Napa Valley, California, is often regarded as a dream destination for wine aficionados and, fortunately, for dog lovers too. Napa Valley is a dog-friendly destination, with plenty of places that will welcome both you and your furry family member.
Recently, we visited Napa Valley, CA for a short weekend getaway filled with lots of dog-friendly activities. In this post, I will be sharing our experience exploring the dog-friendly side of Napa Valley.
Where is Napa Valley, CA?
Napa Valley, CA is a region located in the northern part of California, known for its world-renowned wineries and picturesque landscapes.
Napa Valley is located approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco, and about 400 miles north of Los Angeles, CA.
The region is home to several towns, including the city of Napa, CA, which is the largest city in the county. Napa is known for its charming downtown area, where you can find a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels.
5 Dog Friendly Things To Do in Napa Valley, CA
1. Visit Historic Downtown Napa, CA
Historic Downtown Napa, CA is a captivating spot known for its historical significance, exclusive boutiques, art galleries, and exquisite dining options. The area perfectly blends the charm of the old world with contemporary amenities, making it an ideal destination for tourists. A visit to Historic Downtown Napa is a must for anyone looking to soak in the exceptional culture of California’s wine country.
2. Stay at a Dog Friendly Hotel
Dog-Friendly Places To Stay in Napa, CA
1. Napa River Inn
We had the pleasure of staying at the Napa River Inn, a dog-friendly upscale boutique hotel that anchors the Historic Napa Mill in the bustling heart of historic downtown Napa. As a pet-friendly establishment, the hotel warmly welcomes dogs of all sizes, and our golden retrievers KB and KENZO were treated as VIPs (Very Important Pets) throughout our stay.
The Napa River Inn warmly welcomed both KB and KENZO with a thoughtful doggy basket that included a cozy blanket, water bowls, tasty treats, and convenient poop bags.
The most amazing surprise was at the front entrance of the Napa River Inn hotel: a charming doggy house named after the hotel, complete with a large bone sign and the names of KB and KENZO beautifully displayed on it. This thoughtful gesture by the hotel showed us how much they value their furry guests and made us feel even more welcome.
2. The Westin Verasa Napa
The Westin Verasa Napa is a luxurious hotel that is pet-friendly. To learn about their pet policy, including weight limits and daily fees, it’s best to contact the hotel directly. Their dog-friendly rooms come equipped with a cozy dog bed, food and water bowls, and tasty treats for your furry friend to enjoy.
Dog Friendly Westin Verasa Napa – 1314 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
3. (Hyatt) Andaz Napa
Andaz Napa, a Hyatt hotel concept situated in downtown Napa, is a dog-friendly establishment that warmly welcomes pets. Their guest rooms designed for furry companions are equipped with dog amenities such as a cozy dog bed, food and water bowls, and delicious doggy cookies.
Here are the dog friendly Andaz Napa pet policies – 1450 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
When booking a Napa Valley, CA pet-friendly accommodation, it’s important to note that there may be a pet fee, which is usually non-refundable, and a pet limit, especially for a big dog like a golden retriever. Make sure to check with the hotel about their specific pet policy requirements before making a reservation.
We opted to stay at the Napa River Inn due to its ideal location, reasonable fee, and overall experience.
3. Stroll the Riverwalk
The Napa Riverwalk is a scenic pathway that runs alongside the Napa River and is known for its dog-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors like us can enjoy a leisurely stroll with their dogs while taking in the beautiful scenery. The riverwalk is well-maintained and clean. With its pet-friendly environment and picturesque views, the Napa Riverwalk is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out with your four-legged friend.
4. Dine With Your Dog
The Napa Riverwalk boasts an array of top-notch restaurants that allow dogs to join their owners at outdoor seating areas. This means you and your furry friend can relish the stunning views while treating yourself to a delicious meal. During our stay, we enjoyed a scrumptious brunch at Napa General Store and a mouthwatering dinner at the renowned Morimoto Asia.
5. Check Out the Napa Art & Sculptures
One of the most enjoyable dog-friendly activities to do in Napa, CA is to explore the Napa sculptures and art murals along the Riverwalk and throughout the historic downtown. Not only is it a great way to immerse yourself in the local art scene, but it’s also a fun opportunity to take some memorable photos with your furry friend. The colorful and creative artworks are sure to leave you and your pup inspired and delighted.
6. Dog Friendly Wine Tasting
Exploring the wineries and wine tasting is a must-do experience when visiting Napa Valley, CA. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly wineries in the region, allowing you to appreciate the exquisite tastes of some of the world’s best wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard views. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the wine culture of the area and make lasting memories with your furry friend.
On our trip, we visited two wineries; Benessere Vineyards and Migration Winery
10 Best Dog-friendly Wineries in Napa Valley
One of the best parts about visiting Napa Valley with your four-legged best friend is the warm welcome you’ll receive at many wineries. From open arms to dog bowls and dog treats, you’ll find that a lot of people in Napa Valley are happy to have your furry friend join you on your wine-tasting adventure. Some wineries even have winery dogs that roam around the tasting room and outdoor patio.
Here are some of the best dog friendly Napa Valley Wineries
1. Benessere Vineyards
We visited dog-friendly Benessere Vineyards, where they make world-class Italian-focused wines grown on their estate in the St. Helena Appellation of Napa Valley.
At Benessere Vineyards, you can enjoy a lovely and spacious outdoor patio overlooking their scenic vineyards. This dog-friendly winery specializes in Italian wine varietals, such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, and Moscato, and offers a small charcuterie board to accompany your wine-tasting experience.
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As we enjoyed the artisanal food and fine wine, our furry companions, KB and KENZO were able to join in on the fun and savor some cheese.
Benessere Vineyards 1010 Big Tree Rd, St Helena, CA 94574; 707- 963-5853
2. Migration Winery
We had planned to have a wine tasting at Migration Winery, but due to a reservation conflict, we were only able to explore the grounds.
At Migration Winery in Carneros, their spacious tasting room and winery provide a peaceful atmosphere to try their exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling wines. The great news is that they welcome your furry friends to join you for outdoor tastings. In addition to their regular tasting flights, they offer Barkuterie boards filled with delicious treats like duck sausages and Migration biscuits for your furry companions. Make sure to ask your host to include it during your tasting, and your pups will have a delightful time.
Migration Winery 1451 Stanly Lane, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 415-2298
Here are a few more wineries and vineyards that welcome dogs, although we didn’t have time to visit them all. Keep in mind that it’s necessary to book in advance and follow the dog-related regulations of each location. It’s also worth noting that many wine tours don’t allow dogs, so it’s a good idea to contact the winery or vineyard beforehand.
3. Tres Sabores Winery
Family-owned and women-led Tres Sabores Winery is a fantastic dog-friendly winery that you and your furry friend should not miss when visiting Napa Valley, CA.
You can sample Tres Sabores’ Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Petite Sirahs. Tres Sabores is also home to four adorable golden retrievers who are friendly. They will make your visit even more enjoyable and memorable.
Tres Sabores Winery 1620 S. Whitehall Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-967-8027
4. V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui Winery is one of the most popular spots in Napa Valley, and it’s also a great place to bring your furry friend. With picnic tables, a beautiful outdoor dining area, and a pet-friendly atmosphere, V. Sattui Winery is a perfect place to enjoy delicious wine tasting and food pairing with your four-legged friend. Make sure to check their winery’s calendar for planned dog-related events.
V. Sattui Winery 1111 White Lane St. (at Highway 29), Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-7774
5. Raymond Vineyards
Dogs are welcome to experience the luxurious Crystal Cellar at Raymond Vineyards, featuring stainless steel walls, a mirror bar, and elegant Baccarat chandeliers. In addition, furry companions can join their owners at the main tasting salon or at the Frenchie Winery, an outdoor space named after their proprietor, Jean-Charles Boisset’s French Bulldog. This dog-friendly atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy the winery’s glitz and glamour while spending quality time with their beloved pets.
Raymond Vineyards 1584 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-3141
6. Larkmead Vineyards
Larkmead Vineyards is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. This winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and is located in Calistoga, CA. They have a pet-friendly atmosphere and welcome well-behaved dogs. You can taste wine and enjoy a picnic in their beautiful picnic area.
Larkmead Vineyards 1100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515; 707-942-0167
7. Bouchaine Vineyards
If you’re interested in a historical winery experience, be sure to visit Bouchaine Vineyards, a landmark dating back to the late 1800s. They are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs to their outdoor patio, which offers a stunning view of the fruit orchards.
Bouchaine Vineyards 1075 Buchli Station Rd, Napa, CA 94559; 707 252-9065
8. Mumm Napa
If you enjoy sparkling wines, be sure to visit Mumm Napa, where dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio and in their dog-friendly tasting room. You can taste their award-winning sparkling wines while your furry companion relaxes by your side.
Mumm Napa 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573; 800-686-6272
9. Frog’s Leap Winery
At Frog’s Leap Winery, you can bring your beloved furry four-legged friends to the outdoor property during your Signature Seated Tasting wine experience. Dogs are not permitted for the Guided Tour & Tasting or Rooted in Rutherford experiences.
Frog’s Leap Winery 8815 Conn Creek Rd. Rutherford, CA 94573; 707 963-4704
10. Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is a must-visit winery for wine lovers, offering exquisite Stag’s Leap estate Cabernet Sauvignon in a stunning setting with unique South African-style architecture. Chimney Rock is a dog friendly winery that welcomes dogs in both their tasting room and outdoor patio. Water bowls are provided to keep your pooch hydrated while you enjoy the wine.
Chimney Rock 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA, 94558; 707-257-2641
Is the Napa Valley Wine Train Dog Friendly?
Unfortunately, the Napa Valley Wine Train is not dog friendly. While they allow service animals, other pets are not permitted onboard due to safety reasons. The good news is that there are many wineries (mentioned above) in Napa Valley that welcome dogs, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy them with your furry companion.
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Visit Dog Friendly Napa Valley, CA
If you’re planning to escape to Napa Valley’s picturesque region in California, be sure to bring your furry companion along for a wonderful Napa Valley getaway experience. There are plenty of accommodations and fun activities that cater to both you and your four-legged best friend, including dog friendly boutique hotels, historic and scenic walks, and dog friendly wine-tasting.
