Dog-Friendly Wine Weekend: A 2-Day Itinerary from the Bay Area to Mendocino

Dog-Friendly Wine Weekend: A 2-Day Itinerary from the Bay Area to Mendocino

Ready to plan the ultimate wine country getaway with your pup? Roughly 2 hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Coast offer an unforgettable mix of award-winning wine, redwood hikes, dog-friendly patios, and coastal charm.

This 2-day itinerary helps you discover exactly where to sip, stay, and explore, with plenty of tail wags along the way.

👀 Haven’t read our overview yet? Start with our guide to the Best Dog-Friendly Wineries Near San Francisco: Discover Anderson Valley and The World’s Dog-Friendliest Wine Region, and then come back to plan your route.

Day 1: From the Bay to the Vines – Your dog-friendly wine weekend itinerary

Morning: Depart the Bay Area

  • Coffee stop in Healdsburg

  • Visit the Doodles at Smith Story Wine Cellars in Healdsburg if you want to start your wine sampling started

  • Leash up and hit Highway 128 north toward Yorkville

First Stop: Seawolf Wines

  • Rustic, wild, and 100% dog-welcoming

  • Tastings by appointment outdoors at this working winery in Yorkville Highlands

  • Great first stop to shake off the drive and sip something soulful

Second Stop: Foursight Wines, Boonville

  • Family-run, estate-grown, and passionate about pups

  • Tastings on their shaded patio—often hosted by their own winery dogs

  • Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and a welcoming, homegrown feel

Check-In Options: Wine Country or the Coast

Option 1: The Boonville Hotel

  • Dog-friendly garden rooms

  • Relax in the courtyard or take a walk to town

  • Dinner:

    • Reserve a seat at the Boonville Hotel’s prix-fixe dinner (dog-friendly patio)

    • OR skip the res and head to Jumbo’s Win-Win in Philo—walk-ins welcome

Option 2: Elk Cove Inn (Mendocino Coast)

  • Perched on the bluffs of Elk, dog-friendly rooms with ocean views

  • Private beach access and a peaceful, coastal vibe

  • Dinner:

    • Night 1: On-site French bistro SIBO

    • Night 2: Reserve in advance for a Michelin-starred dinner at Harbor House Inn, just down the road

Day 2: Valley Views, Wine Stops & Orchard Sips – Enjoy dog-friendly wine tasting in Northern California 

Morning Tasting: Lula Cellars

  • Legendary for being dog-friendly with an off-leash tasting garden

  • Big reds, bright whites, and plenty of space for your pup to relax

Second Stop: Brashley Vineyards

  • Lawn games, relaxed tastings, and friendly faces

  • Dogs welcome on leash throughout the grounds

  • Great mid-morning pause for Pinot and play

Grab Lunch:

  • Lemons Market in Philo for deli sandwiches

  • Gowan’s Oak Tree for fruit, snacks, or picnic fare

Afternoon: Gowan’s Heirloom Cider or Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Option 1: Gowan’s Heirloom Cider Orchard

  • Dog-friendly cider flights beneath the apple trees

  • Bring your picnic and stretch out in the grass

  • A must-stop in any season—especially in fall

Option 2: Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC)

  • One of California’s most iconic craft breweries, and super dog-friendly

  • Huge lawn with picnic tables, games, and space for pups to roam on leash

  • Pouring seasonal favorites like Boont Amber, with non-alcoholic options too

Whether you prefer crisp apple cider under the trees or a cold beer in the sun, both are ideal spots to relax with your pup before winding down the day.

Day 3 (Optional Bonus): Redwoods & Wine Dogs – Departing our pet-friendly wine region

Morning: Hendy Woods State Park

  • Dogs allowed in picnic and campground areas (not on trails)

  • Still great for a quiet walk under redwoods before heading out

Final Stop: Bee Hunter Wine

  • Last sip in downtown Boonville

  • Friendly indoor-outdoor space

  • Insider Tip: Winemaker Andy is known to foster pups from a well-mannered breed and you just might leave with a bottle and a new best friend.

Pro Tips for the Best Dog + Wine Experience

  • Bring a water bowl, blanket, and leash

  • Always call ahead to confirm dog policies and tasting hours

  • Be respectful of gardens, vineyards, and other visitors

  • Want more ideas? Explore our Dog-Friendly Winery Guide

One Last Note…

Whether you’re soaking in sunsets on the coast or sipping cider under the oaks, Anderson Valley offers a wine country escape that welcomes your pup just as much as it welcomes you.

See you (and your dog) in the Valley. 🍷🐶

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