Dog-friendly wineries, patio season, and a very good reason to pack the leash.
Original BLOG by Jennifer Flynn, Chief Fun Maker & Experience Curator at The Grove Hospitality Group (May 12, 2026)
There are wine trails. There are patio days. And then there are the glorious little adventures where your dog gets to come along and act like they personally invented sunshine.
Welcome to the Official Unofficial Pup Crawl of EPIC Wine Country – our guide to dog-friendly wineries in Essex County, inspired by the good folks at EPIC Wineries and built for anyone who believes the best travel companions have four legs, questionable personal boundaries, and a deep commitment to sniffing every blade of grass along the way.
If you’re staying with us at The Grove Motel in Colchester or The Grove Hotel in Kingsville, this is exactly the kind of getaway we love: easygoing afternoons, winery patios, sunshine, local wine, spontaneous detours, and dogs living their absolute best lives.
And honestly? This region was practically built for it. With scenic county roads, laid-back winery patios, lake breezes, and one of Ontario’s most underrated wine scenes, EPIC Wine Country is kind of a dream setup for a pup-friendly weekend escape.
So leash up your little wine tour buddy. Patio season has officially entered the chat.
What Exactly Is a Pup Crawl?
Think of it as a wine tour… but less rigid. No schedules. No matching polo shirts. No rushing through tastings like you’re competing in the Wine Olympics.
A Pup Crawl is about slowing down and enjoying the day:
- one patio at a time
- one glass at a time
- one “OMG CAN I PET YOUR DOG?” interaction at a time
It’s the kind of day where:
- your dog gets compliments from strangers every 12 minutes
- somebody orders a charcuterie board they definitely don’t need
- you accidentally buy six bottles of wine because “future you deserves happiness”
- and nobody’s in a hurry to be anywhere else
Frankly, we support this energy.
Dog-Friendly Wineries in EPIC Wine Country
From lakefront patios to laid-back countryside vineyards, these dog-friendly wineries in Essex County make it easy to turn a simple afternoon into a full-blown Pup Crawl. Here’s the current list of dog-friendly wineries shared by EPIC Wineries that welcome pups on outdoor patios and designated areas.
As always, policies can change and some restrictions may apply, so we recommend checking directly with the winery before visiting, especially during busy weekends or special events.
Colio Estate Winery
Colio Estate Winery in Harrow, Ontario is one of the OG names in Essex County wine country. Spacious grounds, easygoing patio vibes, and a great starting point for your Pup Crawl adventure.
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
Beautiful property, polished atmosphere, and one of the most relaxing patios in the region. Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards and The Vines Restaurant in Harrow, Ontario is a strong “sit here longer than planned” situation – ideal for families and pups alike.
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW)
A staple of the EPIC Wine Route and a perfect, walkable stop if you’re staying at The Grove Motel in Colchester. CREW – Colchester Ridge Estate Winery in Harrow, Ontario is a laid-back, approachable, and very bike-route-and-patio-season energy (which often has live music to add to the mix).
Dancing Swallows Vineyard
Dancing Swallows Vineyard in Amherstburg, Ontario is quiet, scenic, and charming in a way that makes you briefly wonder if you should quit your job and become a vineyard owner.
Kingscoast Estate Winery
Kingscoast Estate Winery in Kingsville, Ontario is the newest addition to the region with gorgeous design, beautiful views, and a vibe that somehow feels both elevated and completely relaxed at the same time.
Mastronardi Estate Winery
With it’s relaxed patio energy, and a subdued social atmosphere that pairs exceptionally well with wine tasting, sunshine and sunglasses, Mastronardi Estate Winery is worth the short-drive outside of Kingsville, Ontario.
Muscedere Vineyards
One of Essex County’s hidden gems. Cozy, intimate, and ideal for a slower-paced stop on your route.
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
A must-visit destination featuring wine, culinary experiences, lavender products, and grounds that basically demand a photo op.
Paglione Estate Winery
Warm hospitality, approachable wines, and an atmosphere that feels wonderfully unpretentious.
Pelee Island Winery
One of the biggest names in Ontario wine and an easy addition to a relaxed afternoon exploring Kingsville and the surrounding area.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
Lakefront views, beach energy, and one of the most iconic winery patios in Essex County. This one practically screams “summer.”
Viewpointe Estate Winery
Known for incredible sunsets and elevated lake views. If your dog could post Instagram stories, this place would absolutely make the highlight reel.
VIN Winery
Modern, stylish, and consistently one of the coolest stops along the trail.
Windmill Ridge Winery
Relaxed countryside charm with vineyard views that feel straight out of a postcard.
Planning the Ultimate Essex County Pup Crawl
There are two important rules to a successful Pup Crawl:
Rule #1: Don’t Overdo It
This isn’t a race. Pick 3 to 5 wineries max, leave room for spontaneous stops, and accept that one patio will inevitably turn into a “well… I guess we live here now” situation.
Rule #2: Your Dog Sets the Tone
Some dogs are patio professionals. Others reach emotional exhaustion after 17 minutes and one squirrel sighting. Know your audience.
Things to Bring:
- water
- treats
- poop bags
- shade if needed
- and realistic expectations about whether your dog actually enjoys social environments
Not every pup dreams of winery life, and that’s okay too.
Stay Somewhere That Loves Dogs Too
At The Grove Motel in Colchester, we offer dedicated Pup-Friendly Rooms because we know that for a lot of people, a weekend getaway doesn’t really feel complete without the dog riding shotgun.
Our motel’s relaxed 70s-inspired vibe, outdoor hangout spaces, walkable location, and proximity to the EPIC Wine Route make it a pretty perfect home base for your wine country adventure.
Translation:
- less stressful travel
- easier patio hopping
- happier humans
- happier dogs
Which is really the dream.
The Real Secret to a Great Pup Crawl
It’s not actually about the wine. Okay… it’s partially about the wine. But mostly, it’s about those weirdly perfect little moments:
- your dog falling asleep under the patio table
- discovering a winery you’ve never heard of
- lake breezes and late afternoon sunshine
- conversations that somehow last three hours
- buying wine you absolutely did not budget for
- and realizing that some of the best weekends are the ones that aren’t overplanned
That’s kind of the magic of Essex County. And honestly? We think dogs figured that out long before humans did.
Ready to Plan Your Pup Crawl?
Book one of our Pup-Friendly Rooms at The Grove Motel, grab the leash, call your dog’s emotional support humans, and start mapping out your wine country adventure.
The patios are waiting. 🍷🐾
