While California is the Golden State, it may as well be called the Golden Retriever State given how dog-friendly hotels, eateries and even retail shops are statewide. Our pooches have anything but a “ruff” life here. The pup-friendly policies are especially good at wineries, with more than 1,000 of them welcoming dogs (usually on leashes) with open arms. Here are some dog-friendly wineries in California, however, that go that extra mile, making our four-legged friends feel like VIPs while we sip vino.
ONEHOPE Winery
ONEHOPE Winery, which is located in Rutherford, welcomes dogs of all sizes for tastings at its gorgeous outdoor gardens. When guests book ONEHOPE’s signature Wine & Bites experience, which features a curated food menu pairing for each wine, be sure to let the host know if dogs are coming. Why? The chef will bring the guest’s four-legged friends a special treat from the test kitchen! In addition to this, the company proudly donates 10 percent of every purchase to a nonprofit chosen by the customer. As a result, in 2022 alone, ONEHOPE donated to over 1,700 different nonprofits supporting animals.
Fun fact: ONEHOPE co-founder, Kristen Shroyer, is also the proud creator of Golden Retriever Day, which is celebrated across the globe every year on Feb. 3. The date is significant as it marks the birthday of her family’s now-passed Golden Retriever Quincy, whose ashes are buried at the Rutherford winery so he can forever enjoy what came to be one of his favorite places with his family.
Selby Winery
Selby Winery in Healdsburg allows dogs both on its patio and inside the actual tasting room. Both inside and out, pups may enjoy water bowls as well as treats, so long as they are open to getting pets from the staff and the occasional request for a selfie together. When it is cold outside, this dog-friendly winery in California provides complimentary blankets both for humans and their pups so everyone can be toasty warm at all times. It is common for the dogs to be openly allowed on the outdoor couches for maximum comfort as well!
Foppiano Vineyards and Winery
Also in Healdsburg, Foppiano is among the most dog-friendly wineries in California, if not the entire country. The winery, which features full access for all pups as well as water and treats all year long, has regular events that actively involve dogs, including one recent event called “Painting Paws & Petite Sirah.” During this event, guests enjoyed a series of games, an agility course for all dogs, a dog-kissing booth, the opportunity to paint a portrait of one’s dog, adoption opportunities in partnership with Sonoma County Animal Services and much more. Foppiano has even hosted a book signing by Jon Provost, best-known as the boy from the classic Lassie television show. Dog tarot cards? Yeah, they have been known to do that as well from time to time!
Rombauer
Both Rombauer’s tasting rooms in St. Helena and Plymouth welcome dogs with open arms, immediately offering water bowls. They also have dog treat dispensers on hand at both tasting rooms as well as the cherry on top of it all: a puppy pal swag shop with wine-themed dog toys, leashes and collars, and (coming soon) a dog bandana.
Cass Winery
This Paso Robles winery boasts what feels like miles of wide-open spaces, so it is only fitting it offers Fido a chance to enjoy the vineyard right along with his/her people. The large outdoor veranda at Cass pretty much always has one or more dogs enjoying the outdoors. As such, the Cass team is prepared with copious water bowls and locally made artisanal dog treats for any pups who visit. Beyond that, in addition to more than a dozen mouthwatering small bites and entrees, the winery’s food menu boasts a “doggie burger,” which is a meaty meal made special for pets, so they never feel left out of the fun.
Balletto Vineyards
In addition to its dog-friendly policies, each year Balletto Vineyards in Santa Rosa hosts a free event called the Vineyard Dog Walk. During the annual event, which is set for August 26 this year, the vineyard’s 200-plus acres are open to dogs and their less hairy (in most cases) human companions for a self-guided tour, including 55 acres they have donated to the Open Space Preserve and the adjoining Laguna de Santa Rosa wetlands. The dog-friendly winery in California offer all canines water bowls and treats afterwards and small food bites for the humans, too.
Martorana Family Winery
Upon entering this Healdsburg winery, visitors will likely be greeted by Beau, the family dog. Often, he is joined by Miles, the neighbor’s dog who comes by nearly daily to hang out. Once seated, if visiting with a dog in tow, expect to be offered dog treats and to be shown to the fabulous water bowl station that is out at all times should any visiting pets get thirsty. Each of the estate’s ample acres is available for the dogs to enjoy as well, which is especially nice given they are a good distance from road traffic. Martorana even allows dogs to access to the creek on property, especially if they need to take a dip on a hot day. And perhaps most importantly, there are doggie bags readily available should anyone need to take their pet for a potty break.
Dutton-Goldfield Winery
The award-winning Sebastopol winery went to the dogs long ago. Theresa Dutton, one its partners, is on the board of Canine Companions, a national organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to the recipient. As such, they hold regular fundraisers throughout the year to support the organization with photo booths, dog lounges, mobile veterinary services and even dog physics! Outside of these events, all dogs are greeted with affection and treats – including specially made doggy cookies – at Dutton-Goldfield, both on the patio and inside the tasting room.
Clif Family Winery
The Napa hotspot always welcomes dogs on its ample patio, offering them water straight away. In addition, Clif has a full-on dog shop where guests may purchase a selection of Clif Family branded dog schwag including a collapsible dog bowl, a leash and even a cute chew toy that is a near-perfect replica of the Clif Family Gary’s Improv Zinfandel, one of the most popular varietals.
Papapietro Perry Winery
Nearly all employees at this Sonoma gem are dog moms or dads, and most bring their fur babies to work with them several days a week. The owner’s dog, Nola, is a daily fixture, in fact. She inspired “Nola’s Bark Club,” which is a wine club for dogs so they can feel just as at home as their humans. The club, which is free, is a fun way to give away complimentary treats and winery-branded dog bowls to pets. Animal members can expect to have their photos taken, but instead of getting a membership card, they get their photos posted on social media. Just adjacent to the tasting room is a bocce ball court and picnic area, both 100 percent open for pets to roam free off-leash as well. Oh, and during the holidays, Papapietro hosts a Christmas photoshoot for pets and families in the cellar filled with dog costumes of all sizes, a beautifully decorated winery photo set, lots of treats and specialty dog merchandise.
Allegretto Wine Tasting Room
This tasting room is located inside of Allegretto Resort in the heart of Paso Robles. Together, both the tasting room and resort are extremely pet friendly. Just outside of the tasting room are multiple walking trails made with dogs in mind. Staying overnight as part of the wine country experience? Book a pet-friendly room for a host of surprises and amenities specifically tailored to one’s pooch. Just down from the formal tasting room inside the resort is Cello Restaurant and Bar, which features a bevy of the winery’s varietals as well as those from friends in Paso and a full menu of canine-friendly foods and treats, all available for Fido to enjoy on the shaded patio.
Kelley & Young Tasting Room
This epic tasting room in Cloverdale encourages patrons to bring their canine companions, offering both water bowls and a selection of treats for the animals upon arrival. The tasting room is run by Nancy and her own fur baby, Beanz, who is a regular fixture and unofficial winery greeter.