldfield welcomes dogs with dog cookies at the register and sells bandana's with a custom dog-themed winery logo. Pinot noir loving dog owners don't want to miss their Puppies & Pinot party. Human tastings start at $20.
Lambert Bridge Winery, Healdsburg
Staff at Lambert Bridge proudly declare that the winery is "100% dog friendly!" While dog-owners peruse the winery's Bordeaux-style wine offerings at the redwood bar, dogs can settle into a dog bed and relax with a bowl of water. After a tasting, grab a bottle and some glasses and wander with your leashed pup through the estate gardens, where poop bags are plentiful and picnic areas dot the landscape. Human tastings start at $30.
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Sbragia Family Winery, Healdsburg
There isn't anywhere at the Sbragia Family Winery where dogs can't go. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio - even in the vineyards. The patio terrace, which overlooks the family's estate vineyards and the surrounding hills of Dry Creek Valley, makes for a great dog chill-out spot as the staff caters to humans with sauvignon blanc and zinfandel, and dogs with water bowls and treats. Human tastings start at $20. Photo: @theroccomartin
Portalupi Wine, Healdsburg
It's not just Italian wine varietals that rule at Portalupi Wine, dogs do, too. Their downtown tasting room is a convenient stop along a dog walk. Sip barbera paired with charcuterie while your dog people watches through the large, open picture window from big purple lounge chairs. The family is a big supporter of the local Humane Society, having donated proceeds from their wine sales to the organization. Human tastings start at $5.
Horse & Plow, Sebastopol
A true West County experience, Horse & Plow welcomes dogs and their owners to their tasting room, located in a historic barn. Treats and water are provided for dogs while owners sip organic and biodynamic wine and cider made from local orchards, including their estate apple trees which dot the landscape around the barn. Your dog can say hello to their winery dog, Pepita, a rat terrier, too. Bring a picnic - and the kids. Human tastings start at $12.
Landmark Vineyards, Kenwood
Winery dog Tag, a rare breed of golden retriever, runs the show at Landmark's Kenwood tasting room. Dogs are welcome throughout the property, where they can wander with their owners into the vineyard, followed by a chardonnay and pinot noir tasting in the courtyard or tasting room for the dog-owners. Dogs get the luxury experience: Fiji water fresh from the bottle served in a bowl. Human tastings start at $30.
Dutcher Crossing Winery, Healdsburg
On any given day, Dutcher Crossing Winery owner Debra Mathy and her winery dog, Dutchess, greet guests upon arrival - including the furry kind. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room, where they can try on winery-branded dog collars for purchase while their owners taste estate zinfandel and other small-production wines. The back patio and lawn offer a grassy, sunny spot to nibble on cheese and charcuterie, and play catch, while overlooking Dry Creek Valley. Human tastings start at $15.
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Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood
Fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde invites dogs to accompany their owners on a tasting at Kunde Family Winery, and to join him on a hike through his family's historic vineyards. The four-hour hike, which takes hikers and their dogs through oak woodlands, native grasslands and chaparral, features an overview of Kunde's sustainable winegrowing practices. The hike includes a wine tasting and a catered lunch. Hikes are $75 and human wine tastings are $15.
B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen
A long-time dog-friendly winery, B.R. Cohn offers water bowls and treats for visiting dogs to enjoy while their owners taste cabernet sauvignon, olive oil and vinegars in the 1920s ranch home-turned-tasting room. Dogs are also welcome on the winery patio and grounds, which include estate vineyards and views of Sonoma and Mayacamas mountains. Pick up some snacks at the winery's Gourmet Shop for a picnic or bring your pup to their Sunday Live Music series where local musicians entertain wine-loving guests and their pets. Human tastings start at $20.
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One quick browse through most Instagram or Facebook feeds and one thing becomes clear: there are a lot of people who love wine, and dogs (and their kids). Thankfully, if you visit Wine Country, you don’t have to choose between the two (or three). A number of Sonoma wineries are now allowing visitors to pair vino with Fido in ways which both dog-owners and dogs can appreciate: fine wine and artisan bites for “Mommy” and “Daddy,” endless bowls of water, treats and vineyard sprints for the beloved pooch. Click through the gallery above for the best Sonoma wineries to bring your furry friend.
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