Monterey County

Monterey County runs the Salinas Valley south from Monterey Bay — a marine wind tunnel that pulls fog up the River Road corridor every afternoon. Santa Lucia Highlands holds chardonnay and pinot noir on east-facing benches; Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley pour further south. Tasting rooms line River Road and Carmel Valley Road, many with shaded patios and leashed water bowls. Garland Ranch Regional Park opens a wide leashed trail system into the Santa Lucias. Pair a Santa Lucia pinot with an afternoon at Garland. The county holds some of California’s coldest-climate wine, and a dog at your feet is standard fare.