Virginia is quickly growing to become one of the nation’s most respected wine regions. Over 275 local wineries have sprouted all over the state, and wine lovers from all over the world flock to nearly every region to savor in a unique vintage while enjoying the stunning natural scenery. If you just happen to be a wine and dog lover, you’ve come to the right place! There are several dog-friendly wineries in Virginia to choose from, some of which are known all worldwide for their impeccable selections. The next time you and your pup are in Virginia, here are some of our top picks for the best pet-friendly wineries that you won’t want to skip!
The Best Dog-Friendly Wineries in Virginia By Region
Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley
1. Barrel Oak Winery
Located in the beautiful Piedmont Countryside, Barrel Oak Winery has been recognized as the most family-friendly winery in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Of course, the family aspect also includes your furry family members! The winemakers of Barrel Oak love dogs so much, they’ve included the faces of their own pooches in nearly every aspect of the winery’s branding. Whether you’re relaxing with a glass of award-winning wine in the tasting room or taking a self-guided tour of the gorgeous property, an afternoon spent at Barrel Oak Winery is an afternoon well spent…for both you and your furry companion!
2. Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
Reminiscent of the glory days of the Wild West, Desert Rose Winery in Hume, VA is a great spot to indulge in a glass of wine. Or two. Or three! They also cater to their canine guests with a bowl of treats waiting at the door. After admiring the Old West mementos scattered throughout the tasting room, you and your pup will be invited to explore the grounds, unwind on the porch, and listen to the winemaker’s stories about the history of the area and their winemaking process.
3. Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn
Aspen Dale Winery is one of Northern Virginia’s most popular and unique wineries. Why? Not only is it housed in a renovated 200-year-old barn, but they pair each of their wine offerings with delicious appetizers to nibble on and share. The winery is also very popular among dog lovers since leashed dogs are welcome inside the tasting room with you and around the historic 50-acre property. During your visit, be sure to walk around and meet the miniature horses, play board games with your friends, or taste their house-made sangrias!
Chesapeake Bay
4. Ingleside Vineyards
Ingleside Vineyards was the first winery in Virginia’s Northern Neck and has produced commercial wines since 1980. Many visitors come here to taste some of the state’s oldest and most awarded wines, enjoy a picnic with their loved ones, or relax on the beautiful European-inspired courtyard. Dogs are also warmly welcomed to the vineyards and invited to wander the grounds with you and enjoy the outdoor courtyard.
5. Oak Crest Winery
Nestled within a lavishly landscaped garden, Oak Crest Winery in King George County offers a wide variety of tasty fruit wines and classic favorites. I’m definitely a fruity wine lover, and their summertime strawberry wine is one of my favorite selections! They also have a great lineup of Cab Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you bring your pooch along for the wine tasting experience, the outdoor porch provides shaded tables and beautiful views of the winery’s secluded wooded setting.
6. Good Luck Cellars
Good Luck Cellars can be found inside a ranch-style building on a beautiful vineyard property in Kilmarnock, VA. During the warmer months, the large wrap-around porch is the perfect place to hang out with your dog and sip on a glass of sweet Vidal Blanc or the recently added Petit Verdot.
Central Virginia
7. First Colony Winery
First Colony Winery is one of the top dog-friendly wineries in Charlottesville, VA and features a lovely terrace garden, a two-tiered deck for admiring the landscape, and outdoor lawn games. However, what makes this winery stand out from all the rest is their processing building’s thatched roof. The material for the roof is made from Turkish water weed and is accented with a rooster weathervane. Leashed pets are welcome to join you in your wine tasting experience on the grounds, deck, and terrace of the winery.
8. Horton Vineyards
While the stunning stone chateau tasting room is enough to draw in wine lovers, visitors stay for the creative wine blends that have made Horton Vineyards famous. In fact, the winemaker reintroduced the Norton grape in Virginia since its demise during the Prohibition. They were also the first to grow the Viognier grape in the state. Talk about being a leader in the Virginia wine industry!
Pets are always welcome to join you on the grounds of Horton Vineyards. While you’re there, be sure you don’t miss their variety of fun-filled events such as food truck battles, book readings, wine and paint nights, and much more.
9. Prince Michel Winery
As one of Virginia’s largest operating wineries, Prince Michel Winery is a favorite for wine drinkers from miles around. No matter what time of year you visit, the tasting room is always busy with wine drinkers who can pick from a massive variety of delicious vintages. The winery also loves dogs, so much so that they host pup-themed events throughout the year. There’s also another off-property tasting room called Chiles Peach Orchard that provides eight flavorful fruit ciders on tap, and my personal favorite, wine slushies!
Southern Virginia
10. Hunting Creek Vineyards
Did someone say free wine tastings? Hunting Creek Vineyards in Clover, VA is a small yet impressive family-owned winery with a decent selection of blends that could give the larger wineries a run for their money. Tastings are offered each Saturday, but you can also schedule an appointment with them during the week and they’ll try to accommodate to your schedule. Bring your pup along for a full afternoon of wine tasting and exploring the beautiful Southern Virginia region.
11. Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery
Located between Clarksville and the North Carolina border, the Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery is recognized for their handmade muscadine wines. Just as the name lets on, the winery is owned by the three Powell sisters who pick their own grapes, process the wines, and bottle them. The small and intimate setting is perfect for a relaxing afternoon spent drinking wine with your friends, family, and of course, your beloved pet! The winery is open to the public on Saturdays, but you can always call ahead to schedule a visit that fits your schedule.
12. Rosemont Winery
The Rosemont Winery is set on the 450-acre Rosemont Estate, which has been home to a family of farmers since the mid-1800s. It’s also still operated by the same family today! During your visit, you and your pup can find a comfortable seat on the relaxing side porches or lawn, sip on handcrafted premium wines made from grapes grown right on-site, and enjoy views of the expansive and peaceful property.
Find More Dog-Friendly Wineries in Virginia With the VA Wine in My Pocket App
We’ve only scratched the surface of all the incredible dog-friendly wineries in Virginia! Whether you’re interested in discovering more or looking for a winery that is a bit closer to where you and your pup will be staying, you’ll want to download the VA Wine in My Pocket App. This handy app helped me find great wineries everywhere I went, and each winery listing has plenty of information that you’ll need including hours, addresses, phone numbers, and more. Plus, you can categorize your search to find wineries that meet your location, needs, and wants. You’ll hardly need anything else to plan your Virginia Wine Country tour!
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Cheers to you and your pup’s wine tasting adventure! Have you ever been to any of the listed wineries? Which one are you most excited to visit? Be sure to let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
Planning a visit to Virginia soon? Don’t forget to check out dog-friendly First Landing State Park or the historic Colonial Williamsburg!