There are multiple reasons to bring a dog along on an excursion or a vacation. For starters, many pet owners’ furry companions are as equally regarded as family members as their human counterparts and sometimes can even be better company. Hanging out with a pooch is a great way to spend quality time together, bond, and create new experiences together.
For locals in Napa, it’s relatively easy to devise a plan for a “dog day afternoon,” however, more and more visitors are making Napa Valley a popular travel destination for their pups. A vacation with a pet means having a loving companion nearby, gives one a reason to exercise each day, and is a great way to break the ice and meet new people.
Napa Valley loves dogs—at the wineries, parks, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and just about anywhere one might imagine visiting. However, bringing a furry friend along requires creative planning with the appropriate knowledge of where to go and what to do.
Let’s start with the fact that over 140 of the valley’s wineries allow dogs to bring their humans along. While nearly all of the major wineries in Napa Valley are dog-friendly, it’s a safe bet to assume many of the larger wineries, such as Frog’s Leap, HALL, St. Supery, V. Sattui, Bouchaine, Alpha Omega, Castello di Amorosa, and Beringer have the space to accommodate an animal. Wineries with grounds and vineyard roads ideal for meandering with your pup include Charles Krug, Schweiger, Silenus, Trefethen, Hagafen Cellars, and Laird Family Estate. For a more comprehensive list of amenable winery locations that welcome dogs, check out the Napa Valley Vintners website, www.napavalley.wine/visit/map (Wineries>Features>Dog Friendly) or Visit Napa Valley www.visitnapavalley.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas/pet-friendly/. No matter where the destination is, it is highly recommended to call ahead to reserve and ensure the winery knows there will be four-legged companions accompanying the group.
Dog-friendly in Napa Valley means this at most establishments: dogs can accompany their owners on a leash and in an outdoor setting. California law prohibits dogs inside or around food preparation facilities, including restaurants, wineries, farmers’ markets, open-air festivals serving food, and grocery stores. The only exception is for “service dogs,” which under California law means “a dog trained to perform specific tasks to assist an individual with a disability, such as guiding, fetching dropped items, physical protection, rescue work, or pulling a wheelchair.” Emotional support dogs, though important, are not in this category as they are not professionally and appropriately trained to service people with disabilities and cannot be ADA-certified.
That being said, almost every dining establishment and winery in the region has exceptional outdoor options for regular, run-of-the-mill canines, all of which have similar perks to their indoor seating. Outdoor options are often available year-round and supplemented with fire features and heaters during inclement weather.
Other noteworthy bits of regional petiquette are that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times unless in a designated off-leash section of a local park. Owners are expected to pick up dog waste regardless of the setting, but especially in vineyards and gardens, where much attention is given to soil quality and where left waste could spoil another patron’s experience. And though this should go without saying, dogs cannot remain in settings where disruptive behavior might diminish the elevated food and wine experiences of other guests. Planning ahead is the best way to avert these issues; take an exhilarating walk in the morning, make sure pup is well fed and has their needs met in advance. Bringing a comforting mat, chew toy, or treats is always a safe bet.
Restaurants in Napa Valley follow a similar protocol, with most of them allowing well-behaved, small to medium-sized dogs (under 25 lbs.) on outdoor patios. One thing to note is that dogs still cannot be brought in in spots where food ordering is done indoors prior to outdoor dining, so be prepared to have someone in your party wait outside with the pup.
Exceptional canine-friendly dining establishments in Napa Valley include Angèle Restaurant, Napa Yard at the Oxbow Gardens, Gott’s Roadside, and the River Deck outside the Oxbow Public Market. Also good are Bottega and Addendum in Yountville, Pizzeria Tra Vigne and Brasswood in St. Helena, and the Calistoga Inn Restaurant, Fleetwood and Evangeline in Calistoga. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding pet-friendly eateries, so first find the preferred cuisine, then call ahead to confirm the pet policy and determine if outdoor seating can be reserved.
Resorts and hotels in the region are surprisingly receptive to putting up canine guests. However, those arrangements must be made in advance as limited spots are set aside for dogs. Resorts that go the distance for dog lovers include the Carneros Resort, Solage, Bardessono, the Archer Hotel, and the Four Seasons Resort. Amenities vary and change seasonally, so call ahead to find out what is being offered. Hands down, the most dog-friendly is the Carneros Resort, which offers locally made dog treats, dog toys, a leash, waste bags, and numerous other doggie amenities. The resort also has long stretches of walking paths, enclosed patio spaces, pooch-friendly outdoor showers, and concierges who can arrange dog sitting and walking.
Unfortunately, Fido is not invited when it comes time for that long-awaited dinner at The French Laundry or a private tasting at Far Niente. On these special occasions, consider employing the services of a dog sitter. Pet Nanny Napa Valley is highly touted, and their dog sitters can take the pup out to the park and provide companionship at the hotel. // www.petnannynapavalley.com
Alston Park at 2037 Dry Creek Road and Shurtleff Park at 1238 Shetler Avenue are the best places to let dogs run and socialize with their canine kindred spirits. Both are located in Napa and offer off-leash dog areas and beautiful scenery.
