6 Essential World-Class, Pet-Friendly Wineries in NoVa

June 1, 2018 | by Anna Jacoby

The commonwealth of Virginia has over 300 wineries. The state has gotten such attention for its world-class wines that it’s often referred to as “the Napa Valley of the east coast.”

Just over an hour outside of D.C. in Northern Virginia, there are six amazing wineries that not only allow, but encourage you to bring your dog along for your wine tasting.

If you’re looking for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway where you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend home alone, grab your boozehounds and head out to explore pet-friendly Virginia wine country.

Here’s a list of awesome spots to help you out. Make sure when you visit you tag the social pics of you, your friends and your dogs with #FrayLife.

Barrel Oak Winery

Barrel Oak is pretty damn close to what the other side of the rainbow bridge might look like for both humans and dogs. An afterlife in the sunny countryside surrounded by happy puppers, friends, booze, and snacks? Count me in.

On a less morbid note, don’t sit around waiting to death to take you… It’s just over an hour outside of D.C. in Delaplane, VA and you can go right now!

Barrel Oak was clearly created by dog lovers for dog lovers. Dogs are not only welcome both indoors and outdoors, but are incorporated into almost every aspect of the branding.

Brian and Sharon Roeder have created quite a community and made it a pleasant destination no matter the weather outside. The spacious patio and sprawling lawn offer plenty of sun and gorgeous views of Virginia wine country in the summertime. During the colder months there is ample cozy seating inside by a roaring fireplace.

Visitors come for the award-winning booze but stay for the chill, unpretentious atmosphere during all seasons.

#FrayLife Tip: BYO-snacks if you want to save some green. People tend to come here fully stocked on food to camp out for the day and opt to spend their money on a bottles of wine, beer, or pitchers of sangria instead.

50 West Vineyards

A popular dog-friendly winery in Middleburg, VA is 50 West. Their farm vineyard on Route 50 sits on a high bluff overlooking fantastic views of Bull Run Mountain range. They are one of Virginia’s larger vineyards with grapes grown on five farms in NoVa in addition to 50 West.

#FrayLife Tip: BYO snacks and boardgames.

Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn

Aspen Dale Winery is an intimate local favorite in Delaplane. Dogs are welcome on-leash outside and inside the 200-year-old barn. You can opt to do a tasting that is paired with samples of their own artisan meats and cheeses, or bring your own.

#FrayLife Tip: Take a stroll on the barn grounds and make friends with the miniature horses, chickens, and goats!

Cana Vineyards and Winery

Cana offers baskets of freshly baked bread and artisan cheeses to go with your wine. BYO-picnic if you like and sip on the patio overlooking the mountain range. Dogs are only allowed outside at Cana.

Quattro Goombas Winery and Brewery

Not a wine person? They have a brewery. Not a beer person? They have a winery. Hungry? They have a pizzeria. Quattro Goomas has a laid-back vibe with options for everyone, including their ever-popular frozen wine slushies. Dogs permitted outside only.

Three Fox Vineyards

Relax and enjoy your wine at Three Fox Vineyards anywhere on their large picnic meadow, hillside tables, or creekside hammocks. They even have tented and heated patios in the winter.

You can enter your dog in their “Dog of the Month” contest where one lucky pup (or cat) will win a photo in the tasting room, a Three Fox bandana, a 10% discount on wine purchases, and bragging rights.

Where to stay

If you spend enough time in Northern Virginia wine country and sample enough of the offerings, you definitely don’t want to be driving back to the district. Luckily, there are several dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs that make finding a place you for you and your pup to stay is super easy if you want to make it an overnight trip. Here are a few we know will take care of you:

BONUS #FrayLife Tip: Don’t drink and drive. Worst case, you can always call an Uber or Lyft and ask if they’ll take you and your pup home.

Do you have an awesome NoVa winery in mind that wasn’t on our list? Leave us a comment below OR tag us in all of your winery adventure photos using #FrayLife on social media!

Want to combine drinking wine with exercising? Check out these happy hour yoga events!