Manzoni Estate Vineyard, established in 1999, sits across six acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands near Soledad, with views stretching across the Salinas Valley. The family operation works with winemaker David Cov to produce wines that reflect the region’s distinctive terroir. Unlike some wineries in Monterey County that have strict pet policies, Manzoni actually welcomes dogs and lets them be part of your visit rather than an afterthought.

The outdoor patio is where you’ll spend most of your time. There’s plenty of seating, and you can watch the vineyard while sipping their wines without feeling rushed. The grounds themselves are spacious enough that your dog can move around comfortably between the tasting area and the vines. It’s not a manicured, formal setup—it feels more like visiting a working family vineyard where dogs happen to fit naturally into the day.

The landscape around Soledad offers good options if you want to extend your visit. The Salinas Valley has several scenic walking paths in the area, and you could easily spend an afternoon combining your winery stop with some exploration of the surrounding countryside. The terrain is relatively open, which means your dog won’t feel confined to just the vineyard itself.

Since Manzoni is a smaller operation compared to some of the bigger tasting rooms you’ll find in Napa or down the coast, there’s a more personal feel to the experience. You’re not moving through an assembly line of visitors. That said, conditions and what’s available can vary depending on when you show up, so it makes sense to call ahead about their current setup and whether they have any events scheduled. Bring water for your dog regardless, since the valley heat can be intense during summer months and shade on the grounds is limited in places.