Founded in 1978, Renaissance Winery sits at elevations between 1,700 and 2,300 feet in Oregon House, offering sweeping views across the Sierra Foothills while the winemaker crafts estate-bottled wines using traditional European methods. The location really does feel removed from the valley below—you get that sense of being up in the hills the moment you arrive.

Dogs are welcome on the expansive grounds, which means you can actually explore the property together rather than leaving your dog in the car while you taste inside. The vineyard’s size gives dogs real room to move around and investigate, and there’s something nice about watching them settle onto the grass while you’re holding a wine glass and looking out at the landscape. The winery has a genuinely relaxed feel—it’s not the kind of place where you sense anyone’s worried about your dog being there.

Bring water and a blanket if you plan to stay awhile. The elevation means it can get breezy even on warm days, and your dog will appreciate having a spot to rest on the grounds rather than standing around the whole time. If you’re coming on a weekend when it’s busier, arriving earlier in the day tends to be more pleasant for everyone. The winery focuses on expressing the unique characteristics of this specific terrain through its wines, so there’s actually something to learn about the area while you’re there—the elevation and soil make a real difference in what grows here.

Since dog policies can shift, calling ahead to confirm what’s currently allowed makes sense. It’s a genuine working vineyard rather than a tasting room designed primarily for tourists, which shapes the whole experience. The drive up to Oregon House isn’t particularly convenient from most parts of the valley, but that’s part of why it feels less crowded than wineries closer to populated areas.