Windy Oaks was founded in 1996 by Jim and Judy Schultze, who returned to California after spending seven years living overseas in Australia and Europe. They chose a windy ridge in Corralitos overlooking Monterey Bay to plant their first three acres, and by 1999 they’d released their inaugural Pinot Noir. Today the vineyard spans almost 30 acres growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah across their property.

The tasting room sits about ten minutes east from Highway One, positioned along the Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Trail. If you’re heading through the area with your dog, it’s a straightforward drive through rolling vineyard country. The space itself has a natural, unhurried feeling—there’s plenty of room for groups without feeling crowded, but you’ll also find quieter corners if you want something more low-key. One of the first things you notice when you walk in is the dramatic framing of the tasting bar: massive old oak tree branches that create a striking natural canopy overhead. It’s the kind of detail that makes the room feel connected to the land around it rather than generic.

The setup works well if you’re moving through multiple Carmel Valley wineries in a day. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room itself, which means you’re not managing the logistics of leaving them in the car while you’re inside. The vineyard setting means there’s also space to walk around the grounds before or after tasting if you want to stretch your legs and get a sense of where these wines come from.

Check their website for current hours and days of operation before planning your visit, as tasting room schedules can shift seasonally.