Perry Creek Winery sits at 2,401 feet elevation in the Fair Play area of El Dorado County, and the altitude shows—you get sweeping views across the Gold Country landscape that feel genuinely remote even though you’re not that far from civilization. The winery focuses on Rhone varietals and Zinfandels with a contemporary European influence, and the wines taste like someone spent real time thinking about balance and expression rather than just checking boxes.
What makes this place work for a visit with your dog is that they genuinely welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting areas and outdoor spaces. It’s not a grudging tolerance either—the grounds are spacious enough that you can settle in with a glass without feeling like you’re in anyone’s way. The outdoor spaces have actual room to breathe, and your dog will appreciate the lush grounds for stretching out between wine tastings.
The Fair Play region itself rewards exploration if you’ve got time. It’s high elevation wine country with a different character than the valley floor, and the roads are quiet enough for a drive if you want to chain a few wineries together. The surrounding area has some nice spots for walking around afterward to work off the tasting room experience. You’ll notice the landscape here feels different from lower-elevation wine regions—cooler mornings, distinctive vegetation, and that sense of being up among the ridges rather than down in a valley.
One thing worth knowing: the winery crowd tends to be more serious wine people than party atmosphere, which typically means it’s quieter and easier to move around with a dog without disrupting anyone. The setting really does do a lot of the work for you—you can sit outside with decent wine and actual views rather than feeling like you’re at a crowded tasting room.
Given that you’re at elevation and the setting tends toward the peaceful side, this works particularly well if your dog does okay with other dogs but gets overwhelmed by noise and commotion. The quiet grounds and lower traffic mean you’re not managing a anxious or reactive dog in a chaotic environment. Call ahead about their current pet policies, since those can shift seasonally.
