Sarah’s Vineyard sits in the historic Hecker Pass district west of Gilroy, just a short drive from San Jose if you’re looking for a winery stop during a Silicon Valley visit. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome on the outdoor patio, which is where most of the action happens anyway—you get the vineyard views and fresh air while sipping through their wine list.

The setup here is straightforward. Dogs can hang out with you on the spacious outdoor patio while you taste wines, but they’re not allowed inside the indoor lounge or in the bocce ball area. That’s actually fine since the patio is the more pleasant spot to spend time, especially on a nice day. You’ll have shade and a relaxed atmosphere, and your dog gets to be part of the experience rather than stuck in a car.

The winery has a genuine commitment to being dog-friendly, which you notice in small ways—staff members are accustomed to dogs being there and don’t treat it like an exception. The patio itself is comfortable and gives you room to move around without feeling cramped, which matters when you’ve got a dog in tow.

If you’re exploring the Hecker Pass Wine Trail, Sarah’s Vineyard works well as part of a longer afternoon. The location puts you close enough to other stops in the area that you could make a day of it, hopping between a few places. Just check their website or give them a call before you head out to see what they’re pouring that day and if there are any events happening. Arriving earlier in the day tends to be less crowded, which your dog will probably appreciate.