If you’re anything like me, your dog goes where you go, even on wine-tasting weekends.
Over the years, I’ve explored Prince Edward County many times with my dog Henry and gradually realized how naturally the region lends itself to slower travel with a dog. Scenic back roads, vineyard patios, quieter countryside settings, and wineries where lingering for a while feels encouraged rather than rushed.
Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly wineries in Prince Edward County where your pup is just as welcome as you are.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend escape or just a day trip from Toronto or somewhere in the GTA, PEC is an easy drive with a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a little getaway, with or without a leash.
Over the years, I’ve explored the County with my dog and found some fantastic spots that offer great wine, friendly service, and most importantly, space and comfort for dogs.
I’ll share my top eight favourite dog-friendly wineries, a route that makes them easy to visit in a day, and practical tips to make the most of your wine tasting—with your pup by your side.
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What Makes Prince Edward County So Dog Friendly?
Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a big shift: more people are travelling with their dogs, and I’m definitely one of them.
Whether it’s weekend road trips or just day outings, our pets are becoming part of the experience, not left behind.
One of the reasons I enjoy visiting Prince Edward County with a dog more than some other Ontario wine regions is the pace.
The County naturally feels slower and more spread out. Instead of moving between crowded tasting rooms, the experience here often revolves around scenic drives, outdoor patios, quieter winery settings, and lingering over a glass of wine while your dog relaxes nearby.
Many wineries also have large outdoor spaces, shaded picnic areas, vineyard lawns, and quieter countryside settings that make the experience much more enjoyable when travelling with a dog.
Now, let’s be clear, when a winery says it’s dog-friendly, it usually means your dog must be leashed, is welcome outdoors, and might even get a bowl of water or the occasional treat. Some spots go the extra mile with shady seating or even a little attention from staff who love dogs as much as you do.
Prince Edward County vs Niagara Wine Country With a Dog
As much as I enjoy Niagara wine country, which is close to home, Prince Edward County offers a noticeably different experience when travelling with a dog.
The relaxed, laid-back feel of PEC wineries reminds me of the wineries in the Niagara region I visit with my dog in the Bench area, which is between Beamsville and Jordan. But, it’s not the same as the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which I find are far busier, and can be a bit more flashy.
Here, the wineries tend to feel more spread out and relaxed, with scenic drives becoming just as much a part of the day as the winery visits themselves. There’s usually less pressure to rush through tastings, and many patios feel quieter and more connected to the surrounding landscape.
Honestly, some of my favourite visits to Prince Edward County have involved only two wineries, a long lunch, and time to wander one or two small towns in between. I also find The County lends itself especially well to slower weekends.
My Top 8 Dog-Friendly Wineries in Prince Edward County
Here are my favourite dog-friendly wineries in Prince Edward County that both Henry (my Vizsla) and I loved.
Each of these spots offers great wine, welcoming vibes, and a space where dogs are more than just tolerated; they’re truly part of the experience.
Hillier Creek Estates Winery
Vibe: Quiet and rustic with a scenic setting
Wine highlight: I loved their Estate Pinot Noir, smooth, earthy, and easy to sip outdoors
Back story: The property was originally granted to an army doctor after the War of 1812, the first to give soldiers the smallpox vaccine. Over time, it was turned into farmland, and today, the century-old barn has been beautifully restored. It now serves as the tasting room and event space, blending history with a cozy, relaxed vibe.
With Henry: This was a fun stop. Henry found a friend as the owner had their golden doodle roaming around.
Hinterland Wine Company
Vibe: Cool, modern, and focused on bubbly
Wine highlight: Their Whitecap Sparkling was crisp and refreshing, so perfect for a warm afternoon (I always buy these two bottles: Borealis Charmat, Rosé Traditional)
With Henry: Lots of shaded space and a laid-back atmosphere. Henry was quite popular here; he got more attention than I did!
Grange Winery
Vibe: Historic, rustic, and surrounded by nature
Wine highlight: Their Chardonnay is barrel-aged and full-bodied, and definitely a standout
With Henry: This felt like a real farm visit. Henry and I took a walk around the grounds before settling under a tree near the patio. It’s a great stop for dogs who like a bit of adventure
Closson Chase Vineyards
Vibe: Artistic and colourful with a charming barn-style tasting room
Wine highlight: Their Closson Chase Pinot Gris was delicate and balanced—a lovely summer pick. Plus, I enjoy their Closson Chase Churchside Pinot Noir, which is a perfect choice for a charcuterie board
With Henry: We found a quiet spot on the lawn where he could relax while I sipped and took in the view. The team was friendly and welcoming to both of us.
Rosehall Run Vineyards
Vibe: Relaxed, casual, and a great place for a picnic
Wine highlight: I enjoyed their JCR Pinot Noir, an elegant wine with a soft finish
Backstory: This is one of the longest-standing wineries in the County, and you’ll spot their wines on menus at local favourites like The Drake Devonshire. Their Vintner’s Daughter label was even made just for the restaurant. With so many award-winning wines, a tasting flight here is a must.
With Henry: The picnic area here is ideal for dogs. I brought a blanket, and we had a little snack break together. Definitely one of Henry’s favourite spots.
Tip: I highly recommend a coffee stop at Enid Grace Culinary & Piccolina in Wellington. It transports me to Italy every time I walk through their doors.
Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard
Vibe: Bustling and foodie-friendly with wood-fired pizza
Wine highlight: The County Chardonnay was a standout with its mineral-driven and fresh
With Henry: It gets a bit busier here, but dogs are not welcome on the dining patio. Henry stayed cool under the tasting table while I indulged in wine and a slice of pizza.
Karlo Estates
Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and proudly dog-loving
Wine highlight: Their Three Witches White Blend was fun and a little unexpected, with its floral notes and zesty finish. I recommend you go for Sextus, which gets all 6 of the best varieties in one bottle (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère)
With Henry: This winery really embraces dogs. There’s even a sign that reads “Dogs Welcome—Humans Tolerated.” Henry was treated like royalty, and we both felt right at home.
Waupoos Estates Winery
Vibe: Scenic and elegant with lake views
Wine highlight: Their Cabernet Franc was bold and memorable, as are their ciders
With Henry: We wrapped up our day here. There’s lots of open space and gorgeous views, which made for a perfect slow moment. Henry sprawled out on the grass while I enjoyed my last glass of the day (dogs are not allowed on the terrace of the restaurant).
Suggested Wine Route for Day Trippers
One thing I’ve learned after years of wine tasting with Henry is that fewer stops almost always make for a better day.
I personally find one to two wineries is the ideal pace when visiting Prince Edward County with a dog. It leaves enough time to actually enjoy the atmosphere at each stop instead of constantly getting back in the car, which tends to reset their energy level.
My dog is better behaved when I offer different activities in a day, and to them, visiting the winery is the same activity.
If you’re coming to Prince Edward County for the day and want to make the most of your time (without crisscrossing the countryside), here are a few practical wine routes I’ve personally tested with my dog Henry in tow.
These routes let you hit 4–6 wineries in one go, while keeping the drive times short and the sipping time long. So I would pick and choose which stops you make and not do all stops in one afternoon.
Route #1: The Closson Road Cluster
This is a great option if you want to visit several wineries back-to-back with barely any driving in between.
- Start at Hillier Creek Estates Winery
- Drive 4.4 km to Hinterland Wine Company
- Continue 1.4 km to Grange of Prince Edward
- Finish 1.6 km down the road at Closson Chase Vineyards
Tip: Pack a few snacks and plan for a picnic-style stop; several of these wineries have shaded spots where your pup can chill while you taste.
Route #2: Food + Wine Lovers’ Loop
This short route combines great wines and delicious food with dog-friendly patios, making it ideal for lunch and leisurely sipping.
- Start at Rosehall Run Vineyards
- Just 600 m down the road, stop at Norman Hardie Winery (don’t skip the pizza!)
- Finish with a 6.4 km drive to Karlo Estates
Tip: This route works well mid-day, especially if you’re planning a longer stop for food.
Route #3: Mix & Match Flex Route
This one gives you more flexibility depending on your starting point or how much time you have.
- Start at Hillier Creek Estates Winery
- Drive 5.3 km to Norman Hardie Winery
- From there, it’s just 600 m to Rosehall Run
- Optional add-on: Head to Karlo Estates (6.4 km) or loop back toward Route #1, starting with Hinterland
Tip: If you’re staying overnight nearby, this route works well to split over two days—perfect if you’re visiting with a dog and want to keep things relaxed.
Why I Love Exploring Ontario With a Dog
One of the best parts about visiting these wineries in Prince Edward County was having Henry with me; curious, relaxed, and always ready for the next stop. It made the whole experience feel more special and easygoing.
If you’ve been thinking about a wine day with your pup, go for it.
I’ve found similar feelings in places like Norfolk County and Caledon, though each offers a completely different kind of Ontario escape. Norfolk County feels quieter and more under the radar, shaped by Lake Erie beach towns, rural roads, and hidden discoveries along the way. Caledon, meanwhile, feels more connected to rolling hills, scenic drives, forests, and tiny countryside hamlets closer to Toronto.
Since I first wrote this, I’ve had to say goodbye to my beloved Henry. These winery visits are now some of my favourite memories with him; joyful moments I’ll always treasure.
As was, visiting some of Ontario’s best small towns. He was always up for a good road trip. That’s one of the reasons why I love Guess Where Trips.
Their themed Ontario road trips are built around experiencing the province differently through scenic drives, wineries, small towns, cafés, hidden gems, and slower discoveries you might never have planned yourself. Several of their trips are also dog-friendly, which makes them even more enjoyable if your dog travels everywhere with you, too.
If you love slower Ontario day trips built around discovery rather than rushing through a checklist, I think you’ll genuinely enjoy them.
