Somerset Vineyard and Winery in Temecula is one of the few wineries in Riverside County where you can actually bring your dog along while you taste. The property has a relaxed setup with designated dog-friendly areas where your dog can hang out while you’re sampling their wines. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and the outdoor spaces felt genuinely comfortable for dogs—not an afterthought, but a real part of how they’ve designed the experience.

The winery itself focuses on wines that appeal to a range of tastes, whether you’re really into the technical side of wine or just looking for something you enjoy drinking. The atmosphere is casual enough that you don’t feel rushed or pressured, and you can take your time working through tastings without the stuffiness you sometimes find at other wineries. The staff seemed genuinely fine with dogs being there, and other visitors didn’t seem bothered by it either.

What makes this spot work for a dog visit is that you’re not confined to a tiny patio area. Your dog has room to move around and settle in while you’re tasting. On warmer days, bring water for your dog since the sun exposure can be intense in the Temecula area. The grounds give you a sense of being somewhere rural and away from it all, even though you’re not far from the main part of wine country.

If you’re planning a wine-tasting trip through Temecula and want to include your dog rather than leaving them behind, Somerset makes that actually feasible. Check their website first to confirm current dog policies before you head out, since these things can shift seasonally or with staffing changes.