So many wineries are dog-friendly these days that it’s rare to visit one without spotting a least a couple of canines wagging their tails while their happy owners swirl and sip. Sprawling Sonoma County offers many ways and places for the two of you to enjoy a wine-centric outing together, and you don’t have to go far from the historic Sonoma Plaza to get started.
Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, at the corner of Fourth and East Spain, is both family and pet-friendly. Well behaved dogs are allowed in the winery’s spacious picnic area (little ones that can be carried can come inside, too), and also at the free, Friday-night music events held on the grounds in summer.
Another winery that goes above and beyond when it comes to canine visitors is Kunde Family Estate in Kenwood, where well behaved dogs and their uprights are invited to join fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde and his golden Lab, Riley, on occasional dog hikes through estate vineyards to learn about sustainable growing practices. The next one, on May 18, is billed as an “Eco-Tour, Tasting and Wine Country Lunch.” A portion of proceeds from the four-hour outing will be donated to Canine Companions and Sonoma County Humane Society. Cost is $50 per human/canine pair.
Two other Sonoma County wineries well known for pawsitive attitudes toward pups are Lambert Bridge and Mutt Lynch, both in Healdsburg. Lambert Bridge draws a crowd for its monthly “yappy hours” (reservations required) in summer, while Mutt Lynch, whose motto is “Bark Less, Wag More,” hosts many events benefiting animal rescue groups, along with yappy hours, dog-friendly tasting parties and other events at which well behaved canine visitors are welcome.
