Dog-Friendly Winery in Purcellville, VA
Breaux Vineyards now has a dog-friendly tasting room! Yessss! We’d visited Breaux before the 2018 legislation allowing dogs back in the tasting room and really loved it. The setting is just beautiful, there is tons of seating both indoors and out (more on that later) and we couldn’t get enough of the Nebbiolo. But not being able to take our pup, Rummy, inside was a major detractor. It’s not an issue on nice, cool days (of which there are about 10 in an entire year in Virginia…). But when it’s hot and humid or in the middle of winter, that completely eliminates a winery as an option for us.
We try to take Rummy out with us when we travel, go out for fun or even just running errands. And we usually find a way to work in a winery in all scenarios. We happened to be in the Purcellville area again, which is home to several dog-friendly wineries (check out the recap of another recent visit here). So it was only natural to take advantage of the time for another tasting. And really, we wouldn’t have felt right denying Rummy the opportunity… We had been to Breaux, and their website still showed that dogs are only allowed outside, but I called in hopes that they had changed their policy. I’m so glad I did!
A separate dog-friendly tasting room
The tasting room is quite large, one of the larger ones we’ve seen in Virginia. They expanded the original tasting room several years ago, adding a large tasting counter, dining area and more. The original tasting room is now designated as dog friendly. This is great for several reasons. First, it provides a separate area for those with dogs, with additional seating. Second, some people don’t want to be near dogs or children. I can appreciate this. So they have areas for dogs and children and an area for adults only. Everyone has the option to enjoy the atmosphere they want.
So Much Seating!
One of the biggest bummers we experience when wine tasting is the lack of seating. Many wineries have several large tables on the lawn and patio, but limited seating indoors. I love wine, but I will not sit outside in August for it. It’s miserable for both humans and dogs (not to mention unsafe for many breeds). Wineries that allow dogs in the tasting room get our business for tastings, but if we can’t sit inside and enjoy a glass or bottle, we have to move on. Breaux has A TON of seating indoors. There are a few dozen tables in the main tasting room (people only) and we were pleasantly surprised by the availability in the dog-friendly tasting room. Among the tables for 2, 4 and 6 people, and the sofa and leather chairs by the fireplace, we counted a little over 40 seats. And it’s all spaced out, so you’re not sitting on top of people or getting tangled in dog leashes.
The only improvement we could find would be hooks at the tasting counter. Not only would this provide a place for my handbag, but also a place to hang Rummy’s leash to free my hands during the tasting.
It was bitterly cold and windy out, so we didn’t waste any time running to the car on our way out. Suffice to say there is an abundance of seating outdoors on the two patios and lawn. There weren’t as many covered tables (for shade), but with the surplus of seating indoors, I don’t believe this is a problem.
More Than Just a Tasting
Lisa, who conducted our tasting, was super friendly and welcoming to Rummy. She clearly knows, and is proud of, Breaux’s wines. Since it was a slow weekday, she was able to take a little more time with us and tell us the things she loves the most about each wine. She also provided a tour. We had no idea that Breaux has a classroom for Virginia School of Wine classes. The Cellar Club offers even more wine selections and private spaces. This is definitely a place we could get accustomed to visiting frequently.
Back in the public tasting rooms, they offer cheese and charcuterie as well as soups, sandwiches and even a truffle counter. Outside food is allowed outdoors, but if you forgot your picnic basket, you won’t go hungry here.
5 Pups
We give Breaux a 5-Pup rating for the dog-friendly tasting room, abundance of seating, water bowls and the overall welcoming attitude toward dogs. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Want More?
Looking for more dog-friendly wineries? Check out our Wineries page. We are currently revamping it to include the option to search by wine region and adding more reviews. We also have more reviews here. If you’d like to see a winery added to the list or reviewed, let us know!