Deep in Santa Barbara wine country lies Foxen Vineyard & Winery, a historic property located at the Rancho Tinaquaic spanning 2,000 acres of picturesque California ranch land. The original tasting room, affectionately dubbed “The Shack,” is a rustic and charming place to sample their award-winning wines while your dog hangs out beside you. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to linger—weathered wood, that real ranch feeling, and views that stretch across the Santa Maria Valley.

What makes Foxen particularly good for visiting with a dog is how naturally canine-friendly the whole operation feels. You’re not getting the sense that dogs are grudgingly tolerated here; it’s more that they’re just part of the scene. A leisurely stroll through the vineyards with your dog alongside you gives you a real sense of the land and the work that goes into the wines you’re tasting. The surrounding countryside opens up in a way that makes you understand why these particular grapes grow so well here.

The winery takes its history seriously—there’s real depth to their wine selection and you can taste it. The staff knows their stuff and can talk you through what they’re pouring. Since you’ll be walking the grounds with your dog, bring water and maybe pick a time that avoids the hottest part of the day, especially in summer. The ranch setting means there’s plenty of space, so your dog won’t feel crowded even when the tasting room gets busy.

Santa Maria Valley has become a serious wine destination over the past decade, and Foxen feels like one of those places that helped establish that reputation. If you’re exploring the region’s wineries with your dog, this one makes sense to include on your route. Head to foxenvineyard.com for current tasting hours and what they might have available during your visit.