Bonitata Boutique Wine sits inside the historic Bernhard Museum complex in Auburn, housed in the Old Stone Winery building—a setting that feels genuinely rooted in Sierra Foothills wine country rather than slick or corporate. The winery has been around for over a decade, producing small-lot handcrafted wines made from grapes that are handpicked to maintain quality throughout the process. You can tell the attention to detail matters here; it shows in what’s actually in the glass.

What makes this spot work for visiting with your dog is that they genuinely welcome them on the premises. We brought ours on a weekend afternoon and didn’t feel like we were doing anyone a favor by being there—it’s a built-in part of how they operate. The tasting room itself is comfortable without trying too hard, and there’s enough space that you’re not packed in with other visitors. If you’re exploring the vineyards or just want to spend time in the tasting room, your dog can be there with you while you work through their wine list.

The Bernhard Museum grounds give the whole experience a sense of place. Auburn’s historic downtown is walkable from here, so if you want to combine a tasting with some wandering around town, it works well. The wine quality has earned them awards, which matters if you’re actually interested in what you’re drinking rather than just looking for a photo opportunity.

Since they’re a small-lot operation, they don’t necessarily have the same wines available every visit, so what you taste one season might be different the next. That’s worth knowing if you find something you love and want to come back for it. Their website and a quick call can tell you what they’re currently pouring.