Letters from Lodi

An insightful and objective look at viticulture and winemaking from the Lodi
Appellation and the growers and vintners behind these crafts. Told from the
perspective of multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso.

January 22, 2026 | Allison Champion

7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome

Planning a wine country escape but can't bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don't have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend.

Lodi's welcoming, come-as-you-are spirit extends to well-behaved pets. With spacious outdoor patios, sprawling vineyard grounds, and genuinely hospitable tasting room teams, these seven wineries prove that exceptional wine and wagging tails go hand in hand.

Whether you're a local looking for a weekend outing or planning a longer wine country getaway, check out these Lodi tasting rooms where your four-legged friend will receive just as warm a welcome as you will.

d'Art Wines

d'Art Wines offers something special from the moment you arrive. Pass through the distinctive black iron gates and follow a short trail through towering redwood trees to discover the tasting room nestled in lushly landscaped grounds. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the property, giving you and your pup plenty of space to settle in and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

The winery's passion shows in every detail, from the manicured grounds to the carefully crafted wines. And your sensory experience extends beyond the glass. The dappled shade of the redwoods, the grassy lawn, and the genuine hospitality create an environment where you can truly relax with your four-legged companion at your side.

What to Try: Their estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon showcases big, bold, fruit-forward wines that Lodi does so well.

Good to Know: Leashed pets are welcome throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds, with picnic tables offering shaded spots to relax.

Heritage Oak Winery

Six miles east of downtown Lodi on a quiet stretch of Woodbridge Road, Heritage Oak Winery sits beneath a towering blue oak tree that's visible for miles around. Built in 2007, the spacious tasting room offers plenty of room to spread out – and that includes your four-legged friends.

Owners Tom and Carmela Hoffman are often found pouring wine and chatting with guests, creating the kind of personal, welcoming atmosphere that makes Lodi special. Their wide variety of reasonably priced wines ranges from fruity, crisp whites to intense Zinfandels and unique blends. Guests are invited to picnic on the patio surrounded by an amazing hummingbird garden, a peaceful spot where you and your dog can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Don't be surprised if you meet Cusco, Tom and Carmela's own pup, wandering the property. When the winery owners bring their dog to work, you know yours is truly welcome.

What to Try: The diverse portfolio means there's something for every palate, from refreshing whites to bold Zinfandels.

Good to Know: The expansive grounds and outdoor patio with hummingbird garden give pets plenty of space to relax while you taste.

Jeremy Wine Co.

Jeremy Wine Co. operates two tasting rooms – one in downtown Lodi and another in Lockeford – and while both locations welcome dogs, the Lockeford spot is where you and your pup will have the most room to roam. Take a country drive just a few miles from Lockeford's main street and you'll find yourself surrounded by a nearly 100-year-old Zinfandel vineyard as you pull up to the impressive barrel room.

The winery specializes in small production wines that sell out quickly, focusing on unique varietals alongside the ever-popular Zinfandel. You never know what exclusive varietal will appear on the tasting menu, making each visit a chance to discover something new.

And Jeremy goes beyond simply welcoming pets – they actively support the local rescue community through "Wags & Wine" adoption events, partnering with organizations like Stockton Animal Shelter and Hard Luck Animal Welfare Advocates. This commitment to four-legged friends reflects a broader philosophy: great wine should be community-focused and genuinely welcoming.

What to Try: Small-production wines featuring both unique varietals and classic Lodi Zinfandel – the lineup changes, so there's always something new to discover.

Good to Know: The Lockeford location offers the most space for pets, but the downtown tasting room welcomes furry friends as well! Follow their social media to learn about upcoming Wags & Wine adoption events.

m2 Wines

m2 Wines' striking tasting room on Peltier Road is an architectural statement: a 20-foot-tall corten steel structure that rises from a 15-acre vineyard site. But the real beauty is in how form meets function – the design allows grapes to begin their winemaking journey at the back of the building and progress through to the front tasting room, where guests experience the finished wines.

The indoor/outdoor space truly shines when those massive doors open up, blurring the line between the tasting room and the surrounding vineyard. Solar panels top the energy-efficient facility, while the open design creates comfortable space for both two- and four-legged guests to settle in and enjoy the experience.

What to Try: Specializing in Zinfandels, Rhône-style wines, and bold blends that showcase what each vineyard has to offer.

Good to Know: The indoor/outdoor design and expansive doors create plenty of comfortable space for you and your pup to enjoy the tasting experience. You might catch a glimpse of resident Nancy Cat wandering around as well!

Macchia Wines

Macchia is a family-run winery where passion for winemaking shows in every bottle. The name comes from the Italian word for "the spot," and what a spot it is. The charming farmhouse property offers both indoor tasting and covered outdoor areas, plus a gorgeous, spacious patio with umbrella-covered tables. 100-year-old trees provide shade for picnicking, and guests can enjoy bocce ball or horseshoes with a glass of wine in hand.

The family sources grapes from special vineyard-designated sites throughout Lodi. They consistently sell out of current releases months before the next vintage is ready, but with more than ten different Zinfandels, up to five Italian varieties, Petite Sirah, Late Harvest, and Port, there's always something new to discover.

Outside food is welcome, and the family-and-pet-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for an afternoon.

What to Try: The playfully named Zinfandels – Adventurous, Mischievous, Voluptuous – live up to their bold names. The Italian varieties have earned prestigious awards at major competitions.

Good to Know: Four-legged friends on leash are welcome, and the spacious patio, century-old shade trees, and welcoming outdoor areas create a comfortable environment for pets. Outside food welcome for picnicking.

Prie Vineyards & Winery

Prie is a family-owned and operated winery where owners John and Lisa Gash take pride in having a hand in every aspect of creating fine wines. Their Alpine Road estate is more than just a winery – it's an experiment in ecological balance and sustainable farming that started when they purchased the property in 2012.

The outdoor tasting spaces are tucked under giant sycamore and oak trees surrounding the old farmhouse and organic vineyards of Rhône and Spanish grapes. A large, shady courtyard that once served as the hub for the farm provides the perfect spot for gathering on cool summer evenings. It's also an ideal environment for four-legged visitors, as the farm's commitment to working with nature rather than against it creates a peaceful, welcoming space where pets and their people can truly relax.

The setting reflects the owners’ commitment to farming in balance with nature: they practice organic, no-till farming with cover crops of native grasses, grains, crimson clover, and California poppies. They raise chickens for natural pest control, foster pollinators and native plants, and create habitat for beneficial insects.

What to Try: Estate wines featuring Rhône and Spanish varietals grown in their certified organic vineyards.

Good to Know: The outdoor spaces under mature shade trees provide a comfortable, natural setting for you and your leashed pet to relax while you taste.

WOO GIRL! Cellars

True to its playful name, WOO GIRL! Cellars is all about Winning Others Over through kindness, compassion, and a growth mindset. That welcoming spirit shines through from the moment you arrive at their Acampo estate, tucked within the Mokelumne River AVA.

The property backs up to the water with a gorgeous river deck, while the on-site tasting room and curated gardens offer an intimate escape designed for connection and ease – a place where experiences linger in memory. Four-legged guests can explore the grounds where peacocks wander near the river and the legacy of beloved tasting room cat Zoë, who helped shape the space from its earliest days, lives on in every corner.

WOO GIRL! offfers an intentional portfolio of estate-grown rosé and sparkling wines designed to elevate every season, table, and taste. The rosés are unapologetically refined, offering structure, layered aromatics, and dry, elegant finishes.

What to Try: From vibrant Rosé of Grenache Noir to oak-aged Rosé of Charbono and winter-favorite Rosé of Cabernet Franc, each expression showcases what the estate vineyard can achieve.

Good to Know: Well-behaved pets are welcome to explore the estate grounds, river deck, and gardens. The relaxed atmosphere reflects the winery's philosophy of winning others over through genuine hospitality.

Planning Your Pet-Friendly Wine Country Visit

A Few Friendly Reminders:

While these wineries welcome four-legged guests, a little consideration goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a great experience:

Keep pets leashed – Even the friendliest dogs should remain on-leash in tasting rooms and on winery grounds.
Bring water – Outdoor tasting can get warm, especially in summer months. Bring a portable bowl and fresh water for your pup.
Mind other guests – Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so be aware of your pet's behavior and other visitors' space.
Clean up after your pet – Bring bags and dispose of waste properly.
Know your dog – If your pup gets anxious in new environments or around people, a winery visit might not be the best outing.

Even More Pet-Friendly Options

In addition to these seven featured wineries, many (most!) Lodi tasting rooms welcome well-behaved pets. The region's genuine hospitality extends throughout the wine community, making it easy to plan a full day of wine tasting with your four-legged companion.

Check out the complete list of pet-friendly Lodi wineries below. As always, it's a good idea to call ahead if you have questions about a specific winery's pet policy or if you're planning to visit with a larger group or during a special event.

Wine Country, Your Way

In Lodi, we believe that great wine should be accessible, and that includes being able to share the experience with your four-legged family members. Whether you're planning a full day of wine tasting or just stopping by one or two wineries, you'll find that Lodi's genuine hospitality extends to all guests.

So leash up your pup, load up the car, and discover what makes Lodi wine country special: exceptional wines, beautiful settings, and a spirit of welcome that doesn't require you to leave anyone behind.

Have you visited Lodi with your furry friend? Share your favorite pet-friendly winery experiences with us on social media using #LodiWine and #PetFriendlyLodi.

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