Like many, I like to take my dogs with me when I travel, especially when I am visiting wineries. Although my trip to the Tualatin Valley did not include my dogs, I made sure to discover dog-friendly places to take them in the future. If you want to bring your dog along to Tualatin Valley, here are some destinations that you might like to consider.
Tualatin Valley is an area west of Portland. The Tualatin River meanders through the valley. The Tualatin Mountains lie on the northern border of the valley and divide the region from the city of Portland. The Chehalem Mountains are the southern border. Tualatin represents the northern portion of the Willamette Valley.
The Tualatin Valley is made up of over a dozen cities, including Hillsboro and Beaverton. Spring is the ideal time to visit. The luscious green landscape accented by colorful blooming Rhododendron invites you to weave your way through the countryside.
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The area is part of the Chehalem AVA, established in 2006. The soils consist of three types: basaltic, ocean sedimentary, and loess. The Loess soils are known as Laurelwood and specific to certain parts of the Chehalem AVA.
Dog-Friendly Places Hotels
First and foremost, one needs a place to stay with their pooch. Aloft Hillsboro-Beaverton is ideal. Many hotel chains now offer what I call efficient accommodations with a sleek, modern, and techy feel, yet still maintain comfort. I consider Oregon a very green state with many open spaces to walk your dog. Take your dog for a stroll in one of many grassy spots that surround the Aloft. Fido stays free of charge. Walking in at the main entrance of the hotel, a dish full of milk bones and a bowl of water greets you.
Aloft doggie program is called ARF; Animals are Fun. Those staying with a dog will find in their room a dog mat, Frisbee, doggie wipes, and a container of bags to pick up after your dog. You also receive a water bowl and food dish.
Although I did not stay there, McMenamins Grand Lodge allows pets. The cost is $15. Dogs are allowed at the red picnic table at Pat’s Corner and the side patio of the Ironwork Grill. There are a few rules that must be followed; please make sure that you read them before making your reservations.
Dog-Friendly Places
Tualatin Valley is loaded with dog parks, so there is plenty to do with your canine kid. One of the most popular parks with locals is Hondo Dog Park in Hillsboro.
Many restaurants have outdoor patios where you can enjoy a pleasant meal with your dog.
If you are a wine lover, many wineries in the Tualatin Valley allow dogs both inside the tasting room and at the very least on the property. Tualatin Valley is so dedicated to their four-legged friends that they sponsor Canines Uncorked, a wine-tasting event each year organized by the North Willamette Vintners, which supports the Oregon Humane Society and benefits shelter animals.
You can purchase your “License to Taste” which allows you and your canine friend to visit any of the 15 participating wineries. Some of the pet-centric activities include pet massage, agility, follow-the-nose games, doggie pools, and more. For more information, visit the Canines Uncorked website.
Dog-Friendly Places Wineries
My visit took me to the following Dog-Friendly wineries:
Elk Cove:
Probably the most picturesque winery with exquisite views. The winery is situated on 60 acres with rolling hills and surrounded by pine trees. It is also the perfect location to sit and enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the vista. The winery allows dogs both inside and outside the tasting room.
Ruby Vineyards:
Probably one of the best examples of the Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem AVA. This boutique winery is situated in an old dairy building, originally built in 1946. The winery sits on 40 acres at a higher elevation with some vineyards dating back to 1979. Today, they grow Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. One must make sure the try the Rosé of Pinot Gris.
While visiting Ruby Vineyards, you might meet Stanley, the winery dog. The winery allows well-behaved dogs both inside the tasting room and outside.
Hawks View:
Originally purchased for retirement by the Kemp family, they planted vineyards in 1981. In 2008, the tasting room opened, and in 2017, the winery was sold to Ponte Family Estate in Temecula. Hawks View is run separately from the other Ponte properties. One must try the Carbonic Pinot Noir, a summer red wine that could be served chilled or at room temperature. The winery allows dogs on the outside patio.
David Hill Vineyards & Winery:
Probably the oldest winery and steeped in history. Today, the tasting room resides in the original farmhouse, known as the Reuter Family homestead, which was built in 1883. Prohibition destroyed the vineyards that the Reuter’s planted. In 1965, Charles Coury, one of the area’s founding fathers, planted many of the vines that remain on the property today. The legacy of these vines also represents the influence of the Laurelwood soils on Pinot Noir grapes and other varieties. David Hill is another picturesque winery that allows dogs to join their owners outside in the gardens. Find a perfect spot to picnic.
Fruit Wines and More
Oak Knoll: The winery resides in an old dairy barn dating back to 1917, and is one of the oldest wineries in Washington County. Ronald and Marjorie Vuylsteke started the winery in the 1970s after Marj’s homemade fruit wines became very popular. Although they make Pinot Noir, they are best known for their fruit wines. These include Frambrosia, Marion Berries, and Oregon Raspberry Wine. The winery sources most of its grapes and is known more for its fruit, sweet wines, and Pinot Noir.
Today, Greg Vuylsteke is the president of the winery. You will see Greg’s dog, Lucy, wandering the property. The pastoral grounds are perfect for a picnic with Fido.
Plum Hill Winery: Also a dairy farm that was purchased in 2007 by RJ and Juanita Lint. The winery is known nationally as one of the top pet-friendly wineries in the United States. Dogs are welcome either in the tasting room or outside the winery. The winery has a doggie run located in the shade. Doggie biscuits greet your dog, and sometimes they make doggie snow cones. Every Friday is Yappy Hour at the winery. You will meet Ghost, the Labrador, and Remy.
One must taste the White Lace NV made from the Schoenberger grape, a Hybrid grape from Germany and a cross between Muscat and Pinot Noir. Find flavors of honeysuckle, pear, stone, and stone fruit. Plum Hill is the only winery in the United States growing this grape and making the wine.
Additional Dog-Friendly Wineries
Alloro Vineyard
Apolloni Vineyards
Árdíri Winery & Vineyards
Cooper Mountain Vineyards
David Hill Vineyards & Winery
Patton Valley Vineyard
Visit the Tualatin Valley Website to learn more about these wineries.
Dog-Friendly SakéOne
If you are a lover of Sake, you will not want to miss SakéOne, the largest American Sake producer in the United States. You will find three types of Sake, including their fruit-infused varieties. Dogs are allowed on the patio.
You will not regret bringing your dog along on a trip to Tualatin Valley, as you will both enjoy a bonding experience while taking in the gorgeous Oregon scenery.
Note: Common to the travel industry and wine industry, this writer was hosted in accommodations, meals, and winery visits and tastings. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.