Flying Suitcase Wines in San Carlos lets you skip the drive to Wine Country and still taste quality wines sourced from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Amador County. The winery’s family-owned operation has built a following in downtown San Carlos with their approachable selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Rosé.

Your dog can tag along to the outdoor patio and lawn area, where the staff actually treats them well—you’ll typically get a friendly greeting for your dog and a water bowl without having to ask. The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to spend an afternoon here, watching people come and go while your dog settles in at your feet. The indoor tasting room has rustic warmth to it, though the outdoor space is where you’ll want to be on a clear day.

The winery hosts live music and special tastings that draw the neighborhood crowd, making it feel more like a community hub than a formal wine bar. You can chat with the winemakers about their selections without the pretension you’d find in some tasting rooms. The whole vibe encourages lingering rather than rushing through a set tasting menu.

It’s worth noting that the tasting room closed temporarily in late 2025. Wine is still available for purchase online with shipping or local pickup options if you want to try their selections from home. The website at flyingsuitcasewines.com has current details on reopening plans. Once the tasting room is back open, it’ll be one of the easier ways to sample good California wines without leaving the Peninsula, and your dog will have just as much fun as you do sitting outside with a glass in hand.