Dog at Porter Creek Winery.
Northern Sonoma County is home to scores of wineries, not to mention some doggone breathtaking scenery. Three major appellations are represented by Wine Road Northern Sonoma County, an association of about 150 wineries and 50 lodging properties in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. The majority of the wineries are dog-friendly, at least in outdoor spaces, and Fido’s tail will be wagging no matter which one you choose to nip into on your next wine-tasting weekend.
Suggestions for a yappy day:
- In the Alexander Valley, travel east from Healdsburg on Highway 128 or north on highway 101 to dozens of tasting-room choices. Two dog-friendly places to check out: Stryker Sonoma in Geyserville and Alexander Valley Vineyards just outside Healdsburg.
- In the Dry Creek Valley northwest of Healdsburg, Lambert Bridge is a DogTrekker favorite for its monthly “yappy hours” and anytime access to the tasting room.
- In the Russian River Valley south of Healdsburg, DeLoach welcomes dogs on the grounds and in the tasting room, and will even provide a picnic. Russian River Vineyards has the added attraction of dog-friendly dining at its Corks restaurant.
- Around Healdsburg’s central plaza, you’ll encounter about two dozen tasting rooms, several of which welcome dogs accompanied by human customers. While new establishments are springing up all the time, more established ones have quite a following. We’re partial to Topel and Portalupi, where the canine welcome is especially warm.