Boekenoogan Vineyards and Winery sits in the Santa Lucia Highlands above Carmel Valley, and it’s genuinely one of the few wineries in the area where you can actually bring your dog along without any awkwardness. The family-owned operation is relatively new to the wine scene, but the Boekenoogen family has real winemaking heritage behind them, and it shows in what’s in the glass. Their wines have earned awards, and the focus stays on expressing the region’s terroir rather than chasing trends.

The property itself delivers what you come for—rolling vineyards backed by the Santa Lucia mountains, the kind of views that make you understand why people settled here in the first place. Your dog gets to experience it all with you. The grounds have a genuinely relaxed feel, nothing stuffy or precious about the place. There’s outdoor seating spread across the property, so you can settle in with a glass of wine while your dog stretches out nearby.

What works well here is that the winery doesn’t make you feel like you’re doing something unusual by bringing a dog. You can actually explore the vineyard with your dog at your side. If you want to bring a blanket and settle into one of the shaded areas under the trees, that’s completely fine. Bring some water for your dog and maybe a simple picnic to go with the wine you’re tasting. The outdoor setup gives your dog plenty of room to be comfortable while you’re focused on what’s in your glass.

The Santa Lucia Highlands location means you’re surrounded by serious vineyard country—this isn’t a tourist strip, it’s actual wine-growing terrain. Before heading out, a quick call to confirm any seasonal events or specific details about what’s happening that day makes sense, but the baseline is dog-friendly and welcoming without any of the fuss.