Enjoy a Day in St. Helena With Your Dog

Celebrate the finest Napa Valley has to offer with a trip to the bustling town of St. Helena, nestled in the heart of wine country. Experience St. Helena’s delightful countryside, world-renowned wineries, and delectable dining options with your four-legged friend. Let this charming wine town inspire your next Napa Valley visit with this doggy day trip.

Explore St. Helena’s Natural Beauty

Start the day off with an activity that will tire out your pup. This may help to mellow your dog as you wine and dine your way through town. St. Helena has plenty of outdoor space for you and your pup to traverse. Take your dog for a walk along the Lake Hennessey reservoir or explore St. Helena’s rich history on the 2.4-mile History Trail loop. For an enclosed space where your dog can run free, visit the dog park within Wappo Park, which is tucked behind the Napa Valley College parking lot.

Merryvale Vineyards

After your stroll, head to St. Helena’s quaint downtown and pay a visit to the iconic and dog-friendly Merryvale Vineyards. The historic building was the first winery in Napa Valley to open after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Try their 2012 Profile red blend with aromas of dark sweet cherry, black currant, plum, spice, toast, and dried herbs. The sweetness of the fruit notes are accentuated by notes of red currant, green tea, dried rose petals, toffee, and tobacco. The Antigua dessert wine is also a crowd-pleaser, with complex nut and orange-peel aromas that highlight the subtleties from the fine brandy and time spent in French oak barrels. Reservations are not required.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Only a two-minute walk from Merryvale Vineyards is the ultra popular Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch restaurant. Dine on their front outdoor patio and bar with your pooch and enjoy a glass from their extensive Long Meadow wine list. The patio is comfortable, with large chairs and couches, low rustic tables and higher bar tables. Their American farmhouse cuisine is sourced directly from their farm, ranch, and vineyards and is subject to change with availability. Visitors rave about their warm and crispy cheddar biscuits with honey butter. And anything fresh from their smoker is always cooked to perfection.

The Saint

For a nightcap, head to The Saint further north on Main Street in downtown. This rustic wine bar serves up the best boutique wines from around the globe. Try one of their light, sweet, and savory desserts like the pistachio custard jar or dark chocolate mound and pair it with one of their port wines from Portugal. They welcome dogs, but they must be kept on a short leash and close to you at all times.

Ready to take on a different town with your four-legged friend? Explore the beautiful town of Napa on the banks of the Napa River for another fun day out with your pup. 

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After your day out on the town, unwind at the Wine Country Inn & Cottages and Cottages, a dog-friendly boutique hotel in St. Helena, only minutes from Main Street. Take advantage of our special Pet Agree Package, now for a limited time.