Sobon Estate sits in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County, where you can actually taste wines while your dog hangs out beside you on the patio. The winery was established in 1989 but took over the D’Agostini Winery, one of California’s oldest wineries dating back to the 1800s—it’s now recognized as California State Historic Landmark #762. Walking the grounds, you’ll see the old vines that produce their award-winning Zinfandels, and the rolling hills around the vineyard give you something nice to look at between sips.

The tasting room staff are straightforward about welcoming dogs. You’ll want to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them, which keeps things pleasant for everyone else. The outdoor patio areas have shade, which matters on warm afternoons. Dogs do well here because they’re not stuck inside a cramped tasting room—there’s actual space to move around, and the setting feels more like a working vineyard than a stuffy wine bar.

Beyond the old vine Zinfandels, Sobon makes Rhone varietals and dessert wines, all from grapes grown on-site. The staff can walk you through what’s available that day rather than push you toward any particular bottle. It’s the kind of place where you genuinely relax instead of feeling like you’re on a schedule.

The historic aspect gives the visit extra weight—you’re literally standing where wine has been made for over a century. That matters if you care about California wine history at all. The patio overlooks the vineyard, so there’s a nice visual story to the afternoon.

Since winery policies shift with seasons and special events, a quick call ahead confirms whether dogs are welcome on the day you’re planning to visit. Bring water for your dog and maybe a treat or two, since you’ll be out there for a couple of hours. Plan to arrive in late morning if you can, when the light hits the vineyard nicely and before the afternoon heat builds up.