Nala at Foley Johnson Winery

Located along Highway 29 in the prestigious Rutherford AVA, Foley Johnson exemplifies the understated elegance and casual warmth that defines the Valley. The tasting room sits right in the vineyard, which means you’re surrounded by grapevines while you taste—there’s something genuinely appealing about that setup, especially with your dog by your side at the outdoor tables.

They offer two tasting experiences, both by appointment. The Estate Tasting runs $25 per person and focuses on their Bordeaux varieties from the property’s Rutherford vineyards. It’s offered daily and gives you a solid introduction to what they’re doing without a huge time commitment. If you want more depth, the Estate Tour and Tasting costs $50 per person and takes about 60 minutes. You’ll walk the property with someone who can explain their vineyard management, winemaking process, and how they handle the wines in the cellar before finishing with a seated tasting.

The whole setup leans toward relaxed rather than pretentious. Your dog can hang out at the outdoor tables while you’re tasting, which beats being left in the car during a wine country afternoon. The combination of indoor and outdoor space means you’ve got options depending on the weather—the Tasting Salon if it’s blazing or you want some shade, or those casual outdoor tables if you prefer being in the vineyard itself.

Since everything’s by appointment, you’ll want to reach out ahead of time. That requirement actually works in your favor because it keeps things from getting crowded and ensures they can give you proper attention. Check their website for current hours and days they’re open, as those details shift seasonally. Rutherford itself has several good spots for a walk before or after your tasting if you want to stretch your dog’s legs beyond the winery grounds.