Dog-Friendly Temecula: Wine, Food, and a Tail-Wagging Time

Photo of a dog in front of a vineyard

In Temecula wine country, we love our four-legged friends. Some wineries hold events just for them, and a few restaurants even have K-9 menus. How cute is that?

This itinerary is best for 2-4 people and 1 or 2 dogs who want to explore wine country and Old Town Temecula. We’ll also give you some tips on dog-friendly trails and parks around town if Fido needs a little exercise. 

Because most dog-friendly areas are outside, it’s important to consider the time of year of your visit. Late July through September can be very hot, so winter and spring are probably the best seasons to bring your dog.

Many thanks to Tebow in Temecula (and his mom) for being our model throughout the itinerary. Top photo by Cari Gordonne.

DOG-FRIENDLY Itinerary
at a Glance

Dining

1909

Corkfire Kitchen

Cougar Winery

Mount Palomar Winery

Blackbird Tavern

Wine Tasting

Akash Winery

Halter Ranch Temecula

Cougar Winery

Wiens Cellars

Mount Palomar Winery

Places to Stay

Temecula Creek Inn

Carter Estate Winery

South Coast Winery Resort & Spaa

See details

Friday Afternoon

Two dogs at Akash Winery

Wine (or Beer) With a View at Akash Winery

Akash Winery is a lively venue with gorgeous vineyard views and a resort-like feel. It’s designed to be a primarily outdoor experience, which makes it an ideal place to spend your wine country weekend with your furry family. Taste some wine (the Zinfandel is great) or grab a beer (they brew their own) and listen to live music. They even have a few doggie-focused events throughout the year, like the “Santa Paws” party at Christmas time. Akash is one of the few wineries that stay open into the early evening. You can hang out here as late as 7 pm. 39730 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591

Arm chairs and bistro table on a pathway overlooking a vineyard.

Wine Tasting at Halter Ranch Temecula

Paso Robles-based Halter Ranch Winery opened their Temecula tasting room in 2004. They serve beautiful Paso and Temecula-grown French-style wines and an outdoor seating area that wraps around the tasting room. Be sure to try their signature Ancestor wine. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec and is absolutely delicious. 41300 Ave Biona, Temecula, CA 92591

The entrance to 1909 in Old Town

Dinner in Old Town Temecula

When it’s time for dinner, stretch all four legs with a walk around Old Town Temecula. While out on your walk, put your name down at 1909 Fluid & Fare in Old Town Temecula. With its crowd-pleasing, eclectic menu (Crab & Shrimp Empanadas, Ahi Tartar, Rustic Chicken Risotto) and large patio, 1909 is a good choice for dinner with your pup. They have a doggie menu and will bring a water bowl upon request.  28656 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590

Saturday Itinerary

Breakfast at Corkfire Kitchen and a Romp in the Park

Book a table outside at Corkfire Kitchen at the Temecula Creek Inn and take in the stunning views of their award-winning golf course and chef’s garden as you dine. On your way into wine country, stop off at Redhawk Community Park to let your pup burn off some energy. At the back, there’s a large dog park with separate sections for large and small animals. Corkfire Kitchen: 44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

If you’re up for a longer walk, try the Vail Lake Loop, which welcomes dogs on a leash.

A dog standing beneath a sign for Wiens Cellars that also reads "Big Reds"

Big Reds On the Patio at Wiens Cellars

Start your wine tasting journey at Wiens Cellars.. Their outdoor patio is almost entirely covered, so little paws won’t get too hot while you sample from their menu of outstanding red wines. The 2021 Red Crowded is easy drinking as is the Dualis blend.  Wiens can get crowded on a Saturday, so visit here first to ensure a table. 35055 Via del, Ponte Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Adirondack chairs looking out over a vineyard.
The Adirondack chairs on Cougar’s patio are perfectly placed for maximum view appreciation.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery

For lunch + wine tasting, visit Cougar Vineyard and Winery. They have a wide selection of made-to-order Italian fare at their deli including homemade pizza. Place your order, then relax in an Adirondack chair overlooking the gorgeous vineyards. A server will bring your meal out to you. Cougar doesn’t simply allow dogs at their winery; they have a K-9 dog club and a dog menu.  39870 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Stone entryway to Mount Palomar flanked by statues and large barrels
The grand entrance to Mount Palomar Winery.

Dinner at Mount Palomar

“Proud to be dog friendly,” the Mount Palomar Winery grounds evoke a large European estate perfect for strolling. The restaurant has a classic Temecula wine country menu of salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and steak and salmon entrees. On the weekends, there is usually live music to accompany your meal. They offer a full bar and craft cocktail menu along with their wine. Allow time to walk the enormous property to make your reservation in time. 33820 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Sunday Brunch in Old Town

The bar at Blackbird Tavern

Blackbird Tavern

Before you leave town, enjoy Sunday brunch at BlackBird Tavern in Old Town. It’s a casual, converted old barn that serves an eclectic mix of brunch fare like chilaquiles, a croissant breakfast sandwich, chicken & waffles, and chocolate French toast. The Italian Bennie is delicious, and dogs are permitted in the bar and out on the back patio.

All Dog-Friendly Wineries in Temecula

Dog-Friendly Places to Stay

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The pool at South Coast Winery's Spa.
South Coast Winery & Resort

South Coast Winery has a restaurant, spa, and pool on property. Your pooch gets his or her own welcome bag upon check-in!

Temecula Creek Inn and view of Golf Course
Photo credit: Expedia
Temecula Creek Inn

Temecula Creek Inn is an oasis on the west side of town. Cork Fire Kitchen, on this itinerary, is on the property, as is a resort pool and an award-winning golf course.

A patio with a vineyard view.
Photo credit: Expedia
Carter Estate Winery & Resort

With rooms and resort pool that extend out into the vineyard, Carter Estate is another excellent choice. Especially if you’re interested in traditional method sparkling wine, their tasting room is just a stroll down the driveway.