My top list of dog-friendly wineries in Temecula. If you’re in Southern California with your trusty four-legged sidekick and in the market to enjoy a day drinking some excellent wine in the vineyards, you’re in luck! Located just an hour outside of San Diego, Temecula is a very dog friendly area with over a dozen wineries welcoming pups onto their premises.
Mr. Wallace, our lovable rescue pup, actually prefers wineries to breweries as it turns out. A lot of wineries in Temecula have nice grassy areas for dogs to relax, and there are no shortage of employees and patrons who give Wallace all the attention he so rightfully deserves. Wallace was instrumental in creating this list of 5 top dog-friendly wineries in Temecula.
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Best Dog-Friendly Wineries in Temecula
#5 – Miramonte Winery
Miramonte is one of the trendier vineyards that Temecula has to offer, and its popularity is for good reason. The views of the valley are stunning, particularly if you get a seat at the table looking out to the growing grapes.
It is an open air establishment, and dogs are allowed in any of the outdoor spaces. Their official policy makes them one of several dog-friendly wineries in Temecula. Pets must be leashed, quiet, and well-behaved and remain off of the furnishings at all times.
If you are going to visit on a Saturday afternoon, this place is going to be packed, and you’re going to need an advanced reservation as walk-in space is extremely limited. We visited without a reservation on a spur-of-the-moment last stop of the day, and there are only 5 high top tables available for walk-ins. A couple was just leaving and we managed to snag a spot, but high tops in general aren’t my favorite when I’m with my dog as there just ends up being a lot of awkward twisting and leaning down.
If your pup doesn’t do well in tight spaces, Miramonte might not be at the top of your list, as it is very popular and will be busy. In addition, with so many people enjoying their wines, it will not allow as much space for your dog to sprawl out as some of the other Temecula wineries on this list.
Wallace gave it 2/5 paws for a napping spot, humans gave the wine 4/5 paws.
Tastings start at $30/per person on the weekends. The Cabernet Sauvignon has won the most awards of its wine list, but there are many great wines to choose from.
#4 – Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery
Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery is a large, Victorian-style farmhouse, located in the heart of Temecula. It is located on a sprawling estate with lush green grass surrounding the tasting room. It was actually the first vineyard established in Temecula in 1968. It is family and pet friendly and would be a great place to visit if your party includes any children.
Maurice Car’rie is one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Temecula. Wallace enjoyed the picnic tables surrounding the property that allowed him space to pass out on the grass. His humans enjoyed a bottle of tempranillo and a melted brie-filled bread bowl as well as the live band that was playing on the Saturday afternoon we visited.
If you’re a wine connoisseur, Maurice Car’rie doesn’t necessarily stack up to some of the others on this list that have a smattering of award winning wines to choose from. If you don’t know a Pinot Grigio from a Merlot, then you and your pup will totally enjoy spending some time at this winery in Temecula.
Wallace gave Maurice Car’rie 5/5 paws for a napping spot, humans gave the wine 2/5 paws.
#3 – Akash Winery
Akash Winery has some of the best views of any winery in the area and is one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Temecula. They have a gorgeous, open-air patio which is frequented by out of towners, locals, and bachelorette parties getting dropped off from the wine trolley. Saturdays are 21+ only, so plan accordingly if there are minors in your group. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they’re leash and off the furniture.
While Akash doesn’t have the plush grass that Wallace enjoyed at other wineries, the patio is so well spaced and shady that he was more than happy to chill on the cool concrete. Within 5 minutes of us sitting down, staff had brought not one, but two bowls of water for him to drink out of without us asking (they were so excited he was there that they didn’t bother checking if someone else was already on it). One of the bowls had ice cubes in it, which Wallace gave 10/5 paws.
The wines at Akash are fantastic. They’ve won as many awards as any other winery in Temecula on this list. They also have a seasonal rotation of draft beer from their Akash Brewery if anyone in your group would appreciate that option. Their menu also has several NA options if you’re at the last winery of the night with your high school besties and none of you drink that much wine anymore, but you still want to cling to your youth and experience a great atmosphere (just us?).
Tastings start at $30 per person and are not available after 5pm on Saturdays when their menu turns to wine by the glass and bottle only. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is award winning.
Wallace gave Akash 3/5 paws for a napping spot, humans gave the wine 4/5 paws.
#2 – South Coast Winery & Spa
South Coast Winery & Spa is not only one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Temecula, but also a dog friendly hotel. Your pup will be absolutely spoiled at South Coast and will receive their own sWag bag at check-in that includes food, water bowls, a dining mat, a pet blanket, and a special treat. Book your stay here and prepare for your pooch to be pampered.
There are also relief stations located throughout the property, which is definitely not a given when traveling with your dog in California (I still have trauma from Wallace’s time in San Francisco where relief stations were not available anywhere).
If you’re just visiting for the day, you can enjoy their outdoor tasting area with your pup. We visited on a Saturday afternoon where there was great live music. They have an outdoor tasting bar, so you can bring your pup right up with you for your pours instead of having to leave someone back at the table with them while you trek inside.
Wallace gave South Coast a 5/5 for napping spots, humans gave the wine 4/5 paws.
Tastings start at $20 on the weekends for five wines. They have many award winning wines to choose from. You can’t go wrong with anything sparkling, and if you’re like me, you’ll leave with a bottle (the Diamante Spumante, if anyone needs to know).
Each time we have visited to explore the most dog-friendly wineries in Temecula, it has just been for a day trip since we live just over an hour away. But if you’re looking to make a weekend out of your time in the vineyards, there are several other options for hotels that will happily cater to your pooch. Here are some other great pet-friendly hotels in Temecula:
- Carter Estate Winery and Resort is a dog-friendly winery and resort combo where dogs are welcome. It’s actually across the street from South Coast, so it’s within walking distance of two wineries on this list. Book your stay here! They definitely fill up, so book in advance.
- If you’re really living the Basic Economy B life, the Temecula Motel 6 is a seriously great value because of its location in Temecula Old Town. You are within walking distance of several dog-friendly restaurants and patios. Pets stay free with no additional fees. Book here.
#1 – Wiens Cellars
Wiens Cellars is #1 on my list of dog-friendly wineries in Temecula. It is a hidden gem that has some of the best wines that Temecula Valley produces.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on their exterior patio, which has ample seating and umbrellas available for shade, as well as the large grassy area surrounding the patio. There is live acoustic music from Thursday-Sunday.
The large grassy area has had kiddos running around each time we’ve visited, so this is another great spot if you’re visiting with children or dogs. Children are welcome all days of the week.
Select a table on the patio that borders the grass so your four-legged friend can sprawl out and not get tripped on by other patrons. Wiens has table service, so no need to leave your table for every new pour.
Another reason Wiens is #1 on this list of dog-friendly wineries in Temecula is they allow you to bring in outside food, which can be a game changer if you’re looking to maximize your budget (and drink more wine).
There are two ALDIs in Temecula, and odds are good you’ll pass one of them on your way in. Stock up on some of their cheese and charcuterie options and spend the afternoon at Wiens.
Wiens doesn’t have the views that you have at Miramont and Akash, but in my opinion, it does have the best wine. Wiens has some of the best red wines in Temecula, but their sparkling wines and sweeter wines are also worth trying. And you’ll have no guilt buying a bottle since you maximized your budget with ALDI (this isn’t sponsored, I’m just a fan, you can bring any munchies you’d like).
Wallace gives 4/5 paws for a napping spot and his humans give the wines 5/5 paws.
Tastings start at $24 per person for four wines or $30 per person for six wines. We’ve purchased bottles of the Dulce Maria, De L’Orange, and Dualis after liking them so much in our tastings.
You can’t go wrong visiting any of these 5 dog friendly wineries in Temecula. To view the full list of 20 wineries that allow dogs, as well as the list of restaurants where pups are welcome, click here. Drink responsibly and have fun!
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