What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than wine tasting? We spent two days visiting dog-friendly wineries in Leesburg, Virginia and couldn’t have been more pleased.

We chose Leesburg for proximity to Alexandria, concentration of (dog-friendly) wineries and availability of luxury, romantic accommodations. On a mid-morning weekday, the drive was barely over an hour from Alexandria to a great resort and a dozen plus wineries. We’d been wanting to try Lansdowne Resort & Spa for a while, so this was the perfect time.

First Stop: Vanish Farmwoods Brewery

We started at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, approximately 15 miles northwest of the resort which was the anchor for this trip. We don’t visit breweries often, but this one was just a few miles from the first winery on our itinerary and allows dogs in the taproom, so it was an easy addition. And it proved to be a great one!

They have a TON of seating, both indoors and out, which is one of the most important factors for us in determining how dog-friendly a place is (if there’s nowhere to comfortably sit with your pup, what’s the point?). Dogs are not allowed in the primary taproom, but they do have their very own taproom, Dog Town. It has probably two dozen large picnic tables, in addition to the several dozen tables in the primary taproom. SO MUCH SEATING indoors. And they have equally as many tables outside. There were three other dogs in Dog Town with us and plenty of space for everyone to relax without being on top of each other.

In addition to the awesome seating, they offer wine and cocktails. So, if beer isn’t your thing, you have options. A little something for everyone. They also serve pizza and barbecue on alternating days. So really, there’s no reason not to visit this place. We give it 5 Pups for abundance of seating indoors and out and being super welcoming to dogs.

Second Stop: Hidden Brook Winery

Then it was on to Hidden Brook Winery. We’d been before, but they were so welcoming to Rummy that it was worth a revisit. They have roughly a dozen tables inside, a few tables on the covered porch and a tasty charcuterie plate. 5 Pups for indoor seating and covered outdoor tables.

Impromptu Stop: Winery 32

We had only planned two stops, but were making better time that anticipated and weather was nice, so we decided to try Winery 32. It wasn’t on the itinerary initially because they don’t allow dogs in the tasting room and for February trips, we focus on dog-friendly tasting rooms. But with the unseasonably nice weather and it being a slow weekday afternoon, we felt comfortable letting Rummy hang out on the patio while we were inside for our tasting. They have a lot of tables outside, many covered, so it will be a great place to visit in Spring or Fall.

We give it 3 Pups for lack of indoor seating for dogs. On days like this it wasn’t an issue. And many of the outdoors tables were covered to provide shade. But on super hot days when neither dogs nor people want to sit outside and covered tables aren’t available, we would probably have to skip this one. If you’re tasting without a dog, they do have a bistro (the reason they can’t allow dogs in the tasting room) and the menu looks pretty spectacular.

Overnight at Lansdowne Resort and Spa

Booking & Check In

We’d had Lansdowne Resort and Spa on our list for some time, so we were excited to finally try it. Its location made it a great anchor for our wine tasting and it surpassed our expectations from booking to check out. I booked the reservation online and the process for adding Rummy was very simple. Often, when I book a reservation I have to call to add her. With Lansdowne, adding pets is part of the reservation process. You can add the pet fee ($100 per pet, nonrefundable) to the cart. They also had dog meals and treats to add. We ordered a pup risotto and apple pupcake. Super cute and something special for her!

Check in was seamless and a bed and bowls for Rummy were waiting in the room. This is nice for two reasons. First, logistics. We need this stuff and it’s nice to have it waiting in the room. Second, it’s nice for Rummy to see familiar items that she knows are for her. I think it helps her to relax quicker in unfamiliar surroundings.

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Dog-Friendly Wine Tasting in Leesburg, Virginia

Mar 03, 2019

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than wine tasting? We spent two days visiting dog-friendly wineries in Leesburg, Virginia and couldn’t have been more pleased.

We chose Leesburg for proximity to Alexandria, concentration of (dog-friendly) wineries and availability of luxury, romantic accommodations. On a mid-morning weekday, the drive was barely over an hour from Alexandria to a great resort and a dozen plus wineries. We’d been wanting to try Lansdowne Resort & Spa for a while, so this was the perfect time.

First Stop: Vanish Farmwoods Brewery

We started at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, approximately 15 miles northwest of the resort which was the anchor for this trip. We don’t visit breweries often, but this one was just a few miles from the first winery on our itinerary and allows dogs in the taproom, so it was an easy addition. And it proved to be a great one!

They have a TON of seating, both indoors and out, which is one of the most important factors for us in determining how dog-friendly a place is (if there’s nowhere to comfortably sit with your pup, what’s the point?). Dogs are not allowed in the primary taproom, but they do have their very own taproom, Dog Town. It has probably two dozen large picnic tables, in addition to the several dozen tables in the primary taproom. SO MUCH SEATING indoors. And they have equally as many tables outside. There were three other dogs in Dog Town with us and plenty of space for everyone to relax without being on top of each other.

In addition to the awesome seating, they offer wine and cocktails. So, if beer isn’t your thing, you have options. A little something for everyone. They also serve pizza and barbecue on alternating days. So really, there’s no reason not to visit this place. We give it 5 Pups for abundance of seating indoors and out and being super welcoming to dogs.

Second Stop: Hidden Brook Winery

Then it was on to Hidden Brook Winery. We’d been before, but they were so welcoming to Rummy that it was worth a revisit. They have roughly a dozen tables inside, a few tables on the covered porch and a tasty charcuterie plate. 5 Pups for indoor seating and covered outdoor tables.

Impromptu Stop: Winery 32

We had only planned two stops, but were making better time that anticipated and weather was nice, so we decided to try Winery 32. It wasn’t on the itinerary initially because they don’t allow dogs in the tasting room and for February trips, we focus on dog-friendly tasting rooms. But with the unseasonably nice weather and it being a slow weekday afternoon, we felt comfortable letting Rummy hang out on the patio while we were inside for our tasting. They have a lot of tables outside, many covered, so it will be a great place to visit in Spring or Fall.

We give it 3 Pups for lack of indoor seating for dogs. On days like this it wasn’t an issue. And many of the outdoors tables were covered to provide shade. But on super hot days when neither dogs nor people want to sit outside and covered tables aren’t available, we would probably have to skip this one. If you’re tasting without a dog, they do have a bistro (the reason they can’t allow dogs in the tasting room) and the menu looks pretty spectacular.

Overnight at Lansdowne Resort and Spa

Booking & Check In

We’d had Lansdowne Resort and Spa on our list for some time, so we were excited to finally try it. Its location made it a great anchor for our wine tasting and it surpassed our expectations from booking to check out. I booked the reservation online and the process for adding Rummy was very simple. Often, when I book a reservation I have to call to add her. With Lansdowne, adding pets is part of the reservation process. You can add the pet fee ($100 per pet, nonrefundable) to the cart. They also had dog meals and treats to add. We ordered a pup risotto and apple pupcake. Super cute and something special for her!

Check in was seamless and a bed and bowls for Rummy were waiting in the room. This is nice for two reasons. First, logistics. We need this stuff and it’s nice to have it waiting in the room. Second, it’s nice for Rummy to see familiar items that she knows are for her. I think it helps her to relax quicker in unfamiliar surroundings.

Relaxation & Dinner

We arrived at the check in time of 4:00 pm so that we could relax and enjoy the resort before dinner. We chose one of the sitting areas on the lobby level with a few comfortable chairs by a fireplace. This was really nice–we discussed our favorites from the day and really enjoyed just sitting together. And Rummy was perfectly comfortable lying by the fire while we did. It’s really nice to be able to focus on us, but still have Rummy there so we don’t feel bad about leaving her alone. Some hotels allow dogs but restrict them to rooms, which is fine if you’re only stopping in late to crash. But we take Rummy on these trips so she can hang out with us, so having the option for her to join us in the lobby is important.

Back in the room we gave Rummy her pup risotto before heading down to Coton & Rye for their special Valentine’s Day tasting dinner. Food and service were spectacular (Virginia wines on the list, of course!). And it was a nice break for the two of us to enjoy dinner alone. A Valentine’s Day trip with your dog doesn’t sound romantic at all, but it’s definitely doable with the right planning! And Lansdowne gave us the perfect venue to include her yet still focus on us.

Room service is definitely the way to go for breakfast. We were able to sleep in, take Rummy out when she was ready (lucky for us she is NOT a morning pup, so she sleeps in with us) and have breakfast delivered to us. Rummy had her apple pupcake so she had something special as well. We were fueled up and ready for day two! We give Lansdowne 5 Pups for ease of booking, allowing her in public (non-dining) spaces, special treats available for pups and beautiful grounds to walk her. Not dog-related, but proximity to so many wineries is a major bonus!

Day Two: Wineries Tour Continues

First Stop: Loudon’s First Winery

We started the day at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Loudon County’s first winery. We were so pleasantly surprised by Willowcroft. The tasting room is fairly small, and we initially thought that would be limiting. But boy were we wrong! They have plenty of seating! Upstairs in the barn you’ll find several small tables in the covered, outdoor-ish space. It’s covered and completely protected from rain, but open to temperature. We loved it because there was a nice breeze to enjoy while we sipped our glass. They also have a separate room with AC/heat with a sofa, chairs and several tables in addition to a projector (movies?!).

Outside, there were about a dozen lawn tables plus a few small tables on a stone patio. And the views are pretty spectacular. We’d love to return and spend an afternoon here alternating between the barn and the lawn.

Back in the tasting room you might be greeted by Flint, the barn cat. He hung out, completely unaffected by the visiting humans or Rummy, during our tasting. We see a lot of winery dogs, so it was nice to see a winery cat. We give this 5 Pups for indoor seating, plenty of outdoor seating and beautiful views.

Second Stop: Change of Plans

There are several other wineries within a few miles of Willowcroft. Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is roughly a 5-minute drive. We hadn’t planned to visit because dogs are not allowed in the tasting room. But with the nice weather, we decided to stop by. The tasting room is in an early 19th century home. It’s really beautiful and clear that the family is proud of its history.

Tastings are family-style, seated at dining tables in a sitting room. Bonnie, one of the owners, moved between tables to pour the tastings and in between, we were able to look around the home at the family’s historic photographs. If you like historic homes, you’ll like this one. For this reason, it’s clear why dogs aren’t allowed inside. The living room does have chairs where you can sit and sip after tasting.

There are a few benches outside. One even had a “table” that holds your glasses and bottle. But we didn’t see any tables so on a busy weekend, it may be tough to find a place to sit after your tasting, with or without a dog. Being a slow day with nice weather, we tied Rummy to a stair rail and were able to check on her through the window during the tasting. But on a busy day, we wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that. For this reason, we give Zephaniah 2 Pups. If you’re out there on a slow, cool day with your pup, stop by. But if you don’t have a dog with you, go any time. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Last Stop: 50 West

We’d wanted to visit 50 West Winery and Vineyard on several previous trips to Middleburg but they were all on really cold days when we’d need to sit inside. So we took advantage of the day and stopped by. Since it was a Friday, the tasting room was closed and the Club House (usually open to members only) was open to the public. The Club House is pretty spectacular architecturally. It has a patio where Rummy sat during our tasting. We did check out the tasting room as we left- several tables outside with umbrellas so they should be mostly shaded. We give it 3 Pups for providing partially shaded seats outside for dogs and their people.

Virginia wine Pass

Several of these wineries provide discounts with the Virginia Wine Pass. We actually discovered a few of them through the Wine Pass’s website a while back. Who doesn’t appreciate savings? And spending less on the tastings means more money for bottles to take home!

Looking for a winery to take your pup? Our Wineries page lets you filter by tasting room access (among other criteria) and also choose specific wine regions. Wineries aren’t your thing? Check out the other categories of dog-friendly places! You can also read more of our Reviews here.

The post Dog-Friendly Wine Tasting in Leesburg, Virginia appeared first on Lindsey Schmidt.

Rummy turned six this month–big day calls for big plans! We wanted an entire day out with her- a park or trail that she’d love exploring, then a winery or brewery for us all to relax in after. We lean towards wineries and breweries because they’re the only places you can order food (or bring your own) and sit indoors with your pup. Her birthday fell on a Tuesday and it was tough finding places open on a Tuesday, before 4pm, that allow dogs inside. But we did and what a great day it turned out to be! We chose Delaplane as it’s an hour and some change West of Alexandria/DC and has two of the most dog-friendly wineries we’ve visited.

Sky Meadows State Park

We started out at Sky Meadows State Park. It was a cool (mid-50s) day, but sunny with blue skies and the perfect day to be outside. There are many trails in Sky Meadows and we chose the James Ball trail at random, which is .83 miles.

It is mostly flat, winding through countryside and Rummy absolutely loved it. You probably won’t completely wear your dog out on this one, but there’s much for them to explore and was a really nice walk for us. We did roughly 35 minutes out then turned back. But the trail continued and there are more that intersect so you can definitely spend a good amount of time here. I’d love to go back when we have more time. The James Ball trail did take us past a picnic area– several large tables covered by a pavilion. So if you’re looking for an afternoon out with a group, this could be a nice place.

They also have a nice gift shop and old farm houses to check out. We didn’t go inside the houses, but it was fun to poke around after our hike.

Naked Mountain Winery

After our “hike”, we headed over to Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards. We’d been once before and they were incredibly welcoming to Rummy with many tables inside. I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating– the number of tables inside is so often the determining factor for a visit (with or without a dog). I love wine, but I don’t love it enough to sit outside in early March (or August) to enjoy it. So an abundance of indoor tables is huge and, unfortunately, hard to find. Not exactly an issue in Winter or midweek, but come Summer weekends scoring an indoor table is a sport. Naked Mountain scores in this category. It has a large tasting counter, several barrel “cocktail” tables for two and roughly two dozen tables for four. There’s also a seating area by the fireplace which was very welcoming on this cold day.

Mary greeted us with a warm smile and welcoming attitude. She immediately made us feel comfortable with Rummy and provided not only an informative, but fun, tasting. They offer small bites along with the wine and we chose the pimiento cheese with pita chips which was pretty freaking delicious. I’m a Southern girl (Roll Tide!) so I couldn’t pass it up. It paired very well with the Tannat. No need to worry if pimiento cheese isn’t your thing, they have several other options.

A few photos to reminisce…

The photos below are from a trip out to Naked Mountain during the holidays (looks like we really like their Tannat!). This cheese plate was also great, and Rummy-approved. The photo unfortunately only captures the edge of the fireplace. Definitely worth a visit during the holidays. Can you think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sipping Virginia wine next to a fireplace and Christmas tree with the ones you love (four-legged family members included, of course)? Didn’t think so.

We give Naked Mountain 5 Pups for allowing dogs in the tasting room, plenty of indoor seating and room for several pups without being stacked on each other.

Barrel Oak Winery

The next stop was Barrel Oak Winery. We’ve visited several times as it’s probably the most dog-friendly winery in Virginia. Not only do they allow dogs in the tasting room and have A TON of tables inside, they also regularly support animal rescue organizations. More on that shortly…

As always, Rummy was warmly welcomed at the tasting counter. There were a few other dogs that came in while we were there and Rummy had more than enough room to relax without being crowded by them. There are paintings of dogs all over the tasting room and several of the wines are named after dogs (photo below is their original winery dog), so there is no doubt that your pup is welcome. We even met one of the winemaker’s dogs, Zombie. She’s the sweet shih tzu pictured further down.

Another throwback photo…

Here’s Rummy a few years ago during one of our summer visits. It doesn’t show anything other than the tables are large enough for the kids and dogs to fit under. When it gets crowded, even dogs that are super comfortable in public just want to chill under the table and there’s plenty of room for that here. Another reason we love Barrel Oak.

Regularly Helping Animal Rescues

Outside the main entrance is a sandwich board sign advertising dog gelato and we were happy to meet the woman behind it. Being Rummy’s birthday it was fitting to buy her gelato (as if we need an excuse to spoil her…). While picking flavors, Megan introduced herself as the founder of Martin’s Dog Farm Rescue, a nonprofit specializing in canine rescue, rehabilitation and education.

She started making the gelato out of necessity–to improve the gastrointestinal issues of the dogs she rescued. After speaking with her vet about the gelato, she realized she not only had something the dogs needed, but also something they’d want. So she started selling the gelato to fund more rescues. Rummy is super picky about food and she enjoyed the sweet potato flavor so we were thrilled to support this organization. And we love the fact that dogs can get treats here, too (aside from trying to steal our cheese)!

We give Barrel Oak 5 Pups for allowing dogs in the tasting room, plenty of indoor seating and supporting local animal rescues.

All in all it was a great day. We love wine tasting but also need to include something more active for Rummy. Need to let her burn off some energy before we ask her to mind her manners inside a business. And we got both!

We also took her to on a more challenging hike at Raven Rocks in Bluemont, VA earlier in the week, with a stop at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery after. Be on the lookout for that post coming soon!

Check out our Parks & Walk Routes page for more ideas of where to let your pup explore, and our Wineries page for more places to relax after.

The post Hiking & Wine Tasting with Your Pup in Delaplane, VA appeared first on Lindsey Schmidt.

We finally had some weather below 90 degrees and what better way to spend it than brunching al fresco with the pup! Tulips in Dupont Circle offers a great dog-friendly brunch that is phenomenal on several fronts: dog-friendly, service, food and drink.

First Things First: Dog Friendly

There is no shortage of great food options in DC, but not all make it easy or enjoyable to dine with your dog. Tulips is fantastic. There are about half a dozen tables outside and the only improvement we could find would be more shade. They have one large umbrella that provides shade for the two larger tables in the center, and we lucked out in getting one.

As soon as the server saw Rummy she brought a bowl of ice water for her. We often have to ask for water, so receiving it automatically was great. And with ice to boot! Rummy LOVES ice water. She had room to stretch her legs and moved around and under the table. It was really nice that she wasn’t limited. And I’m pretty sure every single person on that patio, customers and staff, greeted her. She was a happy girl! We also ordered a side of sausage for her, which was promptly brought out.

The Rest: People Friendly

As much as we love dining out with Rummy, brunch is an event we look forward to all week and we don’t want to sacrifice food and service for an accessible patio. We didn’t have to at Tulips. For $32 you can order an entree and enjoy unlimited mimosas, bellinis, bloody marys, oysters and beignets. We’ve enjoyed a number of bottomless brunches in the District but this is the first with unlimited oysters.

Once we received Rummy’s water, the server took our drink order. We started with bellinis and received our first round along with a full bottle of sparkling wine. It’s always a good day when the bottomless drinks are actually good, even better when you don’t have to wait for them. By leaving a bottle on the table, we were able to mix them to our liking, and refill them ourselves. No frustrating wait for refills!

We started with a dozen oysters and expected them to be tiny and were pleasantly surprised when they arrived. We were also pleasantly surprised when the staff didn’t rush us to order. After finishing the oysters, the servers asked us if we’d like more before even discussing entrees. They also brought out beignets which were a nice, sweet complement to the bellinis.

The entree list consists of standard, hardy breakfast selections–bagel and lox, Belgian waffle, breakfast sandwich on brioche bun, omelette, cheddar burger and benedict. The hollandaise on the benedict was some of the best we’ve had. Serious standout.

The staff is one of the most easy-going and friendly we’ve experienced. Brunch service can be hectic but each of the staff members kept a smile on their face and seemed genuinely happy to accommodate requests. We also appreciated the clean bathrooms.

Safety First

If you’re going to enjoy brunch cocktails, especially bottomless, be safe and take a ride. Most Ubers are actually dog friendly. As soon as the ride is confirmed, we call and ask the driver before it’s too late to cancel. We’ve only had one tell us they would not allow a dog to ride. Keep it safe for you, your pet and others on the road!

We’ll be back!

Overall, the brunch was phenomenal. We give it 4 pups simply for the lack of shade. The food and service definitely deserve 5, but we rate locations on how accessible they are for dogs (not how much fun we had!), and more shade is needed to accommodate more dogs. We’ll definitely return, especially for Bouquets and Bubbles. It’s not a dog-friendly event, but each Tuesday they have a class where you create a floral arrangement while sipping unlimited champagne. How awesome does that sound?! Flowers and vases are provided and you take your arrangement home with you! Cheers!

For more dog-friendly patios, check out our Dining & Drinks page.

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How do you spend an entire afternoon out and about with your pup when it’s frigidly cold and windy? Wine tasting! Walks outside only last a few minutes and restaurants don’t allow dogs inside. But wineries offer a warm place to enjoy wine and offer food or the option to bring your own. These dog-friendly wineries provided the perfect venue to get out of the house and enjoy some food and drink with your pup while staying toasty warm. Read along for more information about these dog-friendly wineries in Purcellville, VA.

First Stop: Maggie Malick Wine Caves

Our first stop was Maggie Malick Wine Caves. Just a few miles from the West Virginia border, it’s one of the western-most Virginia wineries we’ve visited. We’d sampled their wines previously at the Mount Vernon Wine Festival (the absolute best wine festival in Virginia in our opinion) and heard they were dog friendly, so we were excited to finally visit.

It was clear from the beginning how much they love dogs. The dog-friendly signs at the main entrance and dog crossing signs along the drive gave us a clue. The dog treats and books at the tasting counter left no doubt. Rummy was greeted enthusiastically and the hooks at the counter provided a place to hang her leash. (It still surprises me how many counters don’t have hooks, but that’s a whole other topic…)

Lisa conducted our tasting and is really phenomenal. She only not provided information about each wine, but more in depth history of the grapes’ origins, the winery and even etymology. Overall, a great tasting. Another couple with two dogs arrived in the middle of our tasting and they were also greeted with open arms. We only saw two tables inside, so this probably isn’t a place you’ll sit and stay for a while. But it’s great for popping in with your pup.

Second Stop: Two Twisted Posts, A new Virginia Favorite

Then it was on to Two Twisted Posts, also on Harpers Ferry Road. This is a new favorite for several reasons. First, they are super dog friendly. Their “pets welcome” sign by the main entrance sign is the first of its kind we’ve seen. They clearly want to you to feel comfortable bringing your pup along. This was by far the coldest and windiest day we’ve visited wineries, so walking in to see the fire in the living room setting of the tasting room was such a pleasant sight.

The Tasting

Costco, who conducted our tasting here, was also phenomenal. His command of storytelling combined with his knowledge of history and wine made for one of the more entertaining tastings we’ve experienced. And Rummy was comfortable lying next to us at the tasting counter until we walked over to the living room with a glass and cheese platter. We counted roughly 16 seats inside among the tables in the tasting area and the loveseat, rocking chairs and wine barrels-turned-seats in the living room area. It may feel a bit crowded on a busy day, but on a day like this, it felt perfectly homey. We did catch a peak of another room with tables, which may be for events, so there is potential for more seating if needed.

The Wine

We usually don’t say much about the wine, as the purpose of our reviews is to provide information on how easy it is to include your dog on a visit. But we have to here. The Petit Verdot is in our Top 5 Virginia wines. We limited ourselves to one glass as we wanted to visit a few wineries, but it was tough. On a cold day like this, we wanted nothing more than to settle in by the fire with a bottle and cheese. Rummy was so comfortable on the rug in front of the fire that we know she wouldn’t have objected. We look forward to returning again when we have more time.

Our next stop was Corcoran Vineyards and Cidery, which also has a dog-friendly tasting room. But they were closed so we decided to return to 8 Chains North, another one uber welcoming to pups, just a few miles down the road in Waterford.

Last Stop: 8 Chains North

8 Chains North not only allows dogs, they have a fenced dog park for them. After minding her manners during the tastings, it’s nice to give Rummy an opportunity to run free. And she did. It was super cold sitting out there with her, but she deserved it. And I had a stunning view of the vines under snow.

Back in the tasting room they were celebrating National Cheese Day with cheese pairings. They also offered their chocolate pairings as usual, but we opted for the cheese. This added a nice new twist on wines we’d previously tasted.

Another thing we really like about 8 Chains is the abundance of indoor seating. There are a few sofas in living room-style areas with a fireplace as well as tables. So you don’t have to stand around awkwardly trying not to stare at people who look like they’re leaving soon. Definitely one of the more dog-friendly wineries we’ve visited and, just few miles from Virginia State Route 7, it’s really easy to access.

There are so many more wineries in the Purcellville area so we’ll be making more trips up there. We usually default to the Delaplane area because of its convenient location right off of I-66. But taking Route 7/Leesburg Pike, Purcellville is only a little more than an hour drive from Alexandria, much more accessible than a quick glance at the map may lead you to believe. Check out the recap of our last visit to Purcellville wineries here.

To find more dog-friendly wineries, check out our Wineries page. And let us know if you find more we should add!

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Brunch is an event in the DMV. Restaurants go all out to distinguish themselves and some are going above and beyond to welcome your dog along with you. Copperwood Tavern goes a step further and honors your pup on their wall as the Dog of the Month! More on that later, let’s focus on the food and the experience at this dog-friendly brunch in Shirlington.

All about the Dogs

One of the limiting factors for dining out with your pup is the number of tables available outside. There are about a dozen tables on the front patio and we had no problem getting one where Rummy could sit next to us at the railing. The next limiting factor is shade. While there may be tables available, if you’re baking in the sun neither your nor your pup will enjoy the outing. They have several umbrellas lining the front to provide some relief. Not all tables are completely shaded, but most had some and we were comfortable. Water is always important for dogs outside, but especially so in the heat wave we’ve experienced lately. Most restaurants will provide water when asked, but Copperwood Tavern has a stack of bowls at the ready in the front entrance. They clearly not only welcome dogs, but prepare to include them and make them comfortable.

It has to be tasty…

Now, we’re not food critics but we have to share our opinion of the food. First, the portions are large. Bring an appetite, or leave with a doggy bag 🙂 We ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles and the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes. The waffle entree was huge! And so delicious. Paired perfectly with the fried chicken (which was just crispy enough). The lemon ricotta gave a nice, light touch to a dish that can easily be heavy (and boring). Bloody Marys hit the spot. The spiced pickle in the beef jerky version is spicy and really kicked this version up a notch. We’ll loop back to the dog-friendly aspects again, but wanted to note that this isn’t just a place to bring your dog. The food and drinks alone are definitely worth checking out. As was the service– friendly, smiling and very welcoming of Rummy!

We mentioned the Dog of the Month club above and absolutely love this idea! You can enter your dog by submitting a photo here along with reasons your dog deserves the honor. If your pup is picked, they’ll be immortalized on the wall inside the restaurant! I knew about the contest prior to dining, but was thrilled to see the wall of photos. Who doesn’t love seeing a wall of dogs? And we think it reminds people that yes, you can include your pup in your outings.

All in all, we give Copperwood Tavern five pups for ease of access for dogs, shade, availability of water and overall just being super dog-friendly. We enjoyed ourselves and so did Rummy. Check out this smile!

For more dog-friendly restaurants, check out our Dining & Drinks page. To feature your pup on our Lucky Dogs page, submit a photo!

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About 6 1/2 hours into our Thanksgiving road trip, the dog-friendly winery Abingdon Vineyards was just the stop we needed–and we really can’t say enough about it. Roughly a ten-minute drive off of I-81 in Abingdon, VA, it sits on 45 acres on the South Holston River. We chose it based on proximity to the interstate and the dog-friendly tasting room. While we visited on a beautiful day, it had snowed earlier in the week so we wanted a tasting room that allowed Rummy inside should it be too cold. We had no idea what a treat we were in for!

They Love Dogs!

Our first clue of how dogfriendly they are were the two dog beds positioned right in front of the fireplace. Lucky dogs! Rummy walked straight to them to investigate. The staff member who greeted us let us know that Rummy was free to roam off leash. She also told us about the winery dogs and reiterated several times that if they were too much for Rummy, they could let them outside. They weren’t at all. Jackson and Rummy played for a few minutes before Rummy pulled her classic move of completely ignoring him.

Indoor Seating is a Must

The tasting room has several sofas and another separate room with seating. While it’s wonderful to be able to take Rummy inside, it’s no good if we can’t find a place to sit. We’ve visited so many wineries that have picnic tables scattered all over the lawn to appreciate the views, but just a few tables inside. On some unbearably humid Virginia summer days, there’s no way we’re sitting outside. I don’t care how amazing the view is. And winter wine tasting simply doesn’t happen if there’s no indoor seating. If we can’t find a place to sit inside, we’re moving on to the next winery. So we really appreciate the indoor seating options here. I imagine that later in the winter those sofas and fireplace will make for a very relaxing and cozy atmosphere.

After the tasting, we headed outside with a glass of Knob Red (a rich blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton) and discovered just how incredible this winery is. There’s plenty of seating outside as well. The patio has several tables and there are picnic tables and benches spread throughout the lawn. The lawn overlooks the water which is not only something humans will appreciate, but an awesome playground for pups. Rummy had a blast running up and down the riverbed and all over the lawn. After six plus hours in the car, this freedom to run and stretch her legs was the sweetest treat I could possibly give her. And with the tables spread across the lawn, there’s room for those not interested in dogs (or kids) to get a little distance.

5 Pups

As with all of our reviews, we rate a business based on how dogfriendly they are, not the quality of their product. This time we just happen to be as impressed with the wine, atmosphere and views as we are with their obvious love for dogs. We give them 5 Pups for allowing dogs in the tasting room, freedom to run off leash, abundance of seating both inside and out, and grounds that any pup would love exploring. We will absolutely return when in the area and look forward to another glass of that Knob Red!

For more dog-friendly wineries, visit our Wineries Page. Read about the rest of the stops on this road trip adventure here.

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Dog-Friendly Resort in Charlottesville, VA

Albemarle Estate is a stunning dog-friendly resort in Charlottesville where you pup can join you almost everywhere on the property. Upon checking into the room, we found water and food bowls as well as note welcoming Rummy (see photo gallery). We set out exploring all of the rooms off of the main corridor–a library and sitting room among others. Rummy could join us in any of these with the understanding that she was not allowed on the furniture. We immediately took advantage of this by having sparkling wine delivered to one of the sitting rooms (see photo of her in front of the piano). The estate is very quiet so we sat and enjoyed the peace with Rummy at our feet.

Grounds

Next, we explored the grounds. I’m afraid I’ll overuse the word “stunning”, but it’s the first word that comes to mind. Rummy loves exploring anywhere and I especially loved walking through the gardens with her. There are also a few areas covered in greenery that provide shade. Had we stayed longer, I would’ve taken advantage of the seating outside. Next time!

The pool is also fantastic. It provides ample seating options for sun and also has a hard-covered seating area with sofas providing complete shade. Rummy walked around exploring the immediate area and then settled in the shade while we swam and enjoyed the sun.

Entertainment

If you’re looking for entertainment at the estate you won’t be disappointed. You can rent the theatre for the evening, which provides roughly a dozen leather recliners with a large screen, surround sound and all-you-can-eat popcorn and candy. Rummy joined us while we watched a movie, but keep in mind it can get loud depending on the movie. You can adjust the volume, but if you want your pup to join, an action movie with sudden, loud bursts of volume may not be the best option. Again, dogs are not allowed on the furniture, but she was comfortable on the carpet next to us.

Outside of the estate, Charlottesville is incredibly dog friendly. Our focus for the trip was wine tasting and we found more than enough wineries that allowed her to join us. Search for more dog-friendly wineries here.

If you’re looking for luxury and a plethora of options for your pup, Albemarle Estate is the spot for you. We give it 5 Pups for access for Rummy, amenities, things to explore, minimal pet fee and location.

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Dog-Friendly Winery in Delaplane, VA

We were thoroughly pleased with our visit to Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn, a dog-friendly winery in Delaplane, VA. Yes, it’s a barn. But a very comfortable barn with tons of character. First, the tasting counter has hooks that are large enough to hold your dog’s leash while you taste. Rummy laid next to us and looked very comfortable. The floor is concrete, which was no doubt cool for her. Anything that makes her more comfortable is a bonus for us. Another bonus, though not dog-related, is that they have a food pairing with each of the wines. Often wineries offer a piece of chocolate with the dessert wine, but Aspen Dale offered cheese, sausage, fruit and chocolate to try with each wine. This adds so much more to the experience.

Seating

There is a large table seating 6-8 people, probably 4 tables seating 3-4 and three sets of sofas with wingback chairs and coffee tables seating roughly 5 each. Tow of these sofa seating areas were in a section in the back used for parties. So if you want a private tasting, you can get it. It’s not a large barn, but there is a surprising amount of seating. So we were able to enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of a small winery, yet not compete for seating. The bar stool chairs at the taller tables have backs and bars for your feet. So your legs don’t have to just hang and swing uncomfortably. Rummy laid under our table while we enjoyed our wine and again, seemed very comfortable on the cooler concrete floor.

Service

This is not dog-related but we were blown away by the service. Usually service ends with the tasting. But when we were ready for another glass, the staff brought our next round out to us. They continued to check in with us for more wine and food. They did this while it was both slower and busy. I don’t know if this was just something this particular staff member does (thanks, Teresa!) or if it’s standard. But it was really nice to just sit back and truly relax.

Patio and Lawn

We didn’t get a good look at the patio, but there is seating outside among trees that provide at least partial shade. There are also several picnic tables on the lawn. The lawn is beautiful, but on hot days like this, we were very grateful for the indoor seating.

Overall this is a great winery to take your pup. We give it 5 pups for access for Rummy, comfort and seating. If you do plan to take your pup, keep in mind dogs must always be on a leash, under your absolute control and off the furniture. Find more dog-friendly wineries here.

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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!

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Everyone knows Gettysburg is a history lover’s dream, but did you know it’s also incredibly dog friendly? We spent an afternoon in town and were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming they were to Rummy. Read on to learn about our day in dog-friendly Gettysburg.

Needed a Dog Walker to Start

We were in Gettysburg to meet friends for lunch and wanted to take Rummy with us for the day, but of course, restaurants don’t allow dogs inside. We checked Rover and found Lexy, a dog walker who graciously agreed to meet us at the restaurant to walk Rummy while we ate. Lexy was right on time and right in front of the restaurant as planned. After a meet-n-greet with Rummy, off they went on a stroll through town. Lexy sent photo updates during lunch to let us know Rummy was happy. As we settled the check, we sent Lexy a text and she was right out front as we exited. Couldn’t have been more convenient!

Shopping

We’ve visited Gettysburg a few times and were excited to return to a few of our favorite stores. We started with S & W Coins on Baltimore St. We didn’t see a sign welcoming dogs so we asked upon entering and there were no issues. The staff greeted us and Rummy with smiles and Rummy enjoyed checking out the tables with the old books.

Next, we moved on to The Antique Center of Gettysburg, also on Baltimore St. They, too, were happy to welcome us all inside and gave Rummy lots of pets and love. And again, Rummy’s nose was in overdrive with all of the new (yet old) smells. You’d think she’d be accustomed to “old” in Old Town Alexandria, but Gettysburg was a whole new level for her.

Then it was on to Sweeet! candy shop, where they display a dog-friendly sign in the front window. So many colors, smells and fun things to look at–for all of us!

Battlefield

For more dog-friendly restaurants, check out our Dining & Drinks page. To feature your pup on our Lucky Dogs page, submit a photo!

We hadn’t planned on stopping at the Battlefield, the Gettysburg National Military Park, but it’s almost impossible not to at least drive through while there. We stopped at the site of Pickett’s Charge and let Rummy stretch her legs again while we read the history markers. Dogs are allowed on the Battlefield, just not inside monuments or cemeteries. This stop was a short one, but we really look forward to returning when the weather is nice to spend an afternoon walking as much of the ~4,000 acres of park as possible.

For more ideas of where to take your pup, check out our Reviews page!

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