When the weather warms up in the spring, visiting a winery may be a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. And sometimes nothing beats sipping a nice, chilled glass of sauvignon blanc with a cute dog by your side.
In recent years, a growing number of establishments—including wineries—have opened their doors to pets. Even while many wineries allow pets, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pet policy, so research the vineyards ahead of time. The dirt on pet-friendly vineyards is provided here, along with information on where to look, what to anticipate, and pre-trip advice.
What Do Wineries That Allow Pets Mean?
Pet-friendly wineries are precisely that—wineries where you are welcome to bring your animal companion. However, differing levels of “pet-friendliness” are frequently caused by disparate pet policies. Some wineries may implement pet or breed restrictions, require pets to be leashed, or restrict pets to specific areas of the winery.
Although wineries claim to be “pet-friendly,” dogs are by far the most prevalent animal to be found there. However, you might be able to take your very gregarious cat (or rabbit, lizard, or guinea pig) to a pet-friendly vineyard that accepts all animals if they are good with others.
Pet-Friendly Winery Types
Imagine that there are two sides to the hypothetical pet-friendliness scale: “pet-welcoming” and “pet-permitting.”
Pet-welcoming establishments usually encourage pets in addition to allowing them. Pet-friendly wineries frequently provide features like water bowls, treats, poop bag stations, or a dog park on the premises just for pet owners. At these places, you’ll typically see a lot of animals and their owners.
Businesses that allow pets typically have fewer amenities and more stringent policies. Pets are frequently permitted outside of vineyards but not within the tasting room.
It’s crucial to abide by pet laws and keep in mind that neither the owners nor the employees of the vineyard are against animals—just because certain areas have limits does not indicate this. State laws or zoning regulations, for example, frequently have justifications that are uncontrollable.
How to Locate Wineries That Allow Pets
There are numerous methods for locating a nearby winery that welcomes pets. Using internet sites that have already conducted the research for you is one of our favorites. These websites frequently feature reviews, ratings, and lists of pet-friendly companies. We suggest Cork Hounds, which allows you to search for dog-friendly wineries, vineyards, meaderies, and breweries by zip code, and BringFido, which offers evaluations of lodging, dining, activities, and events in all 50 states.
You might also check with a nearby winery about their pet policy. Usually, you can find out if they accept pets on their website’s FAQ page, but occasionally you have to do some research. If the company’s website doesn’t contain a pet policy, you may try checking out their social media accounts or searching for the winery name plus “pet-friendly” or “pet policy” in a search engine. If all else fails, you can always give a vineyard a call to find out about their pet policies. A vineyard may not be very pet-friendly if they are not upfront about their pet policy.
What to anticipate from a visit to a winery that welcomes pets
It’s likely that your pet will behave differently if this is your first time taking them to a winery or somewhere comparable. Even though your golden retriever is a well-mannered, submissive angel at home, it’s a good idea to keep a close check on them while they’re in a new setting with unfamiliar sights, noises, and scents.
Additionally, you can anticipate receiving more attention from other animal enthusiasts, particularly those who are particularly gregarious after a few drinks. If your pet is hesitant among strangers, urge them to either move slowly or leave them alone. Since kids are frequently permitted at wineries, keep an eye out for them as well.
No matter how pet-friendly the vineyard is, you should always bring your own water bowl and lots of fresh water because you can’t always count on them to have everything you’ll need. If you want to keep your pet busy, you might also want to bring a snack or toy.
Advice for Visiting a Winery That Allows Pets
Like most outings, we suggest considering whether you’re taking your pet to the winery for personal or pet-related reasons before you go. Consider whether your pet will actually appreciate being in an environment that may be too busy or stimulating. Here are some inquiries you can pose to yourself:
- Does your pet like going on adventures and making new friends?
- Does my pet have a history of biting people or other animals, or will they be a threat to their safety?
- Can my pet sit quietly and comfortably in a winery setting?
- Will my pet worry me or will I be able to enjoy myself?
Here are some suggestions if you decide to bring your pet along nonetheless:
- Arrive prepared: This entails being aware of the winery’s pet policy and packing water, food, and any other things your pet could require.
- Select your harness or collar and leash carefully: Since your pet will probably need to be leashed for some time, a harness might be more comfortable for them than a collar. To keep your hands free, you might also require a leash that you can attach to your chair or table.
- Be aware of the weather: Bringing your pet to an outdoor winery in extreme heat or cold can make it uncomfortable or even deadly.
- Take care when taking your dog for a walk among the vineyard grapevines, as they may choke on fallen grapes. Grapes are poisonous to dogs.
- Be accountable: Since you are ultimately in charge of your pet, you should always be aware of their whereabouts and activities. It’s tempting to unwind and have fun, especially when wine is involved, but it’s better to leave your pet at home if you won’t be caring for them throughout your trip.
What does a pet-friendly winery mean?
Pet-friendly wineries are establishments where you are welcome to bring your animal companion. However, the level of “pet-friendliness” can vary based on the winery’s pet policies, which may include pet or breed restrictions, leash requirements, or restrictions on the areas of the winery where pets are allowed.
What are the types of pet-friendly wineries?
There are typically two types of pet-friendly wineries: “pet-welcoming” and “pet-permitting.” Pet-welcoming establishments encourage pets and often provide amenities like water bowls, treats, and poop bag stations. Pet-permitting businesses allow pets but usually have fewer amenities and more stringent policies.
How can I find pet-friendly wineries?
You can find pet-friendly wineries by using websites like Cork Hounds and BringFido, which provide lists of pet-friendly businesses. You can also check a winery’s website or social media accounts for their pet policy, or call them directly.
What should I expect when visiting a pet-friendly winery?
Your pet may behave differently in a new environment with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. You can also expect to receive more attention from other animal lovers. Always bring your own water bowl and fresh water, and consider bringing a snack or toy to keep your pet occupied.
What should I bring for my pet when visiting a winery?
You should bring a water bowl, fresh water, and any other items your pet might need, such as food or a favorite toy. A comfortable harness and a leash that can be attached to your chair or table can also be helpful.
What are some tips for visiting a winery with my pet?
Arrive prepared by knowing the winery’s pet policy and bringing necessary items for your pet. Choose a comfortable harness or collar and leash, be aware of the weather, and be cautious about your dog eating fallen grapes, as they are poisonous to dogs. Always be responsible and aware of your pet’s actions and behavior.
