The Napa Vintners Association has identified 97 wineries throughout the valley that are dog friendly. While all welcome canines in their picnic areas, many say “no” to pups in the tasting room. In wet or cold weather, that means Astro will have to wait in the car while you imbibe.
That said, we have a few all-weather favorites, starting with Vintner’s Collective in downtown Napa, established a decade ago in the city’s oldest commercial building, an 1875 stone structure that originally served as a brewery.
The collective showcases wines from about two dozen boutique producers you’ve probably never heard of, and it warmly welcomes guests on leashes.
Moving up valley, Clos du Val and Regusci in the Stag’s Leap district are among wineries that allow dogs in the tasting rooms as well as the picnic areas. In St. Helena, you and your pup can stay warm the tasting rooms at Flora Springs Vineyards, a family operation whose reds are sourced from organically grown vineyards and crafted in a solar-powered barn and wine caves. St. Supery and V. Sattui winery welcome leashed dogs in their tasting rooms as well as in their garden and picnic areas. V. Sattui even has a pet blog with a photo page featuring visiting canines. Continuing to Calistoga, you’ll find a wealth of wineries whose staffs won’t blink when four-legged guests walk in the door. Among them: Clos Pegase, notable for its art and gardens as well as its wines; Cuvaison, whose glass walled tasting room affords sweeping† vineyard panoramas; and lesser known Lava Vine, Bennett Lane and Carter Cellars, where personalized experiences and memorable wines await.
Photo: Sadie in the Trahan-Olabisi tasting room – Janet Fullwood
