Tasting wine at Fernwood Cellars is an experience unlike any other. The journey starts as you drive on historic Redwood Retreat Road and enter an area covered by majestic redwood scenery that provides an almost tunnel-like canopy en route to the end of the road where the winery resides. From here you are treated to a series of astonishing views of the estate vineyards and the well-known Vanumanutagi vineyard where the favored Chardonnay is harvested.

The setting feels genuinely removed from everyday life, which makes it a refreshing stop if you’re exploring the Gilroy wine region with your dog. The towering redwoods create natural shade, and the views across the vineyards give you plenty of reason to linger. On nice spring and summer days, tables and chairs are set up for guests throughout the property. Many people bring a picnic and spend a few hours here, spreading out on the grounds while they sample wines and take in the quiet surroundings.

What makes this work well for dog owners is the relaxed atmosphere. Your dog can sit with you at the outdoor tables on a leash without feeling out of place. The property has enough space that you’re not cramped in with other visitors, and the natural landscape keeps things interesting if your dog gets restless. The estate vineyards give you something to look at beyond just the wine glass, and the cooler microclimate under the redwoods is genuinely pleasant on warmer days.

The Chardonnay grown here is their signature, and it’s worth trying if white wine is your preference. The combination of good wine, the visual appeal of the vineyards, and the genuine quiet of the location makes this a solid choice if you want to combine a winery visit with actual time outdoors. Just remember that dogs need to stay on leash throughout your visit, and bring water for both you and your dog since the shade can make you forget how much time has passed.