Lake Sonoma Winery sits right on First Street West in downtown Sonoma, wedged between the Sign of the Bear culinary shop and the Fairmont Gallery. It’s the kind of location where you can easily pop in after browsing the surrounding shops, and nobody bats an eye when your dog tags along.

The winery represents two historic operations combined by a single winemaking family, and they pour 26 different wines by the glass. That’s a pretty substantial list—enough that you’ll likely find something interesting whether you’re into bold reds or crisp whites. The setup lets you taste across both wineries’ collections without having to drive between locations.

Dogs get the full welcome here. You can sit outside with a glass in hand while your dog either hangs out next to you or wanders the outdoor areas. It’s casual enough that you won’t feel like you’re disrupting anyone’s tasting experience. On a pleasant Sonoma afternoon, there’s something nice about sipping wine in the town plaza atmosphere with your dog nearby instead of locked in the car.

The location itself is convenient if you’re spending time in downtown Sonoma. You’re in the middle of the walkable part of town, so it works as a stop during a longer visit rather than a destination you have to plan around. The outdoor setup means weather matters—a clear day is definitely better than a rainy one—but most of the year Sonoma’s climate cooperates.

If you’re used to more elaborate tasting room experiences, this is more straightforward and unpretentious. You get solid wines, a dog-friendly environment, and a main street location. That combination alone makes it worth visiting if you’re in the area with your dog and want to sit down for a glass without the production of some fancier establishments.