Napa Valley may be the heart of America’s Wine Country, but there’s plenty more for you and your pup to uncork in this scenic California region just an hour north of San Francisco. Fido is invited to witness natural wonders up close, ride shotgun on a drive among gorgeous vineyards, and even sample charcuterie boards prepared especially for canines. Wine, dine, and have an unforgettable time with your best friend by your side in beautiful Napa Valley.
BringFido’s Guide to Napa Valley
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Billy Francis
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Things to Do
Picnic, pinot + pup = heaven.
Photo by
@regusciwinery
Join a dog trainer on a tour of pet-friendly wineries, hike together through beautiful surroundings, and shop until you drop with your Weimaraner in Wine Country.
Visit the Other “Old Faithful”
Begin your day with a visit to the Old Faithful Geyser of California, one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world that reliably erupt every 15 to 30 minutes. After watching the geyser blow its top, discover the natural beauty of California’s Wine Country on the nearby Oat Hill Mine Trail from Calistoga into Pope Valley. Imagine following in the footsteps of early pioneers as you hike 8.3 miles along a former stagecoach road, climbing to an elevation of 1,500 feet. The best time to walk the path is during wildflower season, typically between March and May. Dogs are even allowed off leash on the moderate trail if they are under voice control.
Let Fido Off Leash in Napa
Located on 157 acres in the rolling hills of northwest Napa, Alston Park is the go-to gathering place for the area’s active four-legged population. The pretty park is home to three miles of winding trails that you can explore with your leashed pooch and an upper area known by locals as Canine Commons, which offers visitors views of Redwood Creek and beyond to Napa Valley. The park isn’t fenced, so only dogs under voice control should be allowed off leash in the designated areas.
“Nothing like a little vino in the Valley.” Photo by @regusciwinery
Explore a Historic Winery
Regusci Winery welcomes dogs with open arms and humans with open bottles. This gorgeous former ranch is full of rustic charm. The Occidental Wine House building was originally constructed in 1878 with local stone, but was shuttered during Prohibition until its revival by the Regusci family in 1990. Since then, a former hayloft has transformed into a tasting room, and the family added a colorful culinary garden and a sun-soaked, expansive outdoor patio that overlooks 160 acres of vineyards and rolling hills. Take a stroll through the grounds during a ranch tour and enjoy a tasting together in paradise.
Drive the Long and “Wining” Road
Get a feel for Napa Valley with your canine from the comfort of your car on the historic Silverado Trail. Constructed in 1852, the scenic route stretches roughly 30 miles from Napa toward Calistoga along the valley’s eastern hills, passing vineyards and renowned wineries along the way. Begin your journey in Napa and drive northwest toward Yountville, surrounded by Chardonnay vines on either side and giant mountains reaching high into the sky. Continue to Calistoga, where you can pause to see Old Faithful, enjoy a hike, or just marvel at the views of incredible Mount St. Helena.
Enjoy a Woodland Wander
The Petrified Forest dates back 3.4 million years, when an eruption from Mount St. Helena buried a redwood forest in volcanic ash, halting decay and preserving the ancient trees. It wasn’t until 1870 that the forest was discovered and became a point of interest for paleontologists. These days, visitors and their dogs can take to the forest trails and enjoy the natural phenomenon.
Get Your Tail on the Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is growing closer to its goal of connecting Wine Country from end to end. When complete, the Class I trail, starting at Kennedy Park Off Leash Area, will stretch 47 miles from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal to Calistoga Depot. Today, 33 miles have been completed in three sections connecting Vallejo with American Canyon, Napa with Yountville, and St. Helena with Calistoga. The project aims to connect communities throughout Napa Valley, giving locals and visitors a safe place to walk their dogs, bike and explore the region’s vineyards on foot.
There’s No Place Like Sonoma
Enjoy a day trip to Sonoma, the birthplace of California’s commercial wine industry, located an hour away from Napa by car. Fido can stretch his legs at Ernie Smith Community Regional Park. Then, head to Cornerstone Sonoma and explore market stores, restaurants and nine walk-through gardens together. No trip to Sonoma would be complete without a terrific tasting. Head to the dog-friendly Viansa Winery & Vineyards for a sip in beautiful surroundings.
Play a Round With Your Pup
Take a break from wine tasting for some friendly competition at Marquee Pinball Lounge in downtown Napa. Your well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join you while you play 20 pinball machines and classic arcade games. Sip craft beer, cider or seltzer and grab a snack between rounds with Fido by your side.
Places to Stay
"Are you gonna eat that?"
Photo by
Facebook.com/NapaRiverInn
Vineyard views, downtown pads and relaxing retreats await Fido on his next Napa Valley vacay.
Sip a Sherry at Sherrie’s
Experience exceptional views in stunning surroundings at Sherrie's Vineyard View Retreat in Napa. The top two levels of the house are occupied by Sherrie’s family and her photogenic dogs, Tawny and Ruby. You and Fido will enjoy watching the sunset over vineyards from the courtyard, playing fetch in the fenced yard, making s’mores by the fire pit, and floating in the heated swimming pool.
Have a Barrel of Laughs in Sonoma
Say aloha to Hawaii in the middle of Sonoma County at 707 Barrel Lounge Cottage. This tropical retreat is the perfect setting to enjoy a haul of wine from Sonoma’s finest vineyards and wineries. Fire up the grill, watch Fido frolic in the grass, slam dunk the pool’s basketball nets, and sit back in the sun with a glass of wine.
Wake Up to Napa River Views
Situated in the Historic Napa Mill building, once used by Captain Hatt as a supply warehouse for local vineyards, Napa River Inn combines modern amenities and charm. Four-legged guests receive treats at check-in, and you can walk Fido along the nearby Napa River Trail before bedtime.
An Old Yeller Home
The Napa Yellow House is a historic cottage just off Silverado Trail and within walking distance of Oxbow Public Market and downtown Napa. After a day of exploring, unleash Fido in the fenced backyard while you soak in the hot tub. Take a walk to Gott’s Roadside when hunger strikes, and chow down on burgers, tacos, shakes and more.
“They know me by name here.” Photo by BringFido/Pepe
Location, Location, Location
Tourists looking for a nice time in Wine Country should reserve a room at Napa Winery Inn. This popular hotel is within walking distance of Alston Park, where traveling dogs and humans can get the scoop from the locals. After your off-leash fun, visit Hendry Winery, a family vineyard that’s been growing grapes and producing wine since 1939.
Relax at the Retreat
Live the good life in the shadow of the Sonoma Mountains at this stunning artist's retreat. Situated on 10 secluded, fenced acres, your well-behaved and sociable pooch is welcome to run freely with the Airbnb host's dogs. Explore hiking trails, stroll along the beautiful gardens, or paint a "pawtrait" of your pup in the functioning art studio at this one-of-a-kind Wine Country escape.
A Laid-Back Stay
Retreat to the northern end of Wine Country at Corrigan Vineyards Guest House in Calistoga. Relax with Fido at this cozy, one-bedroom cottage, which features a swimming pool, fireplace and patio. Just fire up the grill for “pawfectly” laid-back evenings after a day of tastings.
Uncork a Downtown Getaway
Check into Andaz Napa for a stylish Wine Country stay with your canine companion. Located in the heart of downtown Napa, this boutique hotel puts you and Fido just steps from tasting rooms, restaurants and scenic riverfront strolls. After a day of exploring, four-legged guests can settle in with a cozy dog bed, bowls and treats.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
"I guess the view is okay.”
Photo by
@instasanches
Just like a refreshing bowl of water alongside your dog’s favorite food, a good wine deserves a great pairing. From hikes followed by tastings to a charcuterie board designed for dogs, here’s where you can wine and dine with your best friend in Napa Valley.
Get the Goods at a Historic Grocery Store
Oakville Grocery should be the first stop for anybody stocking up the refrigerator at their pet-friendly vacation rental in Napa Valley. The flagship location in Oakville has been providing goods to locals since 1881. Stock up on artisan sandwiches, local provisions and picnic items before grabbing an outdoor table with your pup. Pay a visit to the adjacent wine merchant before you leave and grab a bottle for later.
Dog Hike + Wine = A Good Time
Kunde Family Winery has been producing wine the right way for five generations. The family utilizes sustainable practices to create exceptional white, red and dessert wines. Learn how the wine makes its way from grape to glass on a guided dog hike through the grounds, held every few months. Jeff and Roberta Kunde, and dogs Cooper and Kalie, frequently take groups on a 4-hour walk through vineyard rows, oak woodlands, and native grasslands before the winery tour. A portion of the tour fee is donated to Dogwood Animal Rescue Project and the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
Try a Trendy Downtown Eatery
Fumé Bistro in Napa aims to satisfy the hunger of all diners, whether they have two legs or four. Your pooch can choose from the gourmet selection of grilled chicken breast, hamburger patty and grilled salmon. If your pup’s hungry for more, add a side of bacon or eggs to any dish.
Trails, Treats and Tastings
When the Golden State sun is shining, take a walk together on the shady 3-mile hiking trail at Bartholomew Estate Winery. Whenever you’re feeling thirsty, relax at the picnic tables and try the estate-grown wine while Fido snacks on complimentary treats in the tasting room.
Dinner With a View
Angèle Restaurant & Bar on Napa’s riverfront takes Northern California produce and brings it to life with French culinary flair. Call ahead to reserve an exclusive pet-friendly table to enjoy delights from oysters on the half shell to house-made fettuccine. Take a walk to the Napa Valley Welcome Center after dinner and learn more about the region.
Let Fido Dig in the Garden
Treat your best friend to a taste of Wine Country at Brix Restaurant & Gardens in Napa. Fido can join you on the covered patio while you dig into seasonal, farm-to-table fare inspired by ingredients grown in the restaurant’s gardens, located within view. Pups can order from their own menu, which includes homemade Brix dog biscuits.
Mutts welcome at this winery. Photo by Facebook.com/MuttLynchWinery
A Dog-Centric Winery
Mutt Lynch Winery is around an hour from Napa, but dog lovers may find it worth the drive. Four-legged visitors are welcome both indoors and out at the Windsor tasting room, which pours Unleashed Chardonnay and Merlot Over and Play Dead. Browse the pet gifts before you leave, and feel good knowing a portion of purchases supports local dog charities.
One for the Beer Lovers
Shockingly, wine isn’t everybody’s favorite beverage. If you prefer the hoppy pleasures of a beer instead, bring your furry drinking buddy to the dog-friendly heated patio at Downtown Joe's American Brewery. Wheat brews, IPAs, bitters and more are brewed on-site at the microbrewery, along with tasty treats to soak them up.
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