Did you know that the DMV is the fifth largest wine-producing region in the country? We didn’t!What we do know is that while many of these wineries are dog-friendly, there are some that really roll out the red carpet (think doggie ice cream trucks, water stations and splash pools on hot summer days!) With indoor activities being pretty limited these days, visiting a winery (or three) is the perfect way to enjoy some socially distanced fun and bring your pup along. We decided that the only way to come up with our top five was to do some hands on research. Drinking wine and playing with adorable pups is tough work, but someone had to do it!
1.) BARREL OAK WINERY 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144 Owners Brian and Sharon Roeder are dog owners themselves, so it’s no wonder that Wine Enthusiast and many local Virginians have named Barrel Oak the most dog-friendly winery in the state. Not only is BOW, as people fondly call it, an award winning winery- they also hold various events for animal shelters and rescue organizations. In addition to serving up some pretty spectacular Reserve Chardonnay, they always have plenty of dog treats on hand and even put out swimming pools for four-legged guests on hot summer days. If you want your pooch to get the royal treatment, look no further!
No reservation required for outdoor seating- first come, first served.
Open seven days a week.
Tons of fun events- check out their calendar!
2.) THREE FOX VINEYARDS 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144 With it’s rolling hills and acres of grapes including many Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Nebbiolo- a visit to Three Fox Vineyards evokes the atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside. A short drive from D.C., this is the perfect setting to relax while enjoying an award winning wine and let your pup run free. That’s right, dogs are allowed to run off-leash and explore the surrounding acres. There’s even a creek for them to cool off in. In addition to falling in love with their Calabrese Pinot Grigio, we are obsessed with their pet of the month contest. They have tons of fun activities such as Yoga in the Vines, bringing in their Big Cheese Food Truck and offering photo shoots in their vineyards- our favorite event by far is their Pet of the Month Contest. In addition to bragging rights and having a picture of their pet in the Tasting Room, the winner also gets a 10% discount on all wine purchases during the month of their pets’ reign, a dog bandana, a reserved table during the month of their pets’ reign and recognition on their website. I mean …. come on!
Definitely check out their calendar of events!
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A bottle minimum purchase is required - two bottles for every four guests of legal age - 21+.
3.) CHATEAU MORRISETTE 291 Winery Road SW, Floyd, VA 24091 One of Virginia’s largest wineries, Chateau Morrisette welcomes canine friends in its tasting room, tasting patio, winery courtyard and on the balcony of its award-winning restaurant. David Morrisette’s devoted black Lab, Hans, was by his side when he planted his first vines 42 years ago. Hans was the inspiration for The Black Dog Wine and the Chateau Morrisette crest. In addition to being exceedingly pet friendly, they also host pet adoptions days and have offered packages that include lodging at nearby hotels and give back to different animal organizations.
Sells dog-related artwork
Due to Covid -19, they are not offering formal tastings at this current time. They offer tastings as guests gather and pour a half ounce each of 10 wines - about one glass. Learn about each wine and the foods to pair with them.
Tastings are $10 including a souvenir glass. Purchase tasting tickets at any register at least 30 minutes before closing. It's 20-30 minutes to savor!
4.) STONE TOWER WINERY 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd. Leesburg, VA 20175 Set on the rolling hillsides of Western Loudoun, Stone Tower Winery is second on our list. Also family owned, the Huber family is committed to hospitality for pet parents and pets. Dogs on a leash are allowed to roam the over 200 acres of land and they even have pet friendly indoor tasting rooms. We highly recommend the self-guided vineyard tour which essentially means exploring the gorgeous grounds with a glass of wine in one hand and your pup’s leash in the other. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!
Their Tower View facility is open Thursday - Monday; non-members are welcome to make reservations for their Tower Views on weekdays.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the Tower View is open exclusively to their members; non-members are welcome to join them at their Harvest Barn.
Reservations are required.
5.) WINDRIDGE VINEYARDS Last, but certainly not least is family-owned farm winery: Windridge Vineyards. In addition to producing exceptional wines in classic old-world styles, they have expansive grounds with plenty of outdoor seating and gorgeous views (especially this time of year). While walk-ins are welcome, we would recommend making a reservation especially if you’re going on a weekend.
Dogs are allowed outside.
Dog treat vendors are usually there on weekends. Ruff City Pet was there when we went.
Food trucks are usually available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Best to check their events calendar before booking a visit.
If you'd like to learn more about dog-friendly vineyards in Virginia and Maryland, please Contact us or at (703) 310-9180.
About the Author
The daughter of an award-winning travel writer, Kimberly has followed in her mother’s footsteps and has had articles been published in numerous publications. Kimberly got her first puppy from Santa Claus when she was four years old and has never known a life that didn’t include four legged family members. An animal advocate, she has rescued pets, volunteered at shelters and has even been known to nurse an injured sparrow back to health. When she’s not busy running a successful petcare business and providing care to her four legged customers, you can rest assured she is pampering her 19 year old kitty, Scout.
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