Winery Dogs Across America

Posted by Lauren Barker

Imagine if every day you had to go to work only to bask in the sun, get pets and eat delicious cheeses and snacks. That’s the “ruff” reality for these winery dogs across the U.S. Whether they’re herding farm animals, greeting guests, or on the crumb clean-up crew, these pups are living the dream. You and Fido are welcome to join them for a tasting, tour, or a day spent at their dog-friendly wineries and vineyards.

Rascal and Rebel

Napa, CA
Rascal and Rebel, ready to greet visitors. Photo by @regusciwinery

Located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, Regusci Winery is home to several four-legged employees. From greeting guests in the tasting room to herding goats and sheep on the hillside, these winery dogs work hard to earn their keep. Rebel, a McNab herding dog and Rascal, a retriever are often found roaming the vineyards, gardens, or visiting the outdoor patio. The winery’s five Great Pyrenees pups, Sadie, Hawkeye, Pearl, Grigsby and Gaetano might make an appearance as well during their down time. You can visit Regusci Winery and meet the crew yourself, and bring Fido along for the fun. Schedule a visit and enjoy a tasting or take a guided tour of the vineyard.

Enjoy more dog-friendly wineries in Napa and spend a few nights at BJ’s Nest. This studio apartment has a hot tub, fireplace and an outdoor area with a grill and fire pit where you can enjoy a bottle from Regusci Winery at the end of the day.

Macon, Hunter and Rosie

Cornville, AZ
Macon, Hunter, and Rosie dressed to the nines. Photo by Facebook.com/OakCreekVineyards

Visit Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery in Cornville, AZ and you’ll likely be greeted by one of a few wet noses. Macon, known as the Grumpy Old Man, is the vineyard’s original wine dog and you’ll likely hear him before you see him. He notifies everyone of new visitors. Hunter, a Rat Terrier, can usually be found on the patio begging for food. The staff have aptly named him the Cheese Goblin. Rosie is a Chihuahua-Miniature Pinscher mix and was adopted at one of the vineyard’s annual rescue events. Her nickname is Tiny Dancer because she likes to run laps on the winery patio. Bender and Nibbler are the winemaker’s dogs who are often found exploring the property as well. Like Rosie, Nibbler was adopted at a rescue event. Bring your own pooch to the pet-friendly patio to meet this four-legged crew and relax with a tasting and a cheese plate or a sample of almonds grown on the property.

Put your paws up for the night at Hidden Hills Vineyard, a one-bedroom rental perched high on a ridge with 360-degree views overlooking Oak Creek and four other vineyards.

Roy Winston and Mabel

Paso Robles, CA
Suns out, tongues out for Mabel, Roy and Winston. Photo by @breconestatepups

On your visit to California Wine Country, stop in Brecon Estate in Paso Robles and meet Roy, Winston and Mabel, the Brecon Estate Pups. Roy, known affectionately as “Roy the Best Boy” is an Australian Shepherd and Border Collie mix, and is obsessed with playing fetch and looking for pets. Winston, the “muppet of Brecon,” is a Bernadoodle whose tail wags non-stop. Hang on to your wine glass when he’s near! And Mabel, also known as “Mabelyn Monroe” is a Great Pyrenese who loves to sniff everything and everyone, and just might steal your snacks if you’re not looking. Bring Fido along while you taste award-winning small batch wines and picnic on the outdoor patio or spacious grounds. This tail-wagging team will be happy to show you around.

Cuddle up by the fire or take in the view from the front porch rocking chairs when you stay at this cottage at Creekside Inn in Paso Robles.

Cooper knows where to find the good stuff. Photo by Facebook.com/CooperMountainBrook

Mountain Brook Vineyards in Tryon, NC is home to a Labrador Retriever named Cooper. You can often spot him in the winery welcoming guests and politely asking to share their tasting room snacks. Cooper can also be found at adoption events at the winery which support Foothills Humane Society, and spotted at live music events throughout the summer. Bring your pooch along to meet Cooper and relax with you in the tasting room, on the covered deck, by the fireplace in the covered outdoor seating area, or around the large community fire pit. Enjoy a tasting flight with a charcuterie board or crackers and cheese and Fido can order his own flight of dog treats. Don’t forget to take home a bottle of Cooper’s Table which features his picture on the label.

Once you bid farewell to Cooper, head to this cozy Ridge View Cabin in Tryon. Kick back by the fireplace or outdoor fire pit, or use the rental’s canoes and kayaks to go for an evening paddle with your pup.

Frenchie is royalty at Raymond Vineyards. Photo by Facebook.com/FrenchieWinery

Napa Valley’s first winery for dogs, Frenchie Winery, is also home turf for owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s French Bulldog, Frenchie, the Wine “Pawprietor”. Bring your pup along to visit and you just might meet him. Frenchie Winery is located within Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena, CA, and your pup is welcome to join you in the outdoor tasting room or Frenchie Lounge which has five enclosed beds where your pooch can rest while you tour the winery. The "Frenchie Cam" allows you to watch your pet while you taste wines like the Napoleon Bonaparte Red or Louis XIV Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring Frenchie on the label. Thirsty hounds can drink from the barrels of water on tap that are infused with cabernet and chardonnay which is Frenchie’s favorite.

Fido will be greeted with treats and toys at check-in at nearby Harvest Inn. He’s also welcome to join you on the patio of the hotel’s Harvest Table restaurant.

Winston and Lucy

Traverse City, MI
“Official Wine Dog reporting for duty.” - Winston Photo by Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Just north of Traverse City, MI, Bowers Harbor Vineyards is the stomping grounds for two furry sommeliers. Winston, an English Cream Golden Retriever can usually be found riding around with his owner in a golf cart or keeping company to anyone enjoying snacks. He’s featured on his own bottle of red wine, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of that bottle benefits the local humane society. Lucy, a Goldendoodle spends most of her time running in the vineyards or following her big brother. Both pups are happy to show you and Fido around the 20-acre property where you can take a hike on the interpretive nature trail, or relax with a glass of wine around the fire pit, on the patio, or at one of the tables nestled among the vines. Previous wine dogs Otis, a yellow Labrador, and Brix and Cooper, Bernese Mountain Dogs, are featured on a mural inside the winery, and also on bottles of their namesake wines available for purchase. Fido can enjoy dog treats replicating the wine bottles.

Explore more of the area and spend the night at the five-bone-rated Best Western Plus Traverse City. Fido will appreciate the dog walk and you’ll delight in the delicious complimentary breakfast.

Have you visited a pet-friendly vineyard with a wine dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/FrenchieWinery.