As a devoted pet owner and dog friendly travel enthusiast, embarking on a rainy weekend escapade with my faithful companion, Seven, was an adventure I couldn’t wait to begin. Together, we set out to uncover the hidden treasures of San Luis Obispo’s dog-welcoming wineries, joined by our furry friend Bear and his mom, fellow wine enthusiast and dog lover, Penny.
As we drove through the stunning Central Coast of California, with its picturesque rolling hills and lush vineyards, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder, even amidst the rain. Seven’s excitement was contagious as we set out to discover the dog-friendly wineries that lay ahead. Some of these establishments even welcome well-behaved dogs to join their human in their tasting rooms, complete with water bowls, treats, and plenty of affection for furry friends. And to our amazement, we even heard tales of leash-trained cats and the occasional pet llama at tastings in San Luis Obispo!
Our first stop was Chamisal Vineyards, nestled in the serene Edna Valley just a short drive from downtown San Luis Obispo. Here, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and treated to some sustainably produced chardonnay and pinot noir. With Seven and Bear by our sides, Penny savored each sip, while I, the designated driver, followed the sniff, swirl, sip, spit protocol, ensuring everyone’s safety while still enjoying the ambiance of the wineries.
Next on our itinerary was Venteux Vineyards, a charming family-owned estate located in the Willow Creek district of Paso Robles. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery as the sun peeked through the clouds, we sampled their award-winning Rhone varietals while learning about their commitment to natural farming and winemaking techniques.
Our next destination was Castoro Cellars, with its Mediterranean style tasting room nestled in the heart of the Paso Robles wine appellation. Here, we sampled a diverse selection of “dam fine wines,” from robust reds to crisp whites while Seven and Bear did their own tasting of delectable dog treats.
Four Lanterns Winery, situated in the Willow Creek AVA of Paso Robles, captivated us with its rustic charm and award-winning varietals. As we sampled their estate-grown Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the tasting room, a converted barn, and the warmth and knowledge of the staff.
Venturing into the quaint village of Cambria, we discovered Cutruzzola Vineyards tasting room, known for its Riesling and pinot noir produced from local grapes grown just a few miles from the ocean. From there, we took a short walk to Madeline’s Restaurant and Wine Cellar where dogs can join their owners at a wine tasting featuring a selection of from France mixed in with some exclusive wines from renowned Central Coast winemaker Jeff Branco, known for his contributions to Justin Winery.
For additional dog-friendly wineries in the region, be sure to explore the San Luis Obispo Wine Map. As for accommodations, I highly recommend the Cambria Shores Inn in Moonstone Beach for travelers seeking a pet-friendly place to stay. Upon our arrival, Seven and Bear barked in delight when they discovered a basket of treats waiting for them in our room.
Looking back on our trip through San Luis Obispo’s wine country, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible hospitality and unforgettable moments we experienced. Having Seven, Penny and Bear with me made every moment even more special. After all, life is meant to be savored, one sip and wag at a time.
