From kiln to table, Annieglass is a testament to the lasting beauty of American craft. Located in Watsonville, the studio showcases imaginatively designed and innovatively created collections of richly textured glass dinnerware, serveware, and gifts developed by artist and owner Annie Morhauser and her team of artisans. Every piece has that fresh, contemporary feel that somehow works whether your kitchen is minimalist or eclectic.

The real draw for us was combining two things we love: watching artists at work and tasting local wine. You can tour the studio and see the glassmakers in action, which is genuinely mesmerizing if you’ve never watched molten glass transform into functional art. The pieces are beautiful enough that people actually use them rather than hiding them away, which says something.

The attached wine bar is where you’ll want to spend time with your dog. They pour regional wines from California’s central coast, and you can order tasting flights to sample several at once or go for full glass pours if you find something you like. The tasting fee gets waived if you buy a bottle to take home. On a nice day, the patio area is relaxed and comfortable—the kind of place where your dog can settle under the table while you’re sipping something good.

The studio also carries their glassware for purchase, so if you fall in love with a particular set during your visit, you can take it with you. It makes for a solid souvenir that’s actually useful rather than decorative clutter. The whole setup feels unpretentious despite the quality of what they’re producing, which is refreshing in wine country. Just check their website before heading out since hours can vary seasonally, and you’ll want to confirm they’re open when you plan to visit.