OVERVIEW
In Wine Country’s city of St. Helena, home to world-famous Napa Valley vineyards, wineries, and gourmet dining in a storybook setting and situated in the quaint Main Street shopping district, resides Merryvale Vineyards; a local winery and tasting room with a vineyard at another location. Merryvale welcomes well-behaved pets and their people both outside in the patio area and the full interior. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly tasting room in a quaint Wine Country setting, go do the CANGO at Merryvale Vineyards.
IS THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT/SERVICE WORTH A VISIT?
I cannot really speak to the quality of the product since I was not able to order what I wanted or would normally prefer- something sparkling. Instead, I was served some samplings that I normally would not choose.
One of the co-owners informed me that they offered canine guests complimentary dog treats and a water bowl with fresh water. And although I felt comfortable with my dog, I had to remind the manager who waited on us about the normal offerings. I am reluctant to admit that I cannot testify to the standard level of service but our experience was not as upbeat and friendly as most encounters in the hospitality industry. The manager who served us seemed somewhat distracted in each of my three encounters with him. To be honest, his conduct made me feel like our presence was a bother to him. I will mention that when we were filming the review, it was close to closing but there were two big parties there as well who left after we did, so we were not the last to leave or keeping anyone late.
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
The comfort level of the outside pet-friendly area is very good. They do not have outdoor heaters or lighting, but that is not an issue because well-behaved pets on-lead are welcome throughout the entire tasting room. They also provide a water bowl, freshwater, and a treat or two. The fact that you can be inside for this pet-friendly activity offers a nice option for colder days or shorter days when it gets dark early (daylight savings), after taking a walk outside perhaps window-shopping along historic Main Street or enjoying some canine action at Wappo Park.
The surrounding area is not polluted though it is off the main drag, so it can get congested in terms of traffic primarily during commute hours, although I have filmed events in the area and hit traffic even on a Sunday morning.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
Parking is very easy, with ample free parking in a shared lot.
The surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly once you cut through a pathway to cross the train tracks, (Cynthia, one of the co-owners of Tra Vigne Pizzeria across the “street” showed me this tip; you can see a glimpse in the Main Street video on this page), you can go window shopping in the downtown area that makes you feel like you have been transported back in time to another era (see Main Street video walk-thru on this page). It is also safe and comfortable to walk around with a pet right around the “block” that surrounds the small business park, hotel, and restaurant with shade and foliage around a clear, easy to navigate pathway that also hosts a small creek during the rainy seasons.
It is very easy to dispose of waste, with multiple trash bins on the immediate property by the patio area and main entrance.
There is a little grassy area on the property, just big enough to let your dog “go” before sitting down to eat. The closest pet-friendly activity that offers exercise and bathroom privileges is Wappo Park located inside Stone Bridge Park at 201 Pope Street in St. Helena; it is just over a mile away or a 4-minute drive.
The closest 24/7 emergency vet is PetCare East located on Mendocino Ave in Santa Rosa, but it is over 20 miles away and more than a 30-minute drive. With that in mind, depending on hours of need, a more convenient and accessible option may be St Helena Veterinary Hospital located just over ¼ mile south on Main Street; however, it is only open Monday through Friday and a half-day on Saturdays. However, locals use Dr. Gold, whose office is located at 584 Main Street in St. Helena, and page him on his cell after hours at 707-963-3094. (Laurence, one of the co-owners shared this insider tip with me).
*[Please note: We provide the veterinary locations as a reference and resource, not a referral or endorsement].
