Busby Cellars sits in the Sierra Foothills near Somerset, where the landscape shifts from rolling gold country terrain into serious wine country. This family-owned winery specializes in small-lot, estate-grown wines and holds the distinction of being the northernmost producer in the Fair Play viticultural region—which means you’re tasting wines made from grapes grown right on the property.

The outdoor tasting areas are genuinely pleasant. You can bring your dog and settle in at a table while you work through their current selections. The setting overlooks the vineyard itself, so there’s actual scenery to take in rather than just sitting in a parking lot somewhere. The staff keeps things low-key and informal, which makes the whole experience feel less like you’re being sold something and more like you’re just hanging out at someone’s winery with your dog.

If a casual tasting isn’t enough, they offer guided vineyard tours and private tastings by appointment. These give you a better sense of what they’re doing with their wines and why the Fair Play area produces what it does. The appointment-based approach means you’re not fighting crowds, and it’s easier to manage with a dog in tow.

The dog-friendly setup extends throughout their outdoor spaces, so you’re not relegated to some back corner. Your dog can walk around the vineyard with you, sniff things, and generally feel included in what you’re doing rather than being tolerated as an afterthought. If you’re in El Dorado County exploring the Fair Play wine region, this is worth stopping at. Call ahead to set up a tasting or tour so they know you’re coming and can give your visit proper attention.