Pet-Friendly Wine Estates | Wine Fly Guide

Love wine but can't bear to leave your furry friend at home? The Cape Winelands has a growing number of estates that warmly welcome dogs (and sometimes other pets!). These estates understand that for many of us, our pets are family members who deserve to join our adventures.

From estates with dedicated dog bowls and shaded areas to those with walking trails perfect for four-legged exploration, here are the best pet-friendly wine destinations where tails wag as enthusiastically as wine glasses clink.

🐕 Pet-Friendly Wine Tasting Etiquette

Call ahead: Confirm pet policies, especially for indoor spaces
Keep on leash: Even if your dog is friendly, others might not be
Bring water bowl & waste bags: Be a responsible pet owner
Watch temperature: Avoid midday heat; mornings/afternoons are better
Know your dog: If they're reactive or anxious, outdoor-only estates work best
Clean up immediately: Respect the property and other guests
Tip generously: When staff provide water bowls or treats for your pet

Boschendal

Dog Heaven in the Winelands

Boschendal is legendary among dog owners. The estate actively welcomes dogs with water bowls throughout the property and shaded picnic areas perfect for lounging with your pet. The sprawling grounds offer plenty of space for walks, and staff often greet furry visitors with treats. Their picnic option is ideal—blanket on the lawn, dog by your side, and wine in hand.

Pet Perks: Water bowls provided, massive lawns for running, shaded picnic spots, walking trails, staff dog treats, both indoor and outdoor seating, other dogs to socialize with

Vergelegen

Historic Beauty with Walking Trails

Vergelegen's magnificent gardens and walking trails make it a paradise for dogs who love to explore. While dogs aren't allowed in the formal manor house gardens, the estate has extensive grounds where leashed dogs are welcome. The octogenarian Camphor trees create natural shade, and the estate's size means your dog gets a proper walk while you enjoy world-class wines.

Pet Perks: Extensive walking trails, historic trees for shade, large property to explore, outdoor tasting areas, beautiful scenery for walking, generally quiet atmosphere

Kleine Zalze

Terrace Dining with Dogs

The terrace restaurant at Kleine Zalze welcomes well-behaved dogs, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy a full meal with your pet beside you. The grounds include a pond and gardens where dogs can walk, and the estate has a genuinely pet-friendly atmosphere. Water bowls appear without asking, and staff are unfailingly kind to four-legged guests.

Pet Perks: Dogs allowed on terrace restaurant, water bowls provided, gardens and pond for walking, shaded areas, relaxed atmosphere, other pet-friendly diners

Allée Bleue

Picnic Paradise for Pooches

Allée Bleue's expansive lawns and country atmosphere make dogs feel right at home. The estate is spacious, uncrowded, and laid-back. Their picnic baskets can be enjoyed anywhere on the lawn—perfect for letting your dog relax while you taste their excellent wines. The estate often has resident farm dogs who are friendly with visiting pups.

Pet Perks: Huge open lawns, country atmosphere, resident farm dogs, uncrowded, picnic-friendly, plenty of shade under trees, relaxed vibe

Morgenster Estate

Italian-Style Dog Welcome

This Italian-influenced estate welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas and provides water bowls without prompting. The olive grove walking trails are perfect for dogs, and the estate's layout gives pets plenty to sniff and explore. The restaurant's terrace seating welcomes dogs, and the staff genuinely loves animals—you can tell this is a place where pets are valued guests.

Pet Perks: Olive grove walks, terrace dining allowed, water bowls provided, Italian-style welcome extends to pets, beautiful grounds for walking, shade from olive trees

Lourensford Wine Estate

Market Days and Dog Days

Lourensford's Saturday market is a favorite among dog owners—you'll see more dogs than at a dog park! The estate actively welcomes pets with water stations and plenty of space. Beyond market days, the estate's tasting room has outdoor seating perfect for dogs, and the grounds offer walking opportunities. The relaxed, community atmosphere makes it feel like everyone—two-legged and four-legged—belongs.

Pet Perks: Saturday market welcomes dogs, water stations throughout, massive property for walking, outdoor tasting areas, many other dogs for socializing, community atmosphere

🌡️ Seasonal Considerations

Summer: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Seek estates with pools or water features where dogs can cool off.
Winter: Most estates have fireplaces and allow dogs in covered areas. Bring a blanket for your dog to lie on.
Spring: Perfect for walking—estates are less crowded and temperatures are ideal
Harvest (Feb-April): Avoid busy estates during harvest if your dog is nervous around tractors and machinery

Marianne Wine Estate

Relaxed Country Charm

Marianne is a smaller, family-run estate where dogs are treated like honored guests. The country setting and fewer crowds make it ideal for nervous dogs or those still learning wine estate manners. The outdoor tasting area has shade, the staff bring water bowls unprompted, and the whole experience feels like visiting dog-loving friends rather than a commercial venture.

Pet Perks: Quieter than big estates, country atmosphere, family-run warmth, shade at tasting areas, water bowls provided, staff who genuinely love dogs

Oude Molen Distillery

River Walks and Craft Spirits

While technically a distillery, Oude Molen's riverside location makes it a fantastic pet-friendly destination. Dogs can walk along the river, and the outdoor areas warmly welcome four-legged visitors. The craft gin and brandy tastings are excellent, and the whole property has a relaxed, dog-friendly vibe. Perfect for mixing up your usual wine routine.

Pet Perks: River walks, shaded areas, craft distillery (variety from wine estates), relaxed atmosphere, water access for hot dogs, usually uncrowded