Puma Road at Portola Plaza sits right in Monterey’s wine country, and you can bring your dog along to the tasting room. The Franscioni family has been growing grapes across 2,000 acres in the region for over 20 years, so they know this landscape well. About a decade into their grape-growing operation, they opened this tasting room at Portola Plaza as a way to share what they’ve been cultivating.

Walking into Puma Road, you’ll find a welcoming space where dogs are genuinely part of the scene—not an afterthought. The tasting room lets you sample their wines while your dog settles in beside you. The Franscionis have built their reputation on quality, and their award-winning wines reflect that commitment. You get the sense that the family takes the same care with their tasting room that they do with their vineyard management.

The setting gives you a real taste of what Central Coast wine country is about. You’re surrounded by people who actually live and work here, not just passing through. The atmosphere is relaxed enough that you don’t feel rushed through your tastings, and your dog won’t be the only one there—plenty of other visitors bring theirs too.

Location-wise, Portola Plaza puts you in a convenient spot if you’re exploring Monterey’s wine scene. You can hit this tasting room and then venture out to other parts of the region. The fact that they’ve been here for a decade means they’ve settled into their spot and know how to handle visitors and their dogs. It’s the kind of place where locals actually show up, which usually means it’s worth your time.