Cima Collina Cellars sits right in the heart of Carmel By The Sea, and it’s one of the few places where you can taste wine while your dog hangs out nearby. The winery focuses on small-batch wines made from carefully selected Monterey County fruit, working directly with growers who know their vineyards inside and out. What makes them stand out is their attention to detail—each wine is created barrel-by-barrel, so you’re getting something that actually tastes different from bottle to bottle rather than mass-produced consistency.

Their Howlin’ Good Red is the dog owner’s wine, literally. It’s a blend of seven varietals (Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc) pulled from three different vintages to create something rich and ripe that works well with BBQ or just an afternoon on the patio. The real kicker is that they donate 25% of the profits from this wine to The SPCA of Monterey County, so ordering a glass actually supports animal welfare work in the community.

The tasting room operates daily and welcomes dogs in the outdoor spaces, which means you’re not stuck inside while your dog waits in the car. The setting itself is pleasant—you get vineyard views while sampling through their lineup, and there’s a genuinely welcoming vibe rather than the pretentious atmosphere some wine country spots can have.

Since policies around dogs and hours can shift seasonally, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm what works best for your visit. They also host special events occasionally that might have dog-friendly components worth catching if you’re in the area. Between the quality wine-making philosophy and the genuine commitment to supporting local animal rescue, this feels like a place that actually aligns its business with its values rather than just slapping a dog-themed label on something.