Perched at 1,000 feet in Palomares Canyon, Chouinard Vineyards sits on land that’s seen plenty of history—from Ohlone hunting grounds to the Cook Ranch’s cattle herds to Royal Ann cherry orchards in the mid-20th century. In 1977, George and Caroline, along with their sons Damian and Rick, took over and have been making wine here ever since, drawn by the rolling hills, babbling streams, and wooded slopes that still define the place today.

The elevation and the canyon’s microclimate work in their favor. Cool, foggy nights and warm sunny days typical of the San Francisco Bay appellation create ideal growing conditions, which translates to solid wines worth tasting. You’ll drink on the outdoor patio or in the tasting room with views of the surrounding countryside stretching out in front of you.

Dogs on leash are welcome here, which means you can actually bring your dog along while you’re sipping. It’s a genuinely dog-friendly setup, not just a grudging allowance. The patio is where you’ll spend most of your time anyway, and the grounds give you room to move around without feeling cramped. The staff seems genuinely friendly and willing to talk about what they’re doing with the winemaking if you ask.

Bring water and dog treats with you—exploring the vineyard grounds can work up an appetite for both of you, and there’s enough space that you’ll probably want to walk around a bit. The quiet canyon setting means it won’t be crowded or chaotic, which dogs generally appreciate. If you’re planning to visit, calling ahead about their current pet policies makes sense, just to confirm everything’s still the same since policies can shift. The whole experience is relaxed and genuinely rural, which is refreshing if you’re coming from the busier parts of the Bay Area.