Visiting a winery can be a perfect spring activity to relax and enjoy nature as the weather warms up. And sometimes that chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed with a sweet pup by your side.
Many businesses, including wineries, have become increasingly pet-friendly in recent years. Although there are many pet-friendly wineries, there is no uniform policy regarding pets. Therefore, it is important that you do your homework before your visit. Here’s everything you need to know about pet-friendly wineries, how to find them, what to expect, and tips before your trip.
What are pet friendly wineries?
Pet-friendly wineries are exactly what they sound like – wineries where you can bring your furry friend. But different pet policies often mean there are different levels of “pet-friendly.” Certain wineries may require pets to be leashed, restrict pets from being in certain parts of the winery, or have pet or breed restrictions.
Wineries may use the term “pet friendly,” but dogs are by far the most common pet you’ll encounter at a winery. However, if you have a particularly social cat (or a rabbit, a lizard, or a guinea pig) that behaves well in public, you may be able to take it to a pet-friendly winery that welcomes all pets.
Types of Pet Friendly Wineries
On the theoretical scale of pet friendliness, imagine that one side means “pets welcome” and the other side means “pets allowed”.
Typically, companies that accept pets not only allow pets, they encourage them. Wineries that welcome pets often have amenities specifically designed for pet owners, such as water bowls, treats, poop bag stations, or an on-site dog park. In these places you usually find a lot of pets and pet owners.
Businesses that allow pets often have more restrictions and fewer amenities. A common restriction at wineries is that pets are allowed outside, but not in the tasting room.
It is important to respect the pet policy and remember that the fact that there are restrictions in places does not mean that the owners or employees of the winery have anything against animals. Often there are reasons for restrictions that are beyond their control, such as zoning regulations or state laws.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Wineries
There are several ways to find a pet-friendly winery near you. One of our favorites is to use online resources that have already done the research for you. These websites often contain lists, ratings, and reviews of pet-friendly businesses. We recommend BringFido, which provides reviews of hotels, restaurants, activities and events in all 50 states; and Cork Hounds, which lets you search for dog-friendly wineries, vineyards, wineries and breweries by zip code.
You can also check the pet policy of a winery near you. You can often find out if pets are allowed on their website’s FAQ page, but sometimes this requires a little research. If you can’t find a pet policy on the company’s website, you might have some luck by searching their social media pages or typing the winery name and “pet friendly” or “pet policy” into a search engine. As a last resort, you can always call a winery and ask about their pet policy. If a winery doesn’t openly advertise its pet policy, it may not be very welcoming to pets.
What to Expect When Visiting a Pet-Friendly Winery
If you are taking your pet to a winery or similar location for the first time, you can probably expect some behavioral differences in your pet. Your Golden Retriever may be a well-behaved, obedient angel at home, but in a new environment with new sights, sounds and smells, training may fail, so it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on him.
You can also probably expect a little more attention from other animal lovers, especially those who feel particularly sociable after a glass of wine or two. If your pet is shy, politely ask people who approach it to walk slowly or to leave your pet alone. Also, be careful of children as they are often allowed in wineries.
No matter how pet-friendly the winery is, don’t expect it to have everything you need. Therefore, it is always a good idea to bring your own water bowl and plenty of fresh water. You may also want to bring a snack or toy to keep your pet occupied.
Tips for visiting a pet-friendly winery
As with most excursions, we recommend asking yourself before taking your pet to a winery: Am I doing this for my pet or for myself? Consider whether your pet will actually enjoy being in a place that may be crowded or overstimulated. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
Has my pet bitten in the past or do they pose a risk to the safety of other people or animals?
Can my pet relax and sit quietly in a winery environment?
Will I have fun or do I have to worry about my pet?
If you decide to still bring your pet, here are some tips:
Come prepared: This includes knowing the pet policies of the winery you plan to visit and bringing water, treats, and other items your pet may need.
Choose a leash and collar or harness carefully: Your pet will likely need to be on a leash for a while, so he or she will be more comfortable in a harness than a collar. You may also need a leash that you can attach to your chair or table to keep your hands free.
Know the weather: If it’s too hot or too cold, bringing your pet to an outdoor winery can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst.
Beware of Grapes: Grapes are poisonous to dogs, so it’s probably not a good idea to take them on a walk through the vines where they might eat fallen grapes.
Be Responsible: Ultimately, you are responsible for your pet, so you should know where it is and what it is doing at all times. It can be tempting to relax and unwind, especially when it comes to wine. However, if you’re not prepared to take care of your pet during your adventure, it’s best to leave them at home.