If you’re a vino connoisseur who hates the idea of leaving your pooch behind when you visit a winery, you’re in luck.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently listed six wineries west of the Mississippi that welcome both two and four-legged guests – although the strongest libation your pooch will be served is water.

 

California

Frenchie Winery – at Raymond Vineyards, 849 Zinfandel Lane, Saint Helena (map), 707-963-3141

The Napa Valley’s first dog-exclusive “winery” was named after a French Bulldog given by Raymond Vineyards proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset to his wife, Gina Gallo.

The pooch-friendly building has dog beds made from wine barrels, a chandelier that provides water and an outdoor play area. You can keep an eye on your dog via the “Frenchie Cam” while you’re in the tasting room. There’s also an outdoor play area.

Among the wines (for people) featuring Frenchie on the label are “the 2009 Frenchie Napoleon Red wines, a special blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Franc ($30/750 ml), and the 2009 Frenchie Louis XIV Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 61 percent Sonoma County and 39 percent Napa County fruit ($30/750 ml),” reports Wine Enthusiast.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mutt Lynch Winery – 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg (map), 707-942-6180

“Bark less, wag more!” says Brenda Lynch, owner of this pooch-friendly and dogcentric winery. Part of the proceeds from each bottle sold is donated to local animal rescue organizations. The winery hosts monthly events for people and pooches including brunches, Dog Art Day and Yappy Hour.

Wine Enthusiast notes, “Available bottles for tasting and purchasing include the 2009 Merlot Over and Play Dead ($14/750 ml) wine and the 2009 Out of Reach Muttitage Red Wine ($25/750 ml), a bronze medalist at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.”

Open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment only.

 

Idaho

Ste. Chapelle – 19348 Lowell Rd., Caldwell (map), 208-453-7843

Your well-behaved dog can join you on the patio overlooking the Snake River as you enjoy Ste. Chapelle’s award-winning wines, “like the 2007 Ice Wine Riesling Reserve ($24/375 ml),” according to Wine Enthusiast.

There are also acres of orchards and vineyards that you and your leashed dog can explore.

Wine shop open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tours by appointment only.

 

Oregon

Plum Hill Vineyards – 6505 SW Old Highway 47, Gaston (map), 503-359-4706

This family-owned winery built on a historical dairy farm has a fenced-in area in which dogs can play off leash. Your pooch can also join you inside the winery, where he’ll receive a yummy treat and get to meet Ghost, a Labrador who lives on the premises.

“Plum Hill also helps host a yearly event called Canines Uncorked, sponsored by the Oregon Humane Society, which combines wine tasting for guests with dog-friendly activities, such as consultations with pet communicators and behaviorists, doggy obstacle courses and doggy ice cream sundaes,” Wine Enthusiast reports.

Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

 

Washington

Spoiled Dog Winery – 5881 Maxwelton Rd, Langley (map), 360-661-6226

When you arrive at this winery on scenic Whidbey Island, you and your dog will be greeted by Blue and Sami, the owners’ two Australian Shepherds. “They diligently guard the grapes and play in their spare time,” according to the website. “After a hard day of work, they enjoy running on the beach.”

Wine Enthusiast notes that Spoiled Dog hosts weekend Yappy Hours, during which “dogs enjoy treats and water while their owners indulge in seasonal wine-and-cheese pairings.” The winery also holds an annual contest to select the most, that’s right, spoiled dog.

Open during summer months from noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Open other times by appointment.

Two Mountain Winery – 2151 Cheyne Road, Zillah (map), 509-829-3900

This winery, nestled in the Rattlesnake Hills area of the Yakima Valley, is owned and operated by brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn.

“It always looks like adoption day at the Humane Society in here,” Matthew Rawn told Wine Enthusiast. His four dogs – Bentley (Basset Hound), Stoli (yellow Lab-Bernese Mountain Dog mix), Gus and Rudy (both yellow Labs) – live on the premises.

Your dog can roam the winery and vineyards and while you sample wines such as Brothers No. 2, “a popular Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend ($47/750 ml),” according to Wine Enthusiast.

PHOTO: Mutt Lynch Winery Facebook Page

Category : Dog-Friendly Restaurants &TRAVEL TIPS