Stonehouse Cellars sits in the rolling vineyard country of Clearlake Oaks, where Lake County’s wine region offers a quieter alternative to the crowded tasting rooms farther south. This boutique winery focuses on small-batch production, and you’ll notice the difference immediately—the wines reflect careful attention to both the grapes and the specific character of the land they’re grown on.

What makes a visit here different from other wineries is the hands-on experience. You can hand-feed the llamas and sheep that roam the property, which my dog found entertaining even if she didn’t quite understand why there were other animals around. The winery lets you taste wine straight from the barrel, which gives you a real sense of what they’re working with before it’s fully finished. There’s also a fire pit where you can sit with a glass and just watch the vineyard stretch out in front of you.

The biggest draw for traveling with a dog is that they’re genuinely welcome here—not just tolerated, but actually part of the experience the winery seems designed around. You’re not confined to a small patio area or made to feel like you’re inconveniencing anyone. The property gives dogs room to move around while you’re tasting and exploring.

The setting itself is peaceful without feeling remote. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon slips away quickly, where you’re not rushed through tastings or pressured to buy more than you want. If you’re in Lake County with your dog and want to spend a few hours somewhere that doesn’t treat dogs as an afterthought, this winery delivers a genuine experience. Just plan to spend enough time to actually enjoy the vineyard rather than treating it as a quick stop.