Riverbend Cellars sits along the Avenue of the Giants in Meyers Flat, surrounded by old-growth redwoods and views of the Eel River. It’s a working vineyard spread across 30 acres where they grow grapes for their wines, and the setup actually works well if you’re bringing your dog along.

The owners here are genuinely comfortable with dogs visiting. You can walk through parts of the vineyard with your dog and spend time on the outdoor patio while you’re tasting wines. The staff knows the wines well and will talk you through what they’re making, and they don’t seem bothered if your dog is hanging out nearby. It’s a pretty low-key vibe compared to some of the more formal wine country experiences you might find elsewhere.

The location itself is the real draw. You’re in Humboldt County, where the landscape is dramatic enough that even if the wine didn’t interest you, the setting would make the trip worthwhile. The combination of being able to actually walk around the vineyard grounds with your dog and then settle onto the patio gives you more to do than just sit at a tasting bar. On a nice day, it’s a solid way to spend a few hours.

The wines they make are estate-grown from their own vineyard, so you’re getting something specific to this place rather than a tasting room that pours wines from elsewhere. The staff will explain what makes the grapes grow the way they do here, which adds some context to what you’re drinking.

If you’re heading up Highway 101 through Humboldt County and want to stop somewhere that welcomes dogs without making a big production out of it, this is a reasonable choice. Just check ahead about what time they’re open and whether they have any restrictions depending on the season or how busy they are.