12 Fantastic Dog Friendly Wineries in Napa: A Wine Loving Dog Mom’s Guide

Are you visiting Napa with your dog(s) and wondering where to go wine tasting in California’s premier wine destination? Luckily for you, I have done the legwork by curating the very best dog friendly wineries in Napa, based on my multiple travels to Napa valley with my dog, Babu.

 

Rest assured, these recommendations for 12 such fantastic dog friendly Napa wineries are 100% authentic (gleaned from my many wine tasting outings) and should absolutely be part of your dog friendly Napa itinerary!

 

 

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Owing to the 2020-2021 health advisory, Napa wineries on this list may have modified their pet policies. Plus, all wine tasting is strictly by appointment only for the foreseeable future. Although I try to keep this post as updated as possible, please call/email before you make your reservation online to confirm if dogs are allowed during wine tasting.

 

 

DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES IN NAPA VALLEY

Napa valley, comprising of the cities of Napa, Carneros, Oakville, St. Helena, Yountville, Rutherford and Calistoga is about 1.5 hrs north-east of San Francisco and is synonymous with California wine country where people flock from all over the world to taste the very best of New World libations. It is one of the best road trips from San Francisco to embark on in search of good food and wine.

 

With rolling hills covered in vineyards stretching for miles, wineries big and small beckoning wine lovers and some of the best restaurants in the world enticing you with their California-influenced cuisine, this part of the state is breathtakingly beautiful to say the least! No wonder then that Napa is considered one of the most romantic getaways in Northern California!

 

Napa is also quite dog friendly and much like wineries in nearby Sonoma that welcome dogs, there is no dearth of dog friendly wineries in Napa. Infact, many winemakers have furry companions who may greet you upon your visit, as you can see in these books on Wine Dogs of California.

 

Because of its proximity to San Francisco (70-80 miles northeast), you can easily visit the dog friendly wineries in Napa as a Bay Area day trip! This will also help save some money in lodging since staying overnight in dog friendly hotels in Napa can be really expensive

 

 

 

 

FAQs ON VISITING DOG FRIENDLY NAPA WINERIES

Don’t skip this section if you’re planning to visit the dog friendly wineries in Napa Valley with your pups. Lots of useful information here based on my many, many visits with my dogs Babu and Gunda which will help you plan your trip smoothly.

 

Do wineries in Napa allow dogs?

Napa valley has hundred of wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are dog friendly! Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome in many Napa wineries, either in the tasting room or in the outdoors (patio/garden) and sometimes in both. Read my detailed dog friendly Napa valley winery guide below to find out about all these fabulous napa wineries allowing dogs.

 

Does Napa Valley allow dogs?

Absolutely! Napa valley is a haven for dogs-starting from wineries and tasting rooms to restaurants and some really nice hiking trails. Plus, there are many stores in downtown Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga which allow dogs. 

 

Are dogs allowed at Castello di Amorosa?

YES, Castello di Amorosa is dog friendly! Dogs are allowed in the tasting room and also on the self guided tour of the castle. They are not allowed on the guided tour. Scroll down to our experience in Castello di Amorosa with our pup Gunda to learn more.

 

What are the rules for bringing dogs to wine tasting in Napa?

Dogs must be well behaved to be allowed for wine tasting in Napa, i.e. no aggressive dogs allowed. Dogs should be on leash at all times during the tasting and under supervision of their owners.

 

They should not be allowed to stray off or mingle with other guests on their own (unless of course the guest is another dog lover coming up to you voluntarily to pet your fluffball!). I highly recommend bringing treats and water (these collapsible dog bowls are great for travel) along with you to keep your dog engaged during wine tasting.

 

Do you need reservations for wineries in Napa?

As I have explained in my first time visitors guide to Napa, wineries here are either large and touristy (walks ins accepted) or small and exclusive (requiring appointments). 

 

I highly recommend going to smaller boutique wineries with your dogs for a more relaxed wine tasting experience (see my post below for planning). Since reopening in 2020, almost all wine tasting is by appointment only and reservations can easily be made online, over phone or via email.  

 

Are dogs allowed on Napa winery tours?

Several wineries may offer conducted tours of their facilities and vineyards for an additional fee. In case you are planning to join one, please confirm if dogs are allowed there as well. Unless you specifically have a service dog (who are allowed everywhere), most tours are off-limits to dogs.

 

Does Hall Winery allow dogs?

The St. Helena location allows dogs for outdoor tasting (see below for our experience). The Rutherford location does not allow dogs.

 

What kind of wine will you get to taste in Napa?

Napa is known for its bold, red wines which are mostly Cabarnets. If you are not into full bodied wines, choose Sonoma or Lodi, both of which boast of many beautiful dog friendly wineries.

 

What is the average cost of a wine tasting in Napa?

Unlike other wine growing regions in California such as Carmel Valley, Lodi or Sonoma or Santa Ynez valley, wine tasting in Napa costs a pretty penny. The tasting fees starts upwards of 25 USD and can hike up to 100 USD, depending on the winery and the flight of wines selected. Of course, several wineries waive the tasting fee or provide a discount on purchase of one or more bottles of wine or if you are a wine club member.

 

Is downtown Napa dog friendly?

Yes, downtown Napa is dog friendly. There are many restaurants (Gott’s Roadside and Napa General Store) welcoming dogs. Tasting rooms like Trahan winery welcome dogs too. You cannot enter Oxbow market with dogs but can sit outside on their shaded patio to eat once you order your food.

 

 

 

 

THE BEST DOG FRIENDLY NAPA VALLEY WINERIES

Here are some of the best Napa wineries that welcome dogs based on my wine tasting experiences with Babu, our Tibetan Spaniel mix and Gunda, our Terrier mix who have been all over California. Please enjoy responsibly!

 

DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES IN NAPA 

The city of Napa is filled with many dog friendly hotels, wineries and restaurants welcoming dogs. The famous Oxbow market is also in Napa which is home to many eateries, stalls and kiosks featuring Northern California goods and produce. Here are some of our favorite places to go wine tasting during a weekend trip to Napa with our dog.

 

Black Stallion Winery

This dog friendly Napa winery is an estate winery that overlooks acres of land that once housed famous race horses (which is why the name). In its modern avatar, it is now home to some of the best cabernets in Napa Valley.

 

At Black Stallion, you are greeted with a spacious tasting room and a sprawling shaded patio that overlooks the estate vineyards. Here, visitors can relax on deep cushioned patio seats as they savor both red and white varietals with some delicious charcuterie pairing. This dog friendly winery welcomes well behaved dogs on leash and is perfect for first time dog parents visiting Napa.

 

 

 

Chimney Rock winery

Chimney Rock winery is one of the most beautiful wine tasting venues in Napa, boasting of a Spanish Mission style majestic white building towering over rows and rows of vineyards. The winery specializes in some of the best handcrafted cabernet sauvignons from the heart of Napa’s Stag’s Leap district. 

 

Wine tasting with your dogs at Chimney Rock is a relaxing affair in a shaded, centrally located patio at your own assigned, individual table. Although pricey, I highly recommend checking this place out for the ambiance and the friendly service.

 

 

 

DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES IN ST. HELENA AND YOUNTVILLE

Both St. Helena and Yountville are known all over the world as luxury destinations for not only some of the best wineries but fine dining since they are home to 3 Michelin star restaurants such as Restaurant at Meadowood (an unfortunate casualty of the devastating California Glass fire from 2020) and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. Here are some of the wineries welcoming dogs in these two towns.

 

 Tres Sabores winery

Tucked away in one end of South Whitehall lane in St. Helena, this women owned and operated winery is one of the most beautiful dog friendly wineries in Napa with a zen tasting experience unmatched by any other winery in the valley. This winery loves dogs and sustainable practices alike and is a certified organic business with 12 acres of vineyards growing mostly zinfandel grapes and some cab.

 

All wine tasting is in their beautiful outdoor garden overlooking the vineyard where you’ll be surrounded by olive groves, lemon and pomegranate trees. Owing to their attention to detail and personalized service, the tastings are times and reservations are required. They are also incredibly dog friendly, with the owners and assistant winemaker’s dogs (one Labrador and two very friendly Golden Retrievers) roaming the property casually.

 

As of 2021, their tastings of 6 (mix of white and red estate wines-cabs, zinfandel and a very unique varietal that tastes almost like a Pinot Noir) cost $50. A single tasting fee is waived when you purchase 4 bottles. They also have snacks to go along with their tasting and you can also purchase small bites (charcuterie and cheese board) if you wish. Plus, they allow tasting friendly lunches onsite.

 

Hall winery

Hall winery is a beautiful dog friendly winery in St. Helena that is very popular with wine enthusiasts and provides an unique wine tasting experience.

 

Wine tasting is outdoors with the tasting area adjacent to a lush, green lawn punctuated with some really cool and funky sculptures overlooking the adjoining vineyard (you can spot some of their sculptures at the entrance of the winery as well). This winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots, which is what Napa is mostly famous for. 

 

 

 

Clif Family Winery

If you’re thinking that this winery is somehow connected to Clif energy bars, then you’re 100% correct.

 

Owned by the Clif family, this small batch boutique winery not only makes wine but also a ton of other artisan food products such as jams, jellies, snacks and even pet treats, with the produce sourced from their farm near Howell Mountain. Clif Family farms 90 acres of CCOF and Napa Green Certified estate vineyards in the Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll District AVA’s of the Napa Valley with winemaker Laura Barrett at the helm of affairs.

 

This dog friendly tasting room at Clif Family has one unique feature and that is their very own food truck, which is very rare in Napa. They’ve had this bruschetteria on wheels since 2008 and every Wednesday it has a rotating selection of street food from all across the world. You can easily order from the food truck and enjoy the order in their outdoor dog friendly patio. 

 

We visited Clif Family winery during my birthday in June and I went for the seasonal wine tasting that comes with a 3 cheese pairing which was just heavenly. If you wish to buy their Chardonnay, they sell it only in this tasting room location. I highly recommend visiting this winery for tasting and lunch if you’re in St. Helena.

 

 

 

Markham vineyards

This winery in St. Helena not only has a cosy fireplace for wine tasting but also a spectacular gallery for people to enjoy.  Markham offers diverse varietals in both red and white sourced from the various appellations all over Napa. I especially enjoyed their Moscato and Petite Sirah. 

 

Currently, patio reservations for wine tasting is available from Friday-Sunday (see their visit page for info). After a long hiatus, Markham has become dog friendly again! Read their dog policy here.

 

 

 

Jessup Cellars

This is not a winery per se, but more of a tasting room in downtown Yountville that also doubles up as an art gallery (wine tasting is outdoors). However, the best part about wine tasting with your dog at this boutique place is the exceptionally friendly staff that will make your tasting experience extremely memorable. This is the reason why this place is widely known as the “friendliest tasting room in Napa valley”.

 

I highly recommend getting the local cheese platter (sourced from JCB tasting salon nearby) that pairs extremely well with their wines, especially their chardonnay which is the crispiest I’ve ever tasted! Honestly, this is one of the best places to go for dog friendly wine tasting in Napa.

 

 

DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES IN CALISTOGA

Calistoga is an extremely dog friendly town in Napa, and sits at the northernmost end of the valley, in the shadows of Mt. St. Helena that used to be an active volcano millions of years ago. Besides wine tasting, this is also a perfect winter getaway in California owing to its many geothermal spas for some much needed R&R. We’ve visited Calistoga many times with our dogs and some of our favorite dog friendly wineries in Napa valley are located here.

 

Dutch Henry winery

This secluded, super dog friendly Napa winery (you will be greeted with a cheery yellow stop sign featuring an airedale as you drive in) is a must visited and should be included in your dog friendly Napa itinerary. 

 

Dutch Henry winery is located on the historic Silverado trail in and is famous for its small batch handcrafted wines crafted by owner and winemaker Scott Chafen.  Wine tasting fee is waived in lieu of purchasing a bottle, but best of all this is one of the few wineries in Napa where no prior appointment is necessary for wine tasting.

 

This winery not only has a shaded outdoor picnic area for wine tasting but also its very own vineyards surrounding the tasting room. I highly recommend visiting Dutch Henry for a quiet and relaxing wine tasting experience with your pup minus the crowds. 

 

Notes for 2020-2021: DH winery was badly affected by the California Glass fire in 2020 and is currently taking a break. It is supposed to reopen in 2021 and tasting is by appointment only, so please don’t forget to make that reservation

 

 

 

Clos Pegase Winery

This high end winery in Calistoga is one of the premier dog friendly wineries in Napa and one of the most beautiful wineries that I have personally visited. Although wine tasting here costs upwards of $40, the tasting room is bright, airy and has an understated elegance to it. Plus the staff is extremely friendly and will readily answer all your burning questions on wine during the tasting along with a handy map showing the different appellations in Napa.

 

 The estate surrounding the tasting room is simply breathtaking and you must take a stroll here while sipping on your precious wine. In case you’re feeling self-indulgent, Clos Pegase is a great place to check out for some luxury wine tasting experience with your dog in Napa.

 

 

Bennett Lane Winery

If you’re looking for a dog friendly Calistoga winery that is charming and won’t break the bank for tasting, then head straight to Bennett Lane Winery which boasts of having the friendliest tasting room in all of Napa (it actually is!). You and your pup will be seated in a dog friendly lawn for tasting. Their signature tasting is $25 (2022 price) and waived with a three bottle purchase. 

 

Bennett Lane is home to many 90+ pointer wines and I loved tasting their 2021 Reserve Chardonnay (perfect for a hot day), 2015 Maximus (blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah and 7% Merlot), 2017 Petite Sirah and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. This is definitely one of the best budget dog friendly wineries in Napa.

 

 

 

Tamber Bey Winery

This former horse ranch turned tasting room is one of the most unique dog friendly wineries in Napa Valley (and pretty expensive too). Once you enter the distinctive red building surrounded by acres of land and pass through the beautiful tasting room, you will step into a shaded courtyard for your wine tasting. Dogs must be on leash at all times and they are not allowed to pee on the courtyard. There is a separate pet relief area which is next to the picnic area on the front end of the winery for them to go.

 

At Tamber Bey, your tasting fee (which is waived if you buy 6 bottles) is $60 (2022 prices). You will get a pour of 5 wines (2 whites, 1 rosé and 2 reds), out of which my favorite was hands down the rose of GSM blend (I’ve always had rosés of Pinot Noir or Gamay and was pleasantly surprised at the subtle notes of this one).

 

One fun fact about the winery is that they do not have any vineyards on the property-this is because they are right next to the old Faithful geyser on Tubbs lane (a unique dog friendly attraction in Calistoga) due to which there is a lot of sulphur in the soil that can affect the wine.

 

The tasting room courtyard is filled with photos of the owners who are into competitive horse racing and got into wine making in the 90s. You can also explore the courtyard during your tasting and if you do, be sure to say hi to two retired Arabian Mares resting in their stables!

 

 

 

Brian Arden Winery

This winery on the Silverado trail is one of the newest in Napa and opened in 2015. The winery itself is arresting in its architectural features and is made of stone and glass. Dog friendly wine tasting happens in the shaded outdoor lawn with lots of comfortable seating overlooking their vineyard where they grow zinfandel grapes. The tasting fee is $45 and I highly recommend the chef’s charcuterie board to go with the wine.

 

 

Castello di Amorosa (aka “The Castle”)

Calistoga is home to the grandest winery in Napa Valley, which is a full fledged medieval style Tuscan castle built by Dario Sattui (his great grandfather Vittorio Sattui founded V. Sattui Winery in 1885 in San Francisco that is now one of the most popular wineries in Napa Valley).

 

You need to make reservations for even entering the castle for either a tasting or a tour (tasting is optional if you reserve a tour). Good news is that the winery welcomes dogs and you can explore the castle on your own after you are done with the tasting.

 

Everything inside the castle is simply grand and eye-poppingly beautiful. The wine tasting room at Castello di Amorosa is filled with barrels  with magnificent Italian frescoes and paintings adorning the walls. You get a pour of five of their signature wines and you can pair it with local chocolates like we did.

 

As you wander through the castle on your self guided tour, you will see the incredible Great Hall, the Courtyard, the Chapel and the upper Loggia-all of which are accessible on a self guided tour (a reserved guided tour takes you to several other parts of the castle that are not accessible on a self guided walk). Don’t forget to make your way up to the terrace for panoramic views of Napa Valley and Mount St. Helena.

 

The Castle grounds are beautiful too with lush vineyards all around and an animal enclosure with goats and an emu casually strolling around. If you’re visiting Calistoga with your dog, I cannot recommend this lavish wine tasting experience in Napa enough! Make your reservations here.

 

 

 

 

DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN NAPA VALLEY

Wine tasting is hard work that needs to be rewarded with some lip-smacking food! Napa, being one of the premier culinary destinations in California has some of the best dog friendly restaurants with patio dining for you to have a delicious meal with your pup. Over my half a dozen visits mostly with my pups Babu and Gunda, here are my recommendations:

 

La Calenda (Yountville): the Oaxaca inspired restaurant helmed by executive chef Kaelin Ulrich Trilling, son of Susana Trilling, who is considered an authority on Oaxacan cuisine will not only wow you with moles and mezcal, but also a sunny patio. 

 

Coqueta (Yountville): This Spanish restaurant serving up tasty dishes and Tapas (their original outpost is in San Francisco’s Embarcadero) has a shaded outdoor seating area.

 

Mango on Main: This tiny Thai restaurant in downtown Napa is big and bold on flavors and has a few chairs and tables outside for a dog friendly meal

 

Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena and Napa): This insanely popular joint has multiple locations in the Bay Area and is known for its burgers, salads, sandwiches and tacos.

 

The Grove (Napa): The Grove is the in-house restaurant of the Culinary Institute of America (The CIA at Copia). They have a lovely outdoor seating area as well for you to enjoy delicious Mediterranean inspired cuisine with your pup.

 

Farmstead (St. Helena): This is another dog friendly restaurant in Napa which has a bustling outdoor patio equipped with heaters. Their deviled eggs are delicious and a must have. I highly recommend dog parents going there for lunch or dinner.

 

Solbar (Calistoga): This restaurant of the famous hospitality group Solage is extremely dog-friendly with a giant patio and a great place to include in your Napa itinerary for lunch or dinner. The food is top notch Californian-American with hints of Asian influence (think of lamb gyros with a twist or sweet potato chapatis) and all ingredients are locally sourced. Solbar is part of the Solage Hotel which is a dog friendly luxury hotel in Napa.

 

Calistoga Inn & Brewery (Calistoga): is a dog friendly Napa restaurant has a lively and spacious outdoor seating where well behaved dogs are welcome. The food is essentially Californian American with seasonal ingredients. 

 

Lovina(Calistoga): this super popular restaurant in downtown Calistoga has some of the yummiest food that you can enjoy in a leafy courtyard. Vegetarians will love this place since there are many plant based dishes on the menu.

 

FARM at Carneros Resort and Spa (Carneros): It may cost you an arm and a leg to stay at this famous luxury hotel in Napa, but you can definitely indulge in a little bit and dine at FARM which is one of their three dining spots that also welcomes dogs in their covered outdoor space. The food is sourced from local ingredients and they have a very impressive wine list.

 

 

 

DOG FRIENDLY HOTELS AND LODGING IN NAPA VALLEY

Although Napa valley makes for a great day trip from San Francisco, I highly recommend staying here for a weekend (if your budget allows) to make the best of what this region has to offer, which is honestly A LOT.

 

Napa can be a very expensive place to stay and the choices of dog friendly hotels in Napa are limited (but you can always scout out some dog friendly Airbnbs). Having been to Napa several times with Babu, here are my recommendations based on where we stayed during our dog friendly wine tasting in Napa:

 

Bear Flag Inn

Bear Flag Inn is one of the best dog friendly B&Bs in Calistoga with the owners Dennis and Marjorie being major pet lovers as well and parents to two dogs and a cat! The cottages spread across acres of greenery for your dog to run around and best of all, dogs are welcome here at no extra cost.

 

Besides hot breakfast in the morning, they also have wine and snacks to enjoy in the evening with the wine coming from the grapes in the vineyard facing the inn. This is one of the best places to stay in Napa with your dog, as attested by a five star rating on BringFido.com

 

Enchanted Cottage

Looking for a relaxing getaway in Napa with your dog? Then choose the Enchanted cottage, another charming B&B in Calistoga that is both kid and pet friendly! You will be greeted with a basket of simple, yet hearty continental breakfast outside your door every morning during your stay. The cottage itself is spacious and comes with a fireplace that adds to its vintage charm!

 

Hotel Napa Valley

 Hotel Napa Valley is a pet friendly inn near downtown Napa was our most recent stay (2020) when visiting Napa with Babu. Here, not only do you get a spacious room, but the bathroom (complete with a fancy clawfoot Victorian tub) is humongous!  The complimentary handmade treats in the evening are a nice touch as is the free internet. Remember to call and confirm the availability of pet friendly rooms prior to making an online reservation.

 

Notes for 2020-2021: Pet policy, breakfast and happy hour arrangements might be different during these unprecedented times. Please confirm everything with the innkeeper/hotel manager prior to booking your stay.

 

Calistoga Motor Lodge

Calistoga Motor Lodge located at the very end of downtown Calistoga,  is a fun, roadside boutique hotel with pet friendly rooms. The rooms are inspired by the Great American road trip and dogs are welcome in the smaller Camper rooms. You can take a swim in one of their 3 geothermal mineral pools, play bocce ball or corn hole on their lawn or get pampered at the Moon Acre spa.

 

The lodge is very conveniently located near the scenic Silverado trail as well as the Oat Hill Mine trailhead, which is a dog friendly hiking trail. Parking is free and they also have in house dining at Fleetwood offering Mediterranean wood fired cuisine. If you’re visiting Calistoga and want to stay close to downtown, I highly recommend this dog friendly hotel.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this post on all the dog friendly wineries in Napa and are planning on visiting Napa with your pup for wine tasting. Thanks so much for stopping by and follow us on our California adventures with Babu and Gunda right here!

 

 

 

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