Wine lovers and dog owners have a new reason to explore Virginia wine country with the launch of VA Wine Unleashed, a new tourism initiative showcasing dog-friendly wineries throughout the Greater Richmond region.
Developed through a 2025 Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded to Ashton Creek Vineyard, VA Wine Unleashed encourages visitors to discover wineries that embrace canine companions as part of the guest experience. The initiative includes a new website, VAWineUnleashed.com, and a printed rack card designed to help travelers plan memorable wine adventures with their dogs.
The trail currently features six participating wineries: Ashton Creek Vineyard, Gauthier Vineyard, James River Cellars Winery, Jolene Family Winery, River Dog Winery and Three Leg Run Winery. Visitors can use the website to learn about each destination, explore dog-friendly amenities and map out a self-guided tour through Virginia wine country.
“As a family-owned winery, we have always believed that great wine experiences should be shared with the people and pets you love most,” said Alan Thibault, Director of Wine at Ashton Creek Vineyard. “VA Wine Unleashed celebrates the welcoming spirit that exists in Virginia wine country and gives travelers a new way to discover great wineries while creating memories alongside their four-legged friends.”
The initiative reflects a growing interest in pet-friendly travel experiences and highlights wineries that offer outdoor gathering spaces, scenic vineyard settings and amenities that make dogs feel as welcome as their owners. Ashton Creek Vineyard, itself known for its dog-friendly atmosphere and vineyard dogs, served as the lead organization for the project.
Funding from the VTC Marketing Leverage Grant supported the development of the VA Wine Unleashed brand, website and promotional materials. The project was designed and developed by Consociate Media, which created the initiative’s logo, website and rack card.
The website also features the VA Wine Unleashed “Pawsport,” which encourages visitors to check in at participating wineries and earn prizes while exploring the trail.
“Virginia’s wineries have become destinations that offer much more than exceptional wine,” said Thibault. “They are places where people gather and enjoy the beauty of the Commonwealth. VA Wine Unleashed helps showcase that experience to travelers who want to bring their dogs along for the journey.”
For more information and to start planning a dog-friendly wine adventure, visit VAWineUnleashed.com.
