Bear River Winery sits right at the north end of Lake Combie on the serene banks of the Bear River in Meadow Vista, Placer County, and it’s one of the few places in the area where you can bring your dog along while tasting wine. Established in 2009, this family-operated boutique micro winery focuses on producing small case lots of handcrafted wines using traditional methods. The owners source their grapes carefully from the surrounding area, so you’re really getting a taste of what grows locally rather than fruit trucked in from somewhere else.

The setting itself is part of the experience. You’ll be standing outside in a lovely riverside location with your dog on leash, glass in hand, which beats being cooped up in a tasting room. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and the property’s natural surroundings make it a genuinely pleasant spot to spend an afternoon. The winery’s small-batch approach means you won’t find their wines everywhere, which actually makes a visit feel more special.

If you’re curious about how they actually make their wine, guided tours are available upon request. These tours walk you through the winemaking process, which is helpful if you want to understand what goes into those small batches you’re tasting. The family running the place clearly cares about keeping things personal and handcrafted rather than industrial.

The location near the Bear River also means you could potentially combine a winery visit with some exploring along the water if you have time. It’s a quieter corner of Placer County wine country, so you won’t deal with the crowds you’d find at some of the larger operations. For current hours and to let them know you’re coming with your dog, contact them through their website first.