Holly’s Hill Winery sits in the Sierra Foothills near Placerville, where the Coopers have spent years building a collection of Rhone varietal wines. They focus on grapes like Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Counoise—the same varieties that sparked their passion during a honeymoon trip when they first shared a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. That love of these specific wines shows in everything they produce.

The winery has a genuine dog-friendly setup. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you while you taste, and you’ll likely meet Drake, a 90-pound golden retriever who hangs around the property greeting visitors. The outdoor tasting area gives you plenty of room to settle in with a glass while your dog relaxes beside you. The views across the vineyards are actually worth the trip on their own—open landscape that stretches out in a way that makes you realize why people fell in love with wine country in the first place.

The space itself feels unhurried. There’s room for dogs to move around, which matters if you’ve got a dog that gets restless sitting still for too long. Bring water and maybe a favorite toy to keep them occupied during your visit. The winery actively encourages you to bring a picnic and eat on the grounds, so you can turn an afternoon into something more substantial than just wine tasting.

El Dorado County’s wine region has grown over the past couple decades, but Holly’s Hill maintains a quieter feel compared to some of the busier spots. It’s worth checking their website before heading out since hours can shift seasonally, and you’ll want to confirm their current pet policies. If you’re exploring the Placerville area with your dog, this is a spot where you won’t feel like you’re compromising—the owners clearly built the place with dogs in mind from the start.