There are a number of Dog-Friendly Wineries near Sonoma Plaza.
One quick browse through Instagram or Facebook and one thing becomes clear: There are a lot of people who love wine and dogs (and their kids). Thankfully, if you visit Wine Country, you don’t have to choose between the two.
Several Sonoma County wineries are now welcoming visitors to pair vino with Fido in ways which both dog-owners and dogs can appreciate: fine wine and artisan bites for “Mommy” and “Daddy,” and treats, vineyard sprints and bowls of water for the beloved pooch.
Deerfield Ranch Winery, Kenwood. “May All Fours Be With You” is the motto of Deerfield Ranch‘s winery dog, Obi Wine Kenobi. The standard poodle frequently welcomes humans and dogs to the winery’s 23,000-square-foot wine caves and tasting room. Water is available for pooches and humans can sip Obi Wine Kenobi’s White Rex signature wine (the dog graces the Star Wars-themed label) or try Deerfield’s Clean Wine, which is low in histamines and sulfites.
Larson Family Winery, Sonoma: You know a winery is passionate about dogs when it makes a dog-themed wine. Three Lab Cab is named after Larson Family Winery dogs Buster, Bubba and Pete. The three labradors greet guests of any species at the winery. The old barn, now a tasting room, welcomes dogs, as does the vast green space and picnic area, where you can play cornhole while your dog relaxes in the sun. Kids are welcome, too. Note: The tasting room at Larson Family Winery was destroyed in a March 3, 2022, structure fire and is temporarily closed.
Roche Winery, Sonoma: Located in downtown Sonoma, Roche Winerywelcomes dogs and wine lovers with “down-to-earth Irish hospitality.” Their patio is popular with locals and Wine Country tourists alike, who huddle around the fire pit and relax under shady trees while watching the world go by — dog by their side. The tasting room offers barrel tastings, snacks, and some of the best people-watching in town.
Muscardini Cellars, Kenwood: When visiting Muscardini Cellars, don’t be surprised if you and your dog are greeted with kisses from winemaker Michael Muscardini’s golden retriever, Biondi. Biondi and staff welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting room and on the patio and the green rolling grounds behind the tasting room. Staff offer dogs treats, water and toys. Check the winery’s online calendar for upcoming dog-themed events, which include dog photo booths, costume contests, and of course, vino for humans. (Courtesy of Muscardini Cellars)
Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma: One of the oldest wineries in California is also one of the most dog-friendly. Founded in 1858, Gundlach Bundschuwelcomes on-leash dogs to their Rhinefarm, where they pour gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the patio, which overlooks the estate vineyards, or bring your dog into the historic tasting room, a pet-friendly pick for a rainy day. The winery also sells dog accessories in their tasting room. (Courtesy of Gundlach Bundschu Winery)
Landmark Vineyards, Kenwood: Winery dog Tag, a rare breed of golden retriever, runs the show at Landmark Vineyard’s Kenwood tasting room. Dogs are welcome throughout the property, where they can wander with their owners into the vineyard, followed by a chardonnay and pinot noir tasting in the courtyard or tasting room for the dog-owners. Dogs get the luxury experience: Fiji water fresh from the bottle served in a bowl.
Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood: Fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde invites dogs to accompany their owners on a tasting at Kunde Family Winery, and to join him on a hike through his family’s historic vineyards. The four-hour hike, which takes hikers and their dogs through oak woodlands, native grasslands and chaparral, includes an overview of Kunde’s sustainable winegrowing practices. The hike also includes a wine tasting and a catered lunch.
B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen: A longtime dog-friendly winery, B.R. Cohn offers water bowls and treats for visiting dogs to enjoy while their owners taste cabernet sauvignon, olive oil and vinegars in the 1920s ranch home-turned-tasting room. Leashed dogs are also welcome on the winery patio and grounds, which include estate vineyards and views of Sonoma and the Mayacamas Mountains. (Dog owners are requested to bring doggie bags.) Pick up some snacks at the winery’s Gourmet Shop for a picnic or bring your pup to their Sunday Live Music series where local musicians entertain wine-loving guests and their pets.
The above information was first published as part of a larger article in Sonoma Magazine and was written by Sarah Stitch, June 2022 Click here for the full article.
Bartholomew Estate Winery was incredibly accommodating with our dogs. They offer dog bowls of water and dog treats! The staff is also incredibly accommodating.