Famous for its hot springs and namesake bottled water, dog-friendly Calistoga is a relaxing but lively destination at the north end of the Napa Valley, also reached by a short drive from nearby Santa Rosa. DogTrekkers will be happy to discover a wealth of wineries whose staffs won’t blink when four-legged guests walk in the door.
Among them is a relatively new but very prominent landmark: Castello di Amorosa, a replica Italian castle that opened in 2007 after 13 years of construction and quickly became one of the valley’s most popular tourist attractions. Your pup can’t join you in the tasting room or gift shop, but you’re both welcome on self-guided tours and on the spacious grounds outside the castle, where photo opps abound.
But the “Napa Castle” isn’t the only dog-friendly Calistoga winery with standout architecture. Boldly modern Clos Pegase, designed by Michael Graves is another “destination winery” known for its architecture, art and gardens as well as for its wine. When it comes to dog-friendly wineries with vineyard views, it’s hard to beat Cuvasion, which lures guests with a glass-walled tasting room that affords sweeping panoramas. Five others to put on your list: Bennett Lane, Lava Vine, Tamber Bey, Dutch Henry and Carter Cellars, where personalized experiences and memorable wines await. Be sure to call first, as appointments at some wineries are required.
For more on Calistoga’s dog-friendly wineries:
Calistoga On A Leash
Exploring Napa’s ‘Ghost Wineries’
Nip Into Napa
Photo credit: eLjeProks (CC)
