Perched 500 feet above the Carmel River on a seven-acre hillside property, Parsonage Winery sits on a south-facing slope with unique chalk rock soil that gives the wines their distinctive character. The location in Carmel Valley is close enough to the Pacific Ocean that you can sometimes catch the marine layer rolling through the vineyards, especially on cooler mornings.

The winery makes handcrafted wines that reflect the specific terroir of the area, and you’ll taste the difference when you sit down for a tasting. The outdoor seating area overlooks the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills—it’s genuinely beautiful in a way that doesn’t feel overly manicured. Bring your dog along and you’ll have a comfortable spot to settle in with a glass of wine while your dog relaxes beside you. The vineyard landscape itself is worth exploring on foot if you get a chance to walk around.

Since Parsonage Winery is located along Carmel Valley Rd., it’s easy to reach from the main highway, and you don’t have to navigate complicated back roads to get there. The property feels removed from typical tourist traffic despite being accessible, which is one of the nice things about visiting this far into Carmel Valley rather than staying closer to the coast.

The winery welcomes dogs on the property, though specific pet policies can shift depending on the season and whether special events are happening. Wildlife and native plants are part of the experience here—you’ll notice the local flora as you move around the grounds. This is wine tasting in an actual working vineyard setting, not a polished tasting room in a commercial area. The combination of good wine, a dog-friendly approach, and genuine vineyard views makes it worth the drive into Carmel Valley. Call ahead to confirm what the current dog policy is when you plan your visit.