Suddenly, it seems, dogs are de rigueur at wineries. Witness not one but two new books boasting full-color shnoz-forward photos of winery dogs from wineries across the U.S. and the world.
But in truth, dogs have been welcomed guests, and welcoming hosts, at many wineries in Sonoma County for a long time. Walk into Mauritson, Lambert Bridge or Papapietro Perry, and you"ll likely be greeted first by a canine (or two) rather than a human. Here are some of Sonoma County"s most dog-friendly wineries. As always, I welcome your comments whether you"d like to mention one that I left out, or 2nd my list, in the
Forum.
Their old hound dog Hiro died last year, but the folks at Stryker-Sonoma in Alexander Valley still love and welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting room and picnic area. They even keep a stash of dog treats behind the bar. For humans, you can’t go wrong with any of Stryker’s Bordeaux varietals.
The Wilsons have a couple of dogs, a border collie and a mini-Aussie, who will help herd you into the tasting room. From there, enjoy Wilson’s award-winning Zinfandels, if they aren’t already sold out.
Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, The Wine Room is a cooperative tasting room featuring wines from Moondance Cellars, Orchard Station, Smothers/Remick Ridge, Sonoma Valley Portworks and Friendly Dog Winery. As you can tell by the name, friendly dogs are welcome.
In this episode of “As The Winery Turns,” the Rafanelli’s handsome yellow lab meets the Mauritson’s demure and feminine yellow lab, and, well you know what happens. Now, 2 of the 11 offspring work at Lambert Bridge—Gus and Cooper. They are rowdy boys, but you’re welcome to bring your friendly dogs to enjoy the picnic grounds. Known best for their Merlot, all the reds will call out to you here.
5. It Seems Every Winery Loves Dogs During the "Dog Days of Summer"
Every summer, you can expect a whole lot of doggie events at wineries when they can take advantage of the convenient but true “dog days of summer” slogan. Every year in August, Wilson and Mutt Lynch team up for a full weekend of doggie fun. And Sebastiani Winery tops that with a full week of doggie events at their annual Canine Festival, held in July. As the summer draws near we’ll post more information on doggie events at wineries.
