Flights and Fur Babies

In Central Oregon, it’s arguably more hip to identify as a dog lover than a cork dork. But for those of us who wear as much fur on our flannel as we do pinot flush in our cheeks, those identities are not mutually exclusive. The area’s wine scene is embracing dogs in a distinctly Central Oregon way by treating them like regulars.

Tucked away in the Box Factory across from the Jackstraw apartments, The Winery at Manzanita – Bend welcomes people and their four-legged family members with water bowls and treats in-hand.

“I always have dog treats in my pocket,” said tasting room manager Violet Robles as she bent down to greet two dogs.

The Bend location is as renowned for its dog-friendly atmosphere as it is its small-batch artisanal wines. Its unique offerings include white pinot noir and the sparkling blanc de noir—meaning “white from black.” For the dogs, Milk-Bones are served on handmade ceramic plates featuring inlaid Pinot Noir grape leaves from the Black Dog Vineyard, made by Robles in her Violet Oak Studio — the same style of dish used for the winery’s charcuterie and other “nibbles.”

Embracing community and loving canines are a natural match. Credit: Winery at Manazanita

The Winery’s name and dog-centered theme were inspired by Manzanita Beach, a favorite haunt of owner and winemaker Mark Proden and his late dog, Pinot, who remains the winery’s mascot, logo and wine-label model.

That spirit carries through to the winery’s three-tiered Woof Pack membership, allowing members to choose Sit (level one), Shake (level two) or Stay (level three) depending on how many bottles they want.

“The winery is a love letter to Pinot,” said Robles. “And the winery will continue to hold his legacy. Even as his successor, who Mark is affectionately calling PJ, Pinot Junior, is beginning to step into Pinot’s very large paw prints.”

Those paw prints literally hang on the walls of all four of the winery’s Oregon tasting rooms, preserved on “Pinot Was Here” plaques — one paw with four toes and the other with three. Robles had them made before Pinot passed last year.

As Halloween approaches, The Winery at Manzanita is gearing up for its annual Howl-o-ween Party, featuring pet pedicures on the patio, a pet costume contest, dog-friendly games and goody bags. Pet pedicures are also offered the last Saturday of each month, while a monthly Paint Your Pet art class rounds out the winery’s dog-centered events.

“We create an inviting and comfortable space where everyone is welcome,” Robles said.

In the Old Mill District, Evoke Winery shares similar enthusiasm for bringing people and their pets together over wine. The winery began in Hood River in 2005 as Naked Winery with a playful approach to wine. After winemaker Peter and Kristi Steinfeld bought Naked Winery in 2017, they evolved the brand into Evoke, retaining its sense of humor while putting greater emphasis on the way wine can spark connection and memorable experiences. That hospitality has extended to the dogs, and even the occasional ferret.

“We have a dog-friendly patio and we allow well-controlled, friendly dogs in our tasting room,” said Kristi Steinfeld. “They are considered part of the family and enjoy AC and heat just like we do.”

The Bend tasting room carries a relaxed spirit, pairing cheeky Pacific Northwest wines, including the winery’s flagship Oh! Orgasmic premium collection, with charcuterie and small bites in a casual setting. Dogs receive an Evoke- branded water bowl.

“Dogs inspire conversation and happiness,” said Evoke tasting room manager Christiana Estrada. “I actually know a lot of human customers based on who their dogs are.”

Estrada, who began as a member before joining the Evoke team, says dogs are welcome in the tasting room providing they have decorum. Barkers and curmudgeons are kindly shown to the patio. “Although, to-date, the only dog who’s ever been banned is mine,” she said with a laugh.

The late dog, Pinot, graces the label of Manzanita wines. Credit: Winery at Manazanita

Estrada is adamant that members, people and dogs alike, are akin to family. That bond is evident in the way the team remembers Belle, a longtime doggie member who recently passed away. “We miss seeing her come in in her stroller,” she said. “She was so sweet.”

That sentiment is consistent with the broader experience Evoke aims to create. That is, a place where everyone belongs and wine doesn’t require ceremony or expertise to enjoy. Instead, it’s an invitation to settle in.

Evoke member Rachel said she loves the wine and the community. Her Brittany Spaniel, Chance, has even earned the nickname “ghost dog” from Estrada. “The first time I saw him, I thought he was the ghost of his predecessor because I didn’t know Rachel had brought home a new dog.”

Ultimately, the tasting experience is about inclusivity and relaxation. “If you want to drink wine in a casual, friendly atmosphere and have a fun time with puppies and kids, this is the place,” Estrada concluded.

While The Winery and Manzanita – Bend and Evoke Winery wear their dog-friendly identities on their sleeves, they’re not alone. VaPiano offers wine, snacks and a riverfront setting for dogs and their people. Ermisch Cellars welcomes dogs on the patio, while Stoller invites a sheltered escape for pups on the patio and at the bar along the Box Factory breezeway.

Just outside Bend, doggos and their people can enjoy regional wine, pizza and other noshables among the vineyards at Faith, Hope & Charity, or sip locally made mead and other libations with a variety of food while taking in views of the Three Sisters at Lazy Z Ranch Wines.

This article appears in Central Oregon Pets Fall 2026.