The Andersons have been making wine on their 40-acre estate just south of Howell Mountain since their first release in 1987, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll actually meet the people behind the bottles. Located three miles east of downtown St. Helena, Conn Valley Vineyards sits far enough away from the crowded tasting room scene that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different part of the valley entirely. The drive takes about ten minutes from town, winding through vineyards that gradually feel quieter and more removed from the main tourist corridor.

When you arrive with your dog, expect a personal experience that leans educational rather than rushed. The owners and wine team are involved in tastings, which means you’re not just getting pours but actual conversation about what’s in your glass and how it was made. They do tours as well, and the tasting room itself is built into their cave, which keeps things cool and gives the whole experience a more intimate feel than the typical Napa setup.

Your dog is welcome to join you, though they’ll need to stay on leash the entire time. The grounds are pleasant enough for a dog to walk around a bit before or after your tasting, and the quieter location means there’s generally less chaos than you’d find at busier wineries. The family-operated feel means they’re usually pretty accommodating about practical questions regarding your visit with a dog in tow.

Tastings and tours are available seven days a week, but they’re by appointment only, so you’ll want to check their website ahead of time to confirm current hours and reserve your spot. This isn’t a drop-in kind of place, which actually works in your favor if you’re traveling with a dog—they’ll know to expect you and can prepare accordingly.