Located in Oakville, Saddleback Cellars was founded by Nils Venge, a winemaker who earned the nickname “King of Cabs” for his decades of work crafting bold Cabernet Sauvignons. Venge’s winemaking career stretches back to 1970, and he’s been at Saddleback since 1981, so the wines here carry real depth of experience behind them. The tasting room welcomes dogs, which makes sense given the property’s relaxed wine country vibe.

You can bring your dog along while you taste through their lineup. The grounds give you space to move around a bit, and there’s something genuinely pleasant about sipping wine in Napa Valley with your dog nearby rather than having to leave them in the car. The vineyard setting means you’re not crammed into a downtown tasting room—there’s actual landscape around you.

Saddleback’s reputation rests primarily on their Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes sense given Venge’s track record. If you’re someone who appreciates bold red wines, this is worth a stop. The wines have earned recognition in the industry, reflecting the attention Venge has given to their production over the years.

The winery sits in the heart of Napa Valley’s premium wine country, so it’s easy to combine a visit here with stops at other nearby producers if you’re spending a day in the valley. You’ll want to check their website before heading over since tasting room hours and reservation requirements can shift seasonally. Dogs are generally welcome on the grounds, though it’s smart to call ahead and confirm their current dog policy in case anything has changed.