Founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, Birichino Winery sits in the Santa Cruz County wine region along the Central Coast. The winery draws on serious credentials—the founders have spent over four decades making wine in California, France, Italy, and beyond. That experience shapes their approach to what they’re doing here: they’re after a particular balance in their wines, something they describe as perfume, poise, and puckishness all at once.

The tasting room itself has a relaxed feel that works well if you’re bringing your dog along. Dogs are welcome on the premises as long as they’re well-behaved, which means you can actually spend an afternoon here without having to leave your dog behind or rush through a tasting. You’ll get to work through their selection of wines in a setting that doesn’t feel pretentious or stuffy—the whole operation has a sense of play to it, which fits with their philosophy.

What’s useful to know is that the winery’s location in Santa Cruz gives you easy access to other parts of the region if you want to make a day of it. The surrounding area has plenty of spots to walk before or after your visit, so you’re not just popping in for an hour. The founders’ background across different winemaking regions comes through in what they’re producing—you’ll notice the range and intention in the bottle. If you’re planning to visit, their website has current tasting menus and any seasonal offerings they’re running, so you can see what to expect before you show up.