Let’s pretend for a moment that your dog is one of the Spice Girls. Is he or she a total Sporty Spice, a jock-like Great Dane always gunning for a tennis ball or frisbee, or perhaps she’s more of a Baby Spice Chihuahua—a delicate canine not ashamed to be coddled by her owner (or to wear a totally hip sweater, for that matter)? Good news: Depending on your dog’s personality, there’s a perfect wine tasting experience for both of you in Paso Robles Wine Country. Click here for a list of dog friendly wineries. We’ll howl to that! Sniff, Sip, and Roll!
1. The Rugged Roamer
Your dog isn’t content with the measly old trail—he’s all about blazing a path to the road not taken! Nestled in rural Santa Margarita is a pack leader’s best friend. Your four-legged companion will love meeting the winemaker’s two fun-loving yellow labs (fellow adventurers in their own right), who will no doubt invite your pooch to sniff, roll, and prance about the oak-studded property. The best part? You can sit back, relax, and enjoy a wine and cheese pairing set in a gorgeous outdoor picnic area while you watch your pal play! Located nine miles west of Paso in breathtaking scenery, Poalillo Vineyards is also another great choice for rugged pups with a taste for adventure. You’ll sip on incredible Zin while she chases butterflies and beetles along the rural landscape. Did we mention they’ve also got hookups for an RV? We could get used to this.
Poalillo Vineyards Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/PoalilloVineyards
2. The Play With Me Pooch
Give her a little patch of green space and she’ll love you forever! Four Lanterns Winery is blessed with a grand, gorgeous grassy area perfect for outdoor spring and summer concerts and—your super playful dog will love this—plenty of room for frisbee and ball tossing! Pack a few choice toys and make your way to this 46 West Winery for a day of relaxation that you and your pup will appreciate (plus those delicious Paso Robles blends are worth panting for!) Tip: For those sociable dogs and their owners, Vineyard Dog Park isn’t too far away, so plan to hit the park before or after for a well-rounded ruff-inducing excursion. If you find yourself in the Adelaida area west of Paso Robles, there’s plenty to do, see, taste, and lick! Check out rustic Dubost Ranch, where the straw bale winery is as down-home as it gets and your dog will be privy to 320 acres of exotic outdoor smells galore!
Four Lanterns Winery Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/FourLanternsWinery
Dubost Ranch Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/DubostWinery
3. The Posh Princess
She’s not afraid to strut her stuff (just don’t get her luxurious fur dirty)! With plenty of well-kept topiaries and fabulous, awe-inspiring statues, Paso backroads tasting room Sculpterra Winery is perfect for the paws-off pooch that would rather hang in his mommy and daddy’s arms (or at least, nearby her side). Although the grounds are something out of Alice and Wonderland, the staff is humble and down-to-earth with plenty of wine tasting knowledge to share with both of you. So, grab a handful of pistachios grown on site, taste through a rainbow of amazing estate offerings, and let the good times roll. Tip: The day is not complete without a selfie in the sculpture garden with the winery’s iconic towering granite cat that stands 14 feet high (OK, maybe that might be a bit traumatizing for sensitive Spot … maybe scratch that!)
Sculpterra Winery Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SculpterraWinery
4. The Mellow Mutt
The Oso Libre tasting room is bright, modern, and totally chill—perfect for a Sunday Funday with Fido. With an open wall that leads out to a breezy patio setting, you can grab a tasting of Bordeaux brilliance and bask in the sunshine with your oldest friend (he likes to sleep in the sun at any opportunity, and he’s so cute when he’s snoozing). Tip: Don’t forget to ask about the ranch’s Angus steak program. Both of you could go for a medium rare cut of meatiness tonight! Nothing tops off a good nap like a comforting, home cooked dinner enjoyed with your very best friend.
Oso Libre Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/OsoLibreWinery
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
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