Casto Oaks Tasting Room in historic Mariposa sits in the Sierra Foothills wine country, close enough to Yosemite that you could easily combine a visit here with time in the park. The tasting room welcomes dogs in the outdoor areas, which makes it a natural stop if you’re traveling through the region with your dog.

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and casual rather than stuffy. They pour wines from their own vineyard operations, including a hearty Zinfandel from Mount Bullion Vineyard and their house Cabernet from Casto Oaks. The tasting room also doubles as a gallery space for local artists, so you’re often looking at paintings or sculptures while you’re tasting. This combination of wine and art gives the place more character than your typical roadside tasting room.

The outdoor area where dogs are allowed has scenic views across the Sierra foothills. It’s genuinely pleasant to sit out there with your dog while you work through a flight of wine. Bring a water bowl for your dog and maybe a toy or chew to keep them occupied—the space is relaxed enough that nobody minds if your dog settles in beside you while you taste.

Casto Oaks regularly hosts events and exhibits featuring local artists. Many of these are dog-friendly, which gives you a chance to meet other travelers doing the wine country circuit with their dogs. It’s worth checking their website ahead of time to see if anything’s happening when you plan to visit, since these events can shift the whole vibe of the place.

If you’re interested in touring the vineyard itself beyond the tasting room, that’s available by appointment. Your best bet is to contact them directly about what that experience looks like and whether your dog can join you for a full tour. The tasting room also sells local products and gifts if you’re looking to pick up something from the area.