Located in Clarksburg in the Sacramento River Delta, Heringer Estates Family Vineyards & Winery is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Sacramento if you want to escape the city for wine tasting. The winery sits right in the heart of wine country, and they’re set up to welcome dogs on the grounds, which makes it easy to bring yours along without worrying about whether they’ll fit into the experience.

The setup here is pretty straightforward — you can do wine flights and sample a range of their selections while you’re there. The outdoor patio is where you’ll spend most of your time, and it’s a genuine spot to relax, not just a marketing angle. The vineyard grounds themselves give you something to look at beyond just the tasting room, and dogs do fine walking around while you’re sipping.

What makes this different from some tasting rooms is that it actually feels like a family operation rather than a corporate setup. You’re not dealing with crowds of weekend warriors trying to Instagram everything, and the pace is more laid-back. The Sacramento River Delta location means the landscape itself has some character — flat agricultural land with actual working vineyards around you, not manicured resort scenery.

If you’re planning a wine country afternoon with your dog, this works well as a less formal stop than some of the bigger operations. Just bring water for your dog since you’ll be outside, and keep in mind that heat can be a factor in the delta during summer months. The winery’s website has details about what they’re pouring when you visit, so you can check before you head out to see if there’s anything specific you want to try.