The warmer weather is a reminder that people will soon be spending more time at wineries and breweries across Virginia, and now, their furry friends will be able to legally tag along.

In November, Bluestone Vineyard in Rockingham County posted a letter stating that they could no longer allow dogs in their tasting room, because the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was cracking down on enforcement of a prohibition against dogs in Virginia tasting rooms (except for service animals).

The guidelines, drafted as overall limits on animals in food and beverage establishments, were meant to keep dogs out of areas where wine is manufactured or sold.

But dogs are a large part of many vineyards — Bluestone even features a wine named after the vineyard's first dog, Beau. That led Bluestone to speak out about the enforcement of the policy, gaining attention of not only wine lovers, but lawmakers too.

, sponsored by Del. John Bell, passed the House of Delegates with a 97-2 vote on January 30 and the Senate with a 38-0 vote on February 23.

Pending Gov. Ralph Northam's signature, it will allow companion animals inside and on the property of a licensed winery or farm winery, brewery, or distillery.

Most animals fall under that category, except for agricultural animals, game species or research animals.The animal has to be unlikely to result in contamination of food, food contact surfaces, or food packaging materials. Right now, only guide or guard dogs are allowed.

They cannot be in an area where food is made, though.

Tim Brady, founder and General Manager of Pale Fire Brewing, said dogs are a typical staple around the brewery.

"We see a lot of dogs at Pale Fire, especially because we have the outdoor patio, so they're always welcome, but it will be nice to have the option of letting them into the taproom if we like," said Brady.

The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2018. However, wineries and breweries will still be able to decide if they want dogs on their property.