Lavender Ridge Vineyard sits right on Main Street in downtown Murphys, making it easy to park and walk your dog straight into the tasting room. The winery has that small-town feel you’d expect from Gold Country—casual and unpretentious, without the stuffiness you sometimes run into at fancier operations.

The tasting room itself is comfortable and inviting. You can sample their current wines while browsing the boutique section, which carries the kind of gifts you’d actually want to give someone (not just tchotchkes with vineyard logos). They also have artisan cheeses available for tasting, so if your dog is well-mannered enough to sit beside you while you snack, you’ve got a nice setup.

Dogs are absolutely welcome inside, which is what makes this spot particularly good for visitors staying in Murphys. Since the tasting room is indoors rather than on a patio, you’re not dealing with weather, and your dog gets to hang out where the interesting smells are happening. The main requirement is that your dog needs to be reliably behaved and stay on leash—which is completely reasonable and keeps things pleasant for everyone in the room, including other visitors and staff.

Murphys itself has the kind of old Gold Rush charm that makes for a nice afternoon outing. Main Street has several shops and restaurants worth exploring if you want to make a full day of it. After tasting at Lavender Ridge, you can walk your dog around town and pop into other spots that welcome dogs, many with outdoor seating areas.

If you’re planning a visit, their website has details on their current wine menu and any special events they might be hosting. Afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends if you prefer a quieter tasting experience.