Founded in 1973, Story Winery has been producing wines for nearly five decades in the picturesque Plymouth area of Amador County. This family-run operation sits on a scenic hilltop with breathtaking views of a river canyon and surrounding landscape, positioned right among their historic Mission vineyard. Those impressive gnarled vines were planted back in the 1890s, and you can walk among them while visiting. The tasting room itself has real character. Relics from Gold Country’s past dot the path leading up to the rustic building, offering glimpses into the area’s mining heritage. Once you’re there, the adjacent garden fills the air with scents of sage and jasmine.

The staff knows their wines well and enjoys sharing what they’ve made. Dogs are welcome throughout the experience, which means you’ll be sipping wine while your dog gets to enjoy the fresh air, the views, and the chance to wander the grounds with you. It’s a genuinely relaxed setup—not one of those places where dogs feel like an afterthought.

The rolling hills and vineyards of Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley create a compelling backdrop for an afternoon visit. The tasting room experience centers on their current vintages, and the friendly staff will guide you through what they’re pouring. You’re getting a sense of the place and its history at the same time—the vines themselves tell a story spanning over a century. Walking the property with your dog gives you room to move around and explore rather than feeling confined to a tasting counter.

It’s the kind of winery where spending a few hours doesn’t feel rushed. Amador County wine country has a different feel than the bigger Napa or Sonoma regions—less crowded and more low-key, which tends to work well if you’re bringing your dog along. The grounds themselves give you plenty of space to stretch, and the whole experience has an unpretentious, casual quality that matches the region’s character.