Septentrio Winery sits in Arcata where the coastal redwoods actually meet views of the Pacific—you get that rare combination of towering trees and sea air while you’re tasting wine. Started in 2014, this family-owned operation focuses on the details that matter: sourcing quality ingredients and taking real care with their winemaking process. The result is a solid collection of award-winning wines that reflect what you can do with Humboldt County’s specific terroir.

What makes it worth the drive up the North Coast is that you can bring your dog along while you taste. There’s something genuinely nice about sitting outside with a glass of wine, your dog settled nearby, and that view of the redwoods and ocean stretching out in front of you. The setup feels relaxed rather than pretentious—this isn’t the kind of place where you feel like you’re being judged for how you hold your glass or what you order.

The winery offers both tastings and tours, so you can go as deep as you want into how they actually make their wine. If you’re exploring Arcata and want to escape the downtown bustle for a couple hours, this is the kind of spot where you can legitimately decompress. The redwoods around here create this quiet that you don’t get in many places, and Septentrio takes advantage of that natural setting.

The North Coast wine scene isn’t as crowded as Napa or Sonoma, which means the experience tends to feel more personal. Staff aren’t rushing you through a production line. Your dog won’t be stressed by massive crowds either. Plan to spend a good afternoon here if you’re in the area—bring water for your dog and maybe a blanket if you want to stay for a while.