Pet-Friendly Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
WHERE TO STAY
Nestled quietly off the I-15 freeway, Temecula's pet-friendly lodging (from high-end luxury to clean, friendly, economical) is just minutes - even steps - from dynamic, hip, and historic Old Town Temecula, and fascinating, perfectly aged Temecula Valley Wine Country. Secluded on 350 oak-studded acres of natural beauty, pet-friendly, Temecula Creek Inn* is a grand experience for guests and their canine companions. Spacious rooms with private outdoor space welcome up to 2 pets with no size limit. At Embassy Suites Hotel Temecula Wine Country*, first floor suites - each with well-appointed private bedroom and separate living room - allow for dogs up to 25 pounds (limit of 2 pets per suite).
For stretching legs and getting fresh air with dogs-on-leash, a variety of comfortable hotels and motels are nearby Class 1 walking trails (adjacent Jefferson Avenue and Old Town Front Street). Quality Inn Wine Country* allows dogs up to 40 pounds (limit of 2 per room). La Quinta Inn & Suites* welcomes pets up to 25 pounds (limit of 2), with no additional fee. For travelers with pets seeking studios with equipped kitchens, Extended Stay America Temecula Wine Country* is an ideal destination. Pet-friendly, Motel 6* is adjacent Sam Hicks Monument Park with its great expanse of lawn welcoming dogs-on-leash.
Nestled on five, private acres, is pet-friendly Bailey's Wine Country Escape*. In the Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Merlot Houses; the Grape Seed Loft; and the Petite Syrah Condo, pets of any size (no more than 2 large or 3 small) are allowed.
*For the most accommodating stay, please fully inquire about pet policies at time of reservation.
WHERE TO TASTE
Wine tasting is the quintessential experience in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The casual, picturesque region is gaining well-deserved recognition for its premium, quality wines and becoming known for being pet-friendly.
An eclectic variety of Wine Country tasting rooms welcomes leashed, well-mannered dogs. Much-respected pioneer, Hart Winery - where resident dog, Bosco, often greets guests - is a small-scale family operation with a stellar array of red wines. Miramonte Winery - where resident dog, Mira, often roams the winery cellar - is a popular boutique Wine Country stop. Located on a hill with a spectacular view, Falkner Winery specializes in Super Tuscan and Meritage blends; and boutique winery, Stuart Cellars, is passionate about its quality reds for wine lovers. Casual, Bella Vista Winery and gracious, Danza Del Sol are pet-friendly. Along the De Portola Wine Trail, Wine Country visitors with canine companions head to Gershon Bachus (water bowls and breadsticks for dogs during wine tasting) and Oak Mountain Winery (water bowls and dog cookies). Nearby, Robert Renzoni Vineyards grows classic Bordeaux and Italian grape varietals.
Old Town Temecula tasting rooms also welcome leashed, well-mannered dogs, including: Lorimar Wines (popular for its music and art), Tesoro Winery (recognized for its Mediterranean-style wines), and Villa di Calabro Winery (regarded for both its wines and olive oils).
For the alfresco wine tasting experience in Wine Country, the open-air veranda at Monte de Oro Winery has a panoramic view of the valley. In Old Town, visitors with pets seek the outdoor patio of premium wine bar, The Collective, representing small boutique wineries; sample popular varietals on the outdoor patio, at casual, Longshadow Ranch Winery; and enjoy music on the weekends on the outdoor deck at Stellar Cellar.
Cigars are a related sensory experience along Old Town Temecula's Tasting Trail. At Old Town Smoke Shoppe, leashed, well-mannered pets are welcome in the store and on the deck where patrons enjoy Davidoffs and Padr�ns.
WHERE TO DINE
In Old Town, Texas Lil's Mesquite Grill caters to leashed, well-mannered pets at the outdoor tables with complimentary doggie treats and water. Texas Lil's canine menu includes meaty beef ribs, grilled chicken breasts, �-pound and �-pound burger patties, and grilled hot dogs.
Old Town's upscale, casual dining hotspot, Front Street Bar & Grill welcomes leashed, well-mannered pets on the patio with complimentary dog biscuits and a bowl of water. Additional pet-friendly, outdoor, Old Town-dining destinations include the outdoor tables at Palumbo's Ristorante with wonderful Southern Italian cuisine; the historic Bank Mexican Restaurant (celebrated for authentic cuisine); much-loved Soro's Mediterranean Grill; famous-for-BBQ, Sweet Lumpy's; Rosa's Cantina (famous-for-flame-grilled carne asada); the new Granddadz Hot Dogs; and at the outdoor tables and counter at burger-haven, Mad Madeline's Grill.
Old Town coffee houses also embrace leashed, well-mannered dogs at outdoor tables. Pets relax while patrons enjoy robust java at Caf� Bravo, Caf� Daniel, and Starbuck's.
In Wine Country, Carol's Restaurant at Baily Winery welcomes leashed well-mannered pets on the restaurant patio with dog biscuits and fresh water. What to order for that canine companion? The grilled chicken breast. Good to know: resident dog, Baily, frequently greets guests; the Reuben Sandwich with a glass of Baily Sangiovese is legendary. Nearby at Maurice Car'rie Winery on weekends, purchase the famous baked brie in sourdough bread and a bottle of wine, and enjoy in the company of your leashed, well-mannered pet in the picnic area.
WHERE TO SHOP
At the southern end of Old Town, Dan's Feed & Seed stocks merchandise for a variety of pets, horses, and livestock. Shop here for dog beds, food, toys, leashes and collars.
Meanwhile, many of Old Town'sshopkeepers welcome leashed, well-mannered pets in their specialty stores and boutiques. For home, garden, and d�cor, shop The Painted Garden, Rooster Creek, and European Living; specialties, Old Town Records and Quilter's Coop; feminine attire, Up Your Alley; variety of old and new, Serendipity; collectibles, Fourth Street Antiques, and The Country Porch (small dogs only).
WHERE TO MARRY
Temecula Valley Wine Country is one of Southern California'smost romantic wedding venues. By special advance arrangement, it is also a welcoming, warm-hearted choice for brides and grooms wanting to include pets (dogs, cats, ducks) as significant family members in their wedding ceremonies. Most often, it is the honor of bringing the rings down the aisle bestowed on these companions.
Pet-friendly Temecula Creek Inn** is a tranquil world all its own, with natural surroundings providing peaceful, wedding elegance. Falkner Winery** has distinction for its award-winning wines, gracious hospitality, and beautiful, wine country setting. Monte de Oro Winery** is a stunning estate with spacious veranda. Stuart Cellars** garners a reputation for friendly charm, fine winemaking, and perfect weddings.
Along the De Portola Wine Trail, Gershon Bachus** features 360o degree views and Oak Mountain Winery** is perched a top a hill will panoramic vistas. Both provide memorable wine and wedding experiences.
**For ideal wedding planning, please fully inquire about pet policies at initial site visit.
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleashed dogs love the play areas at Temecula's Red Hawk Community Park; one is designated for large dogs; one, for small dogs. Also, to be enjoyed while dog is on-leash and under owner's control are the 14.6 acre, tree-lined park with expansive lawn, walking trails, and picnic tables.
Many pets love the scents and sites of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve's dogs-on-leash trails: patches of coastal sage scrub, oaks, native grasslands, chaparral, rabbits, horned lizards. The 6.8 miles of interconnecting trails include Sylvan Meadows, Cajalco Trail, Tovashol Trail, Shvela Trail, and Stevenson Canyon. (Trails are shared with horses and bicycles.)
By special, advance arrangements, leashed, well-mannered, canine companions may accompany their owners on recreational outings. Wine Country Trails by Horseback*** provides year-round rides into the vineyards; and The Maxx Taxi*** tour offers back-country, winery tours.
***For the most enjoyable experience, please inquire about full pet policies at time of reservation.
****Information is believed to be accurate but is subject to change. Please call ahead for the latest details.
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