If you’re a fan of both canines and cabernet, the Bay Area is your kind of paradise. Within an easy couple of hours from your San Francisco doorstep there are countless wineries that will welcome you and your furry friends (see the sidebar on page 22 for details about one that you might even say is IN the Bay).
But the best of the best dog-friendly wineries go beyond merely allowing dogs on their grounds and/or in their tasting rooms. Here we introduce you to some Sonoma County destination wineries that have great dog events scheduled over the next few months. The weather is warmer up north, so go spend a day sipping and sunning amongst the vines with other happy dogs and people. Please check websites or call wineries to find out about leash rules and other doggy details (contact info in the sidebar below).
Kunde Family Estate, Kenwood
Doggie Festival Pawtriotic Day
Saturday, July 2, 9AM
Tickets: $35 per person
This great Independence Day event will begin with a short eco-hike starting at 9AM, followed by a dog parade, old-fashioned bar-b-que, and plenty of artists and vendors displaying their stuff, not to mention (duh) the quaffing of excellent wines. Dogs welcome; no children under 10.
Eco-Tour Dog Hike with Jeff Kunde & Riley the Dog
Saturday, October 1, 9AM
Tickets: $50 per person
A moderately strenuous, four-hour hike of Kunde Estate’s 1,850 acres, open to both people and dogs, will be led by fourth-generation winegrower, Jeff Kunde. Learn about family’s sustainable winegrowing philosophy while enjoying panoramic views, and end the hike with wine tasting and lunch. Water and treats provided for dogs. Part of the fee will benefit Canine Companions and Sonoma County Humane Society. No children under 10.
Lambert Bridge, Healdsburg
Pizza and Yappy Hour
Friday evenings, 4 – 6:30 PM
July 8, August, 5, September 9
Tickets: $35
These casual events in the beautiful Lambert Bridge gardens are super dog-friendly. Wood-fired pizzas will keep you fueled up for plenty of tastes and chatting up other wine and dog afficianados. Adoptable dogs from the local shelter are likely to be on hand, as well. Reservations required. Contact: raelynn@lambertbridge.com.
Mutt Lynch Winery, Healdsburg
Dog Days of Summer Open House and Tasting Event
Saturday, August 6, 11AM – 4PM
Tickets: $20 in advance/$25 at the door
This annual event, launched by Mutt Lynch, will include eight other wineries this year, all of them dreaming up their own versions of the best doggone time possible for people and their pups. Hound Lounges, Yapps & Apps, and other creative activities will be on offer for dogs, as well as a great selection of wines for humans. Buy one ticket and visit them all. A portion of ticket receipts will be donated to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Tickets available at www.dogdaysofsummer2011.eventbrite.com.
Participating Wineries:
- Acorn Winery, Healdsburg
- Christie Vineyards, Healdsburg
- Deux Amis Winery, Healdsburg
- Foppiano Vineyards, Healdsburg
- Merriem Vineyards, Healdsburg
- Mietz Cellars, Healdsburg
- Mutt Lynch Winery, Healdsburg
- Viszlay Vineyards, Healdsburg
St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, Santa Rosa
11th Annual Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 2, 3 – 5PM
Free event
Meaningful ritual meets summer picnic at St. Francis Winery’s annual Blessing of the Animals. Once she’s blessed and looking radiant, you can enter your canine pal in the Winery Dog of the Year contest. Also scheduled: great wine, nibbles for two- and four-leggeds, and pet-centric vendors. Proceeds from the event will support local humane organizations. No reservations required.
Topel Wines, Healdsburg
Fourth Annual Photo Contest for the Topel Wine Tails Calendar
Throughout July and August
Time to give your dog a shot at her 15 minutes (or rather, 12 months) of fame. For the last few years, Topel Winery has created a calendar featuring photos of beautiful dogs submitted by customers. Full details about entering your dog in the photo contest for the 2012 Wine Tails Calendar are available at www.topelwines.com.
Dogtoberfest 2011
Sunday, October 30
Contact winery for ticket info
This popular annual event at Topel is a lavish costume party for people and dogs alike. Canine contest winners will have their portraits painted on the spot. Other activities will include a pet psychic and wonderful treats and tastes for all.
Here is contact information for wineries hosting dog-friendly events over the next few months. Get all the details and GO:
Acorn Winery, Healdsburg
www.acornwinery.com
707-433-6440
Christie Vineyards, Healdsburg
www.christievineyards.com
707-431-0662
Deux Amis Winery, Healdsburg
www.deuxamiswines.com
707-431-7945
Foppiano Vineyards, Healdsburg
www.foppiano.com
707-433-7272
Kunde Family Estate, Kenwood
www.kunde.com
707-833-5501
Lambert Bridge, Healdsburg
www.lambertbridge.com
707-431-4670
Merriem Vineyards, Healdsburg
www.merriamvineyards.com
707-433-4034
Mietz Cellars, Healdsburg
www.mietzcellars.com
707-433-7103
Mutt Lynch Winery, Healdsburg
www.muttlynchwinery.com
707-942-6180
St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa
www.stfranciswinery.com
1-888-675-WINE (9463)
Topel Winery, Healdsburg
www.topelwines.com
707-433-4116
Treasure Island Wines, Treasure Island
www.tiwines.com
415-FYI-WINE (394-9463)
Viszlay Vineyards, Healdsburg
www.viszlayvineyards.com
707-481-1514
Treasure Island’s Dog-loving Winery
For San Francisco pooch and pinot lovers, Treasure Island Wines is a delightful destination. Your canine companion is super-welcome and the folks at TI Wines are serious about supporting local dogs. They have hosted several benefits for the San Francisco SPCA and another, Harvest Howl, is planned for August 5. The facility is open for tasting most Saturdays from noon to 4PM or by appointment. Check the website (www.tiwines.com) or call ahead when you plan to go. See the calendar listing on page 19 for Harvest Howl details.
Dude the Rat Terrier runs through his home vineyard.
Dachshunds pals Chewie and Polo at their family winery.
Photos © 2011 www.dogumentarian.com
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