Findleton Estate Winery sits in the rolling hills of Camino, in El Dorado County’s wine country, and it’s one of those places that doesn’t need to shout about itself. The winery was voted “Best Kept Secret in El Dorado County” for good reason—it’s a small, family-owned operation where winemaker Tom Findleton focuses on quality over quantity. You can taste that attention in every glass.

The tasting experience here is genuinely relaxed. You’re not navigating some massive tasting room or rushing through a production line. Instead, you get to spend time with someone who actually knows the wines because they made them, learning about what went into each bottle. It’s the kind of place where a conversation about terroir doesn’t feel pretentious—it feels like someone sharing what they care about.

The vineyard views are legitimately pretty, with those characteristic Sierra foothills landscapes you see throughout Gold Country. The grounds have a quiet, working-winery feel rather than a polished resort vibe, which means you’re seeing the place as it actually functions, not as a packaged experience.

Best part for traveling with your dog: they’re welcome here. You can bring your dog along while you’re tasting, which means you’re not stuck leaving them in the car while you enjoy a couple hours. The casual atmosphere means dogs fit right in with the whole scene—you’ll see people strolling through the property with their dogs, stopping to enjoy a pour on the terrace or under the trees.

If you’re exploring the Apple Hill area or heading through Camino on your way through the foothills, this is worth the detour. The wines are solid, the setting is genuine, and you don’t have to choose between enjoying yourself and bringing your dog along. That combination is harder to find than you’d think.