Benovia Winery in Santa Rosa makes a solid stop if you’re exploring Sonoma County wine country and don’t want to leave your dog behind. They’ve got a full production winery in the Russian River Valley, estate vineyards, and relationships with grower partners, which means they keep tight control over what goes into their bottles—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel all made with real attention to detail.

The winery welcomes dogs on the grounds, so you can actually walk the vineyards with yours instead of leaving them in the car while you taste. The picturesque setting gives you something to look at beyond just the inside of a tasting room. The outdoor patio is where you’ll spend most of your time, and it’s a comfortable spot to settle in with a glass and let your dog relax nearby while you take in the vineyard views.

What I appreciated about Benovia is that they don’t make a big production out of having dogs around—it’s just part of the experience here. You’re not restricted to a tiny corner or made to feel like you’re inconveniencing anyone. The winery produces small lots of their wines, so if you find something you like, it might be worth grabbing a bottle or two since they don’t make massive quantities.

The Russian River Valley location puts you in proximity to other wineries and the broader Sonoma wine scene, so this works well as part of a larger day of tasting if you want to make a circuit. The vineyards themselves are pleasant to walk through, and having your dog with you actually makes the experience more relaxed than it might otherwise be. Bring water for your dog on warm days, and check their website before heading out to confirm current tasting policies.