WINERIES WELCOME CANINES.

Tasting rooms welcome wellbehaved canines on leash

If you think you’re seeing more and more dogs at wineries, you’d be correct. In the last decade, dog ownership has gone up 29 percent, and about 105 million Americans own dogs. So who will let the dogs in on your day out in Wine Country?

The answer is, quite a lot of them, at least in Sonoma County, which is a little bit petfriendlier than Napa Valley. While most tasting rooms restrict your pup to their outdoor areas, that’s still an improvement on leaving them at home or in the car.

As a general rule, keep your dogs on a leash. Unfriendly dogs are like overly tannic wines: They just make you want to wince. So if your dog falls under that category, it’s best to leave him or her at home. Also, dog friendly is just that: dog friendly. Don’t expect admittance for your emotional support peacock. The restrictions are not necessarily the wineries’ fault; they have strict regulations on how and when they can serve wine, and a number of them offer food pairings, which can prevent them from allowing dogs on the premises.

It’s a doggy world out there; here’s how to explore it through wine in Sonoma County.

Ceja: Although the Ceja family also produces beer and vodka, the Sonoma tasting room revolves around their wine — and is happy to host your wellbehaved pet. Gundlach Bundschu: Saunter over to the Vista Courtyard for a casual tasting. The winery welcomes dogs both inside and outside. But if you’re looking for a more indepth experience, it’s better to leave your dog at home. Dogs are not on the cave tour or the underground tasting for safety reasons.

Roth Estate: The expansive front courtyard is equipped with tables, bocce ball and plenty of room for dogs to roam, on leash. Because of Roth Estate’s food service, state regulations bar dogs from the tasting room, unless they are certified service animals.

Chalk Hill Estate: Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they’re leashed.

Dry Creek Vineyard: The quaint outdoor area has picnic tables for you and plenty of grass for your dogs. Here, pups, picnics and even children are welcomed, as long as you taste indoors. Kunde: If you love hiking with Benji, you’re in luck. The barnlike tasting room hosts a dog hike three times a year through the vineyards. If you’re more the sitandsip type, take advantage of the outdoor seating on the sustainable property. Alexander Valley: A friendly staff will welcome you to taste inside or relax in the yard for a peaceful wine experience. Think of this as a hitandrun tasting. You’ll get

Conor McLaughlin gets a kiss from his dog, Ava, as he and Paige McLaughlin sip wine at Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen.

Photos by Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle Britta Aldridge and Meelad Kharazian enjoy wine with their dogs at Benzinger Family Winery in Glen Ellen.