I find that the best way to see the world is with my dog at my side. My pup, Truffles, is a full-time traveler who loves a good adventure. We recently found ourselves in the beautiful Southern California wine country known as Temecula. Many people think only of Napa or Sonoma when they talk about wine. However, I think Temecula is a fantastic alternative because the wine is just as good but the tastings cost about half as much. It is a beautiful setting where many of the spots welcome pets. One of the most famous places in this valley is a resort called Europa Village. I wanted to know if this place would be a good fit for me and my furry friend.
First of all, you must know that Temecula has over 40 wineries and a great Mediterranean climate. It is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. I went there hoping to find the 10 Best europa village dog friendly options for travelers like us. Therefore, I spent a lot of time walking the grounds and talking to the staff.
The Magic of Europa Village
I must say that Europa Village is as charming as it gets. It has a European vibe with cobblestone paths, gardens, and amazing views. It feels like you are in an old-world village. The resort has three unique areas themed after Spain, France, and Italy. Each area is a different “country” with its own wine and food.
However, you have to be careful with the rules for your pet. Not every part of this “village” is open to dogs. I learned that C’est la Vie is the most europa village pet friendly spot on the property. This is the French side of the resort. Pets are invited on the grounds here as long as they stay on a leash. They must be with an adult at all times. Additionally, you can sit on the dog-friendly patios while you sip on award-winning wines.
I should mention that health rules are very strict in California. Is europe dog friendly? Yes, many countries there love dogs. Therefore, this resort tries to keep that spirit alive. On top of that, the law says that pets are not allowed in indoor tasting rooms where food is served. At the Bolero (Spanish) and Vienza (Italian) sections, only service dogs are allowed inside the buildings and restaurants. Plus, dogs cannot go on the Vienza Garden Lawn or the turf.
Gradually, I realized that a visit to this resort takes a little planning. If you stay at the resort hotel, you should know that they only allow service animals in the rooms. Is canterbury village dog friendly? That is a different place, but here in Temecula, the “European Village” has these specific limits.
Later, I found that the French section is the best place to relax. The staff set out water bowls and there is plenty of shade under umbrellas. I enjoyed a flight of five wines for 32 dollars. If you want to try the premium wines, it costs 42 dollars for seven tastes. You can even get a multi-winery passport for 74 dollars to see all three “countries”.
My Top 10 Dog-Friendly Wineries Near Europa Village
I know that people want a list of the best spots. ** لذلك**, I have put together my top picks. These are the places where I felt the most welcome with Truffles.
1. Baily Vineyard & Winery
I think Baily Vineyard & Winery is the most welcoming spot in the whole valley. It is very close to Europa Village on La Serena Way. First of all, they allow dogs both outside on the patio and inside the cool stone tasting room. This was a blessing on a hot day. On top of that, they have a restaurant next door called Carol’s.
I visited on a Sunday and found out about “Dog Day Sundays”. They have a separate menu just for dogs! Your pup can eat Chewbarka Chicken Breast or Haute Dog Turkey Dogs for only 4 dollars. Additionally, you can buy a special shirt for 15 dollars. If you wear it, your dog gets a free meal every time you visit on a Sunday. It is a great deal.
The wine tasting here is also a good price. It costs 20 dollars for six pours of 1 ounce each. You even get a souvenir glass to take home. I loved the peaceful vibe here.
2. Oak Mountain Winery
This is a huge place with a very cool wine cave. However, dogs are not allowed inside the cave. But they are very welcome on the outdoor patio and in the main tasting room. Similarly to Baily, they give you a slip of paper to track your six pours.
The cost is 20 dollars during the week and 25 dollars on the weekend. I recommend visiting during the week. It is 5 dollars cheaper and much less busy. On Saturdays, many tour buses arrive and it can get very crowded. On top of that, they have a doggy menu. Your dog can eat chicken while you look at the views. They even have three wines influenced by dogs.
3. Somerset Vineyard & Winery
I had the most fun at Somerset Vineyard & Winery. It has a relaxed beer garden vibe outside. The staff is very friendly. A man named Connor even took us on a tour of the back where they age the wine in giant 10-foot-high clay pots. Truffles was allowed to join us on the whole tour!
Gradually, we made our way back to the bar. We tried about six wines and they were all great. I bought a bottle of Fuzzy Bunnies, which is a sparkling rosé. They allow dogs in most areas of the property. They even have a dog Halloween parade sometimes.
4. Akash Winery & Vineyard
I love the modern look of Akash Winery. It has a trendy vibe with food trucks and live music. First of all, the patio is huge and has lots of shade for the pups. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are always welcome.
The staff here treats dogs like family. However, you should know that it is 21 and over only on Saturdays. A standard tasting costs 30 dollars for five pours. I really enjoyed the sunset views here. Additionally, they have food trucks on site for tacos or pizza.
5. Churon Winery
This place looks like a French chateau. It is another europa village winery dog friendly style spot because of the European theme. I used a Groupon here and got a great deal. We paid about 26 dollars for two people to do a red wine flight.
The tasting room is not pet friendly. But, dogs are allowed on the patio. I ordered a meat and cheese plate for about 20 to 25 dollars. It had so much food that I could share plenty of cheese with Truffles. Therefore, she was very happy there.
6. Callaway Vineyard & Winery
I found that Callaway Vineyard & Winery has the prettiest setting in the valley. It truly feels like you are in wine country. They have over 31 different wines to choose from. A tasting of six pours is 20 dollars.
I was not sure how pet friendly they were at first. However, I saw signs saying dogs can walk in the parking lot and many people had dogs on the patio. The staff did not mind at all. They have a restaurant called Meritage with a dog-friendly terrace.
7. Miramonte Winery
This winery says they are 100% dog friendly. You just have to keep your pet on a leash and watch them. They have a high rating on BringFido for their pet service.
On top of that, the patio has mist fans to keep everyone cool on hot days. I paid 25 dollars for six wines. The views of the valley are stunning from this spot. First of all, they ask that you do not let your pet “take care of business” on the wine club lawn.
8. Cougar Vineyard & Winery
If your dog loves wine country, they should join the K-9 Wine Club here. They even have a wine called “Barkbera”! First of all, this spot is very casual and easy for pets. They are allowed in the outdoor areas.
Additionally, they offer dog meals. It is a very relaxed place for an afternoon. I found the staff to be very welcoming to four-legged guests.
9. Doffo Winery
I think this is a very unique spot. It is famous for its vintage motorcycle collection. However, they are just as happy to see a leashed dog. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating areas.
You can enjoy their Argentinian-style wines while your pup relaxes. A tasting flight costs between 32 and 48 dollars. It is a boutique winery, so the wines are made in small batches.
10. Leoness Cellars
I visited Leoness Cellars for lunch. It is a very scenic winery with great views. First of all, they allow dogs on their spacious outdoor patios. It is the perfect place for an early meal with your best friend.
However, they are a bit more restricted than some other spots. Pets are only allowed on the tasting room patio. I found the staff to be very professional and the grounds are beautiful.
Tips for a Great Pet-Friendly Tour
I have learned a few things while traveling with Truffles. First of all, always bring your own supplies. Even if a winery has water bowls, I like to have my own water and snacks for my dog. On top of that, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times.
I try to be very mindful of other visitors. Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are even afraid of them. Therefore, I keep Truffles close to me. I also make sure to clean up after her immediately. I usually take her to the parking lot for bathroom breaks to keep the tasting area clean.
Gradually, I found that visiting in the morning is best. The weather is cooler and the wineries are less crowded. Additionally, some wineries get very loud with live music in the afternoon. Therefore, if your dog is sensitive to noise, morning is the way to go.
Understanding the Rules (The Food Code)
I often wonder why dogs are mostly kept outside. I looked into the California Retail Food Code to find the answer. The law is meant to keep food safe and prevent illness. First of all, the law says that live animals are generally not allowed inside a food facility.
However, there is a special rule for outdoor dining areas. A winery or restaurant can choose to allow pet dogs outside if they follow certain steps.
- There must be a separate outdoor entrance so the dog does not walk through the inside.
- Dogs are not allowed on chairs or benches.
- Food and water for the dog must be in single-use disposable containers.
- The area must be kept very clean.
On top of that, workers are not allowed to have direct contact with the pets while they are on duty. If they do pet a dog, they must wash their hands right away. Therefore, if a server does not pet your dog, do not be offended. They are just following the law.
Finally, service animals are different. They are allowed in areas where the public goes, even if pets are not. A service animal is a dog trained to do work for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals do not count as service animals under the law.
Where to Stay and Eat
I found that Temecula has many pet-friendly hotels. First of all, the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort allow dogs. At Carter Estate, they have a Happy Hound Program. They give your dog a “Swag Bag” with bowls, a mat, a blanket, and a treat. You just have to sign a waiver.
Additionally, there are many other hotels like Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Motel 6 that welcome pets. On top of that, I found some great restaurants in town. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is a favorite because they have a dog menu. 1909 Temecula is another good spot with a pet-friendly patio.
Exploring the Parks
I like to give Truffles time to run off her energy. Therefore, we visited some local parks.
- Margarita Community Park: This park has a fenced-in dog area in the back. Dogs can run off-leash and meet other friends.
- Redhawk Community Park: This is a large park with two fenced areas for small and large dogs. It is very well-maintained and has fresh water stations. I spent about three hours there because it was so nice.
FAQ
What is the most dog friendly city in Europe?
Outside information suggests that cities like Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France, are often named as top choices because dogs can go into many shops and restaurants. You should verify this with a travel guide for the European continent.
Is the Europa Hotel dog friendly?
Europa Village Wineries and Resort hotel and casitas only allow service animals. Pets that provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify and can not stay in the guest rooms. Therefore, you should look for a different pet-friendly hotel in Temecula if you travel with a pet dog.
Can I travel within Europe with my dog?
Most international travelers use a Pet Passport and follow specific health rules to move between countries. It is a good idea to check official government websites for the latest rules.
Where is the best place to live in Europe with dogs?
They focus on visiting wineries in California. Many travelers say countries with lots of parks and dog-friendly public transport, like the Netherlands, are great for pet owners.
Which country loves dogs most?
The Europa Village resort tries to bring the dog-loving spirit of France, Spain, and Italy to California.
Is Europa dog friendly?
It is dog-friendly in certain areas. The C’est la Vie French side allows pets on the grounds and patios if they are on a leash. First of all, pets are not allowed in any indoor tasting rooms at any of the three properties. Bolero and Vienza only permit service dogs inside.
Can I bring my dog to Europa Park?
Which is a theme park in Germany. Instead, they discuss Europa Village in Temecula, California. You should check the official website for the theme park in Germany for their pet rules.
Concluding words
A trip to Europa Village is a fantastic way to feel like you are in the old-world villages of Spain, France, and Italy. You can enjoy award-winning wines and beautiful gardens with your best friend at your side. However, you must remember that the French section, C’est la Vie, is the main spot for pets, while the other areas are for service dogs only. There are also over 40 other wineries in the valley, such as Baily and Oak Mountain, that offer doggy menus and indoor access.
First of all, always keep your pup on a leash and bring your own water to ensure a happy visit. Gradually, you will see that Temecula is a true paradise for wine lovers and their loyal companions. Finally, grab a glass, find a shaded patio, and enjoy the Mediterranean climate with your pup today!
