If you have ever visited Napa Valley and gone wine tasting, you know that many wineries have a canine resident.   These friendly, easy-going furry friends are commonly referred to as “Winery Dogs.”   The Winery Dogs have become so popular that a coffee table book was published about them a few years ago.   

Naturally, after becoming enamored with the affable Winery Dogs, many returning visitors elect to bring their own dogs to Napa Valley to accompany them while they wine taste.   As we coast through August towards fall and temperatures start to cool, visitors will be even more so inclined to bring their dogs with them.  While this may seem like a good idea in theory, it may or may not be in actuality.    To help prepare you and your dog for a visit to Napa Valley, below follow some helpful tips and suggestions about dog friendly winery etiquette:

1)     Call to confirm that the wineries that you want to visit are indeed “dog friendly”.

While many of the wineries in Napa Valley have Winery Dogs, that does not necessarily mean that they are “dog friendly” and that your dog is invited to the winery.   Even though your dog may be friendly and the Winery Dog is friendly, that does not mean that your dog and the Winery Dog will be friends.    Your dog is visiting the Winery Dog’s domain.   It is best to confirm, and not assume, that the winery in question is “dog friendly” and that your dog is invited there.   A good place to start your research is on the Napa Valley Vintners Association web site, www.napavintners.com, where you can search their “winery finder”.    While certain wineries are listed there as “dog friendly”, it is still best to call and confirm with the winery itself.

2)     When calling ahead, ask what does “dog friendly” mean to the winery.

You have established that the winery is “dog friendly”.   What does that mean?   It could mean different things to different wineries.     Your dog may or may not be invited into the tasting room.   It could be that you and your dog will be relegated to a terrace or patio, which on a hot day is not safe for your canine companion who is sporting a fur coat.

3)    Bring a leash.

Even though a winery is “dog friendly” and your dog is invited into the tasting room that does not mean that your dog has free run of the place.   After all, it is a winery and not a dog park.   Your dog needs to be under control at all times, for the safety of others, you, and most importantly, your dog.    It is also important to remember that visiting a winery is a new experience for dogs.   And when visiting a dog friendly winery, other dogs will either be there at the same time or have visited (meaning lots of scents to sniff).    Your dog may be overwhelmed by his/her first few visits and may require extra help remembering commands and good behavior.   As a training tool, I take along a “gentle leader” (for example) which helps my golden retriever stay in control.

4)    Be prepared to leave (if necessary).

While wine tasting might be fun for you, it is rather boring for your dog.   While dogs love to accompany their owners, standing around in a tasting room for an hour with nothing to do may not be suitable to your dog’s personality.    If your dog starts barking incessantly, misbehaves or acts up, it is best measure to leave.   Remember, a winery is a place of business.   And the winery’s business is to sell wine, not humor your pet.

5)    Wine, grapes and dogs do not mix.    Period.   

Not to fear, many dog friendly wineries have dog treats behind the tasting bar in anticipation of your pooch’s visit.

6)    No paws on the tasting bar!

This is a tough one for big dogs like my golden retriever.   The Casual Canine always wants to meet everyone and see what everyone is doing.    It is very difficult to resist that happy go-lucky loveable face peering over the tasting bar at the hospitality staff.    However, remember, regardless of how cute your dog is that tasting bar is where wine is poured and often food is served.    It’s not sanitary and violates health codes for your dog’s paws to be up there.

7)    Bring along water and your dog’s dish.

Just as you need to take water with you when wine tasting, you need to bring water along for your dog.   Some wineries will put out dishes of water for visiting dogs, however, given that visiting the winery is a new experience for the dog, he or she may not be inclined to drink out of someone else’s dish.    Similarly, your dog may be too distracted with the new noises, sounds, and other people around to even think of drinking water.    Bringing along your dog’s water dish (or a small collapsible travel dish) will be helpful, and your dog can always grab a quick drink in the parking lot before you motor on to your next destination.

8 )    Ask before walking your dog near the grape vines.

How picturesque… walking your beloved pooch among the vines and snapping his or her photo to memorialize your trip to Napa Valley.    Romantic and cute as this may sound, make sure to first ask the winery if this is permissible.   Some wineries allow the dogs to walk through the vineyards (on leash and under control) and others do not.   If a winery does not allow this activity, do not feel put off.     Those very grapes are the grapes that make some of your favorite wines and are a valuable commodity to the winery.   So it is completely understandable that the winery may not want pets wandering among the grape vines.

9)    Clean up after your pet.

Again, this is a public courtesy that should be done anywhere and all the time for health and sanitary reasons.   Also, as you will recall, wineries plant beautiful roses, lavender and flowers near the entrance to the tasting room to prepare your olfactory senses in order to help you taste their wine.   Not picking up after your dog could be disastrous in this respect.   I always make sure to take along bags in the car when The Casual Canine is accompanying me.  

But wait, what about dining?   

Some of the restaurants in Napa Valley have dog friendly patios.   For example, in St. Helena, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen (owned by Napa Valley’s renowned chef Cindy Pawlcyn) invites well-behaved dogs on its patio while you dine at one of the outdoor tables.    There are other restaurants that offer similar accommodations for your pet, simply call and inquire when you are making your dining reservation.   

Keeping these simple tips in mind will help you and your dog have a great wine country experience.   As for The Casual Canine, she recently visited Lava Vine in Calistoga.   Visit her tab on the site to see her photos and review of Lava Vine!