Turns out, you’re not the only one who enjoys a day in wine country — your dog’s invited too!
Northern California’s vineyards are embracing canine companions, rolling out the welcome mat with treats, trails, and tail wags. With breathtaking views, sunny trails, and plenty of space to roam, these wine trails are perfect for sipping Syrah while your pup sniffs the breeze.
So leash up, pack those treats, and explore seven dog-friendly wine trails where you and your furry sidekick can toast to the good life together.
1. Sonoma Valley Wine Trail
Pups practically prance with excitement at Sonoma Valley’s legendary dog-friendly wineries. This 17-mile stretch boasts over 40 vineyards, with standouts like Gundlach Bundschu and Kunde Family Winery hosting special “Yappy Hour” events — where dogs get their own treats while humans sip award-winning wines.
Many tasting rooms offer spacious outdoor patios and grassy areas, perfect for leashed adventures. Some wineries even have resident dogs who happily greet their four-legged guests! After wine tasting, explore the valley’s dog-friendly hiking trails that wind through vineyards and oak-studded hills.
2. Napa Valley Vine Trail
Unlike traditional wine routes that require driving between vineyards, the Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a unique, paw-friendly experience. This 47-mile walking and cycling path connects Napa’s charming towns and passes several pet-welcoming wineries like Frog’s Leap and V. Sattui, where dogs are welcome to join you for picnics on expansive grounds.
The trail’s flat, paved surface makes it ideal for dogs of all sizes and energy levels. My Border Collie, Pepper, especially enjoys the stretch near Yountville, where we’ve spent countless afternoons lounging under ancient olive trees after visiting tasting rooms.
3. Mendocino Wine Trail
Rugged coastlines meet world-class wines on the Mendocino Wine Trail, where the laid-back atmosphere makes it a dream destination for adventurous dogs. Toulouse Vineyards welcomes four-legged visitors with water bowls and treats, while Navarro Vineyards offers pet-friendly picnic areas overlooking the stunning Anderson Valley.
The trail’s unique microclimate produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer varietals. Between tastings, explore dog-friendly beaches where your pup can splash in the Pacific! Most wineries along this route are small, family-owned gems where staff members often know their regular canine guests by name.
4. Russian River Wine Road
Towering redwoods create magical dappled light along the Russian River Wine Road, where dogs receive VIP treatment at many of the 50+ wineries. Tasting rooms like Hartford Family and Porter Creek Vineyards offer water stations specifically for four-legged guests, while some even feature special canine menus!
Between wineries, cool off with your pup at dog-friendly swimming spots along the Russian River. The region’s microclimate produces stellar Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Did you know? Several wineries along this route host annual “Bark in the Park” fundraisers where proceeds benefit local animal shelters—wine tasting for a cause!
5. Paso Robles Wine Trail (Northern Reaches)
Cowboy country meets viticulture in northern Paso Robles, where open spaces and relaxed attitudes make it a paradise for active dogs. Halter Ranch and Tablas Creek Vineyards feature extensive outdoor seating where pups can stretch out while you sample robust Rhône-style blends and Zinfandels.
The oak-dotted landscape provides natural shade during summer months. Many wineries here maintain working farms with sheep, horses, and vineyard dogs that fascinate canine visitors.
The northern section’s wide-open spaces allow energetic dogs plenty of room to explore (on leash) between tastings, making it ideal for high-energy breeds who need more than just a patio experience.
6. Anderson Valley Wine Trail
Tucked away in Mendocino County’s less-traveled corners, Anderson Valley’s wineries welcome dogs with genuine small-town hospitality. The valley floor route features pet-friendly standouts like Pennyroyal Farm, where goats and sheep entertain canine visitors, and Husch Vineyards, home to the region’s oldest tasting room set in a converted pony barn.
Morning fog and afternoon sunshine create excellent conditions for Alsatian-style whites and sparkling wines. After tasting, leashed dogs can join you for a stroll through the apple orchards that dot the valley.
The region’s relative obscurity means fewer crowds — a welcome treat for dogs who thrive in quieter, more relaxed settings!
7. Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Trail
Mountain vineyards offer breathtaking views and cooler temperatures perfect for heat-sensitive breeds along the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Trail. Ridge Vineyards and Bargetto Winery feature dog-friendly outdoor areas where pups can relax while overlooking redwood forests and distant ocean views.
The trail’s unique geography allows vineyards to produce everything from cool-climate Pinot Noir to sun-loving Cabernet. Between tastings, explore numerous dog-friendly hiking trails that weave through the mountains.
The proximity to Santa Cruz means you can cap off your wine adventure with a visit to one of California’s few dog-friendly beaches, where your four-legged friend can celebrate a successful wine tour with a splash in the Pacific!