Soquel Vineyards sits in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Capitola and the forest, offering one of the more relaxed wine-tasting experiences in the area. Dogs are welcome on the patio, which means you can work through their wine list while your dog settles onto the ground next to you, taking in the views of Monterey Bay stretching out in the distance.

The property itself feels genuinely peaceful—you’re surrounded by working vineyards and redwoods, which gives the whole place a quieter, less-crowded vibe than some of the bigger Santa Cruz County wineries. The tasting room staff doesn’t treat dogs like unexpected guests. They understand that people want to bring their dogs along, and they’re genuinely friendly about it rather than just tolerant. If your dog gets thirsty, they’ll usually provide water without you having to ask.

Their wine selection leans toward handcrafted reds and whites—you’ll typically find Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon on the list. The wines are solid without being pretentious, which matches the overall atmosphere. Unlike some wineries where you feel rushed through your tasting, here there’s room to actually sit and chat with whoever’s pouring.

Keep your dog on leash while you’re there, more for their safety around the vineyard operations than anything else. The patio has enough shade from the surrounding trees that even on warmer days, you’re not sitting in full sun the entire time. If you come on a weekday, it’s genuinely quiet—just you, your dog, the vines, and the occasional breeze coming through the redwoods. Weekend afternoons tend to draw more visitors, so timing matters if you want that serene experience. The drive up into the mountains from Capitola is pretty scenic on its own, so it’s worth making an afternoon of it.