Happy hour usually means heading to a neighborhood bar or brewery, but increasingly, North Coast wineries are getting in on the act. At happy hour events across Sonoma County and Napa Valley, wineries encourage visitors to sip and socialize without the formality or expense of standard tastings. No reservations required.

With the industry navigating a prolonged downturn, happy hour events are more than a trend; they’re a smart survival strategy. According to Wine Business Monthly’s 2026 Tasting Room Survey Report, winery visitation in Napa County dropped 18% last year and Sonoma County tasting room traffic dipped 8%. Digging deeper, the survey found that visitors are looking for a more relaxed, affordable experience when visiting wineries — a fun space to hang out rather than a place to learn the nuances of sniffing and swirling.

At Dutton-Goldfield Winery in Sebastopol, happy hour events reflect a deliberate shift toward more social experiences. On the third Thursday of each month, the winery invites walk-in visitors to enjoy discounted wines by the glass and bottle service. Small bites are free. To create a more casual atmosphere, the winery recently revamped its tasting room in favor of a brighter farmhouse feel and added a large-screen television for communal viewing.

“Consumers are looking for occasions that are easy to say ‘yes’ to, with lower commitment, more flexibility and a stronger social component,” said Dutton-Goldfield co-owner Karissa Kruse. “We’ve found that when you lower the barrier, you actually deepen the connection. People engage more when the experience feels natural.”

Kruse also points to a growing desire for wine to fit seamlessly into people’s everyday lives rather than being reserved for special occasions and structured tastings.

“That’s especially true for younger consumers and locals,” she said. “We see this as where the industry is heading to be more approachable, more social and more integrated into how people actually live. It’s about building relationships over time, not just one visit.”

The strategy appears to be working. Dutton-Goldfield’s general manager Ed Thralls credits the tasting room team’s ability to set a tone that’s welcoming and authentic rather than transactional.

“What started as a seasonal series quickly proved its value,” he said. “We’ve seen such strong and consistent turnout that it’s now become a regular part of our programming.”

That’s not to say that seated wine tastings are on their way out.

“This complements the traditional tasting experience. It doesn’t replace it,” Thralls said. “There will always be a place for more structured, in-depth tastings, but not every occasion calls for that.”

In Napa Valley, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery hosts weekly “Social Hour” gatherings. Curated tastings at the Rutherford tasting room normally run $46-$145 or more. But during social hour events, wines by the glass start at just $10.

“We want this to be an opportunity for our neighbors and friends to gather and share their wine stories, to learn more from people who have a passion for wine and the people who make it,” said chief executive Emma Swain. “Enjoying wine with friends in a relaxed, beautiful setting is one of life’s luxuries. Does it get any better?”

Where to find winery happy hours in Sonoma County and Napa Valley

Wine and Vibe at Bella Union Winery

The St. Helena winery invites guests to gather at its outdoor Wren Bar. Sip wines by the glass or bottle and nibble on elevated bar bites. The patio bar is open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, spring through fall. 1695 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, 707-956-5120, farniente.com/visit-bella-union

Happy Hour at Benovia Winery

Walk-ins are welcome from 4:30-7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, when the Russian River Valley winery offers small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay by the glass, plus complimentary snacks. 3339 Hartman Road, Santa Rosa, 707-921-1040, benoviawinery.com

Street Food Happy Hour at Clif Family Winery

On Wednesdays, the St. Helena producer’s Bruschetteria Food Truck features a rotating street-food menu inspired by global flavors and made with ingredients grown on the family’s organic farm. Drop by for discounted happy hour pricing on wines by the glass between 4-7 p.m., along with live music. 709 Main St., St. Helena, 707-968-0625, cliffamily.com

Third Thursdays Happy Hour at Dutton-Goldfield Winery

The Sebastopol winery welcomes walk-in guests from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, with happy hour pricing on wines by the glass and bottle service. Small bites are free. 3100 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-827-3600, duttongoldfield.com

Third Thursdays at Markham Vineyards

The St. Helena winery opens its historic Stone Cellar from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month for wines by the glass, live music and local food trucks. The events are family- and dog-friendly. 2812 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, 707-963-5292, markhamvineyards.com

Food Truck Saturdays at Roche Winery & Vineyards

Roche welcomes a rotating lineup of food trucks to the Sonoma winery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday. Vendors cook up wine-friendly casual eats, from tacos to pizzas to grilled sandwiches. 22097A Bonness Road, Sonoma, 707-935-7115, rochewinery.com

Thursday Happy Hour at Russian River Vineyards

Through October, head to the Forestville winery on Thursday evenings, from 5-7:30 p.m., for special pricing on wines by the glass, plus local craft beer and housemade appetizers. Wines start at $8 per glass. 5700 Highway 116 N., Forestville, 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com

Social Hour at St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

The Rutherford winery offers selected wines by the glass for $10 and bottle offerings starting at $40. Social Hour runs 2-4 p.m., Wednesday to Friday, through the end of May — or longer. Reservations are recommended for larger groups. 8440 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, 707-302-3488, stsupery.com

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For some people, sensitivities to histamines or sulfites can put a damper on their enjoyment of wine. That’s where Sol Rei Wine comes in. Set in a charming courtyard off the Sonoma Plaza, the winery specializes in wines low in histamines and sulfites.

The story

When Katherine Kitzmiller retired from the tech world, she planned to buy a hobby vineyard. But before she could pull the trigger on a purchase, she developed a sensitivity to wine that threatened to derail her agrarian dream. Instead of giving up, Kitzmiller began sending wine samples to a lab for analysis. She found that histamines and sulfites were the likely culprits. Both occur naturally in wine, but for those with sensitivities, they can lead to headaches (histamines) and asthma-like symptoms (sulfites). At age 63, Kitzmiller put her retirement plans aside to launch a winery devoted to low-histamine, minimal-sulfite wines.

Kitzmiller had little experience making wine, aside from a yearlong internship at an organic vineyard and winery, so she recruited winemakers Greg and Kyle Stokes, along with Marco Cappelli, as consultants. To keep histamines to a minimum, her team practices careful hygiene in the vineyard and winery to make sure damaged grapes — the kind that can introduce histamine-producing microbes — don’t make it into the wines. Sol Rei does add small amounts of sulfites during production for its still wines — just enough, Kitzmiller said, to support stability and freshness while maintaining low overall sulfite levels.

With a name that means “sun king” in Portuguese, Sol Rei made its debut with the 2023 vintage. The winery sources sustainably and organically farmed grapes from vineyards in Sonoma County, the Sierra Foothills and other appellations. Wines are produced in the Sierra Foothills — the Stokes’ home base.

Sol Rei makes 1,000 cases per year, with a lineup that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, a red blend and a sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

The vibe

Sol Rei sits among the Sonoma Court Shops, with Sosie Wines as a neighbor. Opened in December 2025, the space is bright and appealing, decorated with soft green and earth tones. The room is compact, with comfortable yet chic table and banquette seating.

On the palate

If you have questions about histamines and sulfites in wine, you’re in luck. Sol Rei might be the only tasting room in California with its own wine science educator. Ask away. Or, if chemistry’s not your thing, just sit back and enjoy the wines.

The tasting room offers three flights ($35-$55), with some selections paired with focaccia and olive oil or Syrah-infused truffles from Kollar Chocolates in Napa Valley. Wines are also available by the glass.

The 2024 Private Reserve Red ($52) from the Alta Mesa AVA, a blend of Mencía and Petite Sirah, is fruity and medium-bodied, with plummy notes and soft tannins. Hailing from the Sierra Foothills, the 2023 Syrah ($52) has a dark-fruit profile with appealing savory notes. Bubbles fans will find lots to like with the Organic Blanc de Blanc ($74), made by Penny Gadd-Coster of Breathless Wines fame. Crafted in a subtle, off-dry style, it has a toasty, brioche aroma, a creamy texture and a string of fine bubbles.

As with many low-sulfite wines, you’ll want to drink these while they’re young. Sulfur dioxide is widely used as a preservative in winemaking, so wines without it tend to have a shorter shelf life.

Beyond the bottle

For some adult-style fun down on the farm, get tickets ($95) to the Summer Bar(n) Crawl. Scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, June 6, the event will be held at Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma. Guests can meet the sanctuary’s rescue animals at each barn while sampling local wines, then sit down to a plant-based barbecue picnic lunch from Nova Terra Kitchen & Creamery. charliesacres.org

Sol Rei Wine, 25 E. Napa St., Suite E, Sonoma. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. 707-460-2276, solreiwine.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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Tired of the ritualized sip and swirl? In Sonoma County and Napa Valley, wineries and tasting rooms are rethinking the formula.

As wine consumption evolves, so, too, does the experience around it. Increasingly, vintners are inviting guests to loosen the rules — to treat wine not as something to decode, but something to enjoy alongside whatever happens to be on the plate. The old pairings — Cabernet with steak, Pinot Noir with duck — are giving way to a more playful sensibility. Across Wine Country, tastings now feature unexpected companions: shortbread and s’mores, beignets and elaborate brunch boards.

Here are a few favorites.

Sonoma County

Cookies and Cabernet at Alexander Valley Vineyards

What started as a holiday treat at Alexander Valley Vineyards has turned into a year-round favorite. Each tasting flight arrives with five housemade shortbread cookies, thoughtfully paired with different wines from the estate.

The pairings range from classic to delightfully unexpected: think vanilla bean and sassafras shortbread with Chardonnay, or fig-pistachio with Cabernet Sauvignon. Culinary director Tim Gleadall crafts each cookie in-house, often reaching into the estate gardens for inspiration.

For those skipping alcohol, the kitchen offers a parallel experience of nonalcoholic shrubs — including fig, ginger-hibiscus and sorghum — designed with the same attention to pairing.

$30 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on Tock.

8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-7209, avvwine.com

Weekend Brunch Boards at Anaba Wines

At Anaba Wines, weekends are made for lingering. Guests can add a seasonal brunch board to their tasting — fried chicken and waffles, just-picked strawberries from the Watmaugh stand next door, and Carmody cheese from Bellwether Farms in Petaluma all make an appearance.

The boards change with the seasons, giving you a reason to return. The staff offers pairing suggestions for each pour, making the experience feel more like a leisurely meal than a formal tasting.

Tastings range from $45–$65; brunch boards are $48. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Tock.

62 Bonneau Road, Sonoma, 707-996-4188, anabawines.com

Bubbles and Beignets at J Vineyards & Winery

On select summer days, Sonoma Wine Country gets a taste of The Big Easy. Fresh, pillowy beignets dusted in powdered sugar are served alongside pours from J Vineyards’ sparkling library, with live music setting the mood.

Scheduled for May 17 and July 5. $60 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Tock.

11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, 707-431-5430, jwine.com

Napa Valley

Savory S’mores at V. Sattui Winery

At V. Sattui, the campfire staple is reimagined as a savory course. Marshmallows infused with flavors like cherry-thyme or aged Gouda are toasted tableside and layered with housemade crackers and cured meats such as Italian mortadella and bresaola.

Chocolatier and pastry chef Katryana Zide keeps the pairings fresh, but the spirit is always the same: familiar treats, surprising flavors. The s’mores experience is part of the tasting flights at the newly revamped Mercato del Gusto.

$20, plus tasting. Reserve a tasting on CellarPass.

1111 White Lane (at Highway 29), St. Helena, 707-963-7774, vsattui.com

Farm to Brunch at Clif Family Winery & Farm

This multicourse tasting is a love letter to the region’s farms and fields, with ingredients sourced from the estate and neighboring producers.

It starts with Clif Family’s own buttermilk-cheddar biscuits, English muffins from The Model Bakery and Mt. Tam cheese from Cowgirl Creamery. From there, the menu unfolds into seasonal dishes such as charred asparagus with sauce gribiche and fresh herbs; hash browns topped with crème fraiche, caviar and vanilla-cinnamon bacon from Journeyman Meat Co.; and egg yolk ravioli with greens and ricotta in a rich bacon jus.

$125 per person; reservations required. Seatings are at 10 a.m. daily. Vegan pairing menu or mocktail flight available on request. Reserve a tasting on Tock.

1334 Vidovich Lane, St. Helena, 707-968-0625, cliffamily.com

Bacon & Wine Experience at Priest Ranch

If you believe everything is better with bacon, this wine tasting is for you. Four cuts of pork belly, each with its own seasoning, are matched with estate wines in a tasting that leans unabashedly rich. Recent iterations have included strawberry-rhubarb bacon with Merlot and ras el hanout — glazed pork with Zinfandel.

$85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on Tock.

6490 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8200, priestranchwines.com

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At Royal We Wines in downtown St. Helena, wines spanning six brands are all crafted by the same duo: winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and viticulturist Matt Hardin. Together, they bring a meticulous, nuanced touch to wines from Caterwaul, Matthew Wallace, Aston Estate, Switchback Ridge, RIV and Maybach Family Vineyards.

The story

Thomas Rivers Brown likes to keep a low profile, yet he’s considered one of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. His wines have earned more than 60 perfect 100-point scores from critics — not bad for a South Carolina native with no formal enology training.

Brown entered the wine world in 1997, taking an entry-level cellar job at Turley Wine Cellars in St. Helena, where he worked with winemaker Ehren Jordan. After several years, he moved into consulting, making wines for cult Cabernet Sauvignon brands like Schrader Cellars and Pulido-Walker. The prolific winemaker now works with 50 clients in addition to helming his own brands.

Matt Hardin represents the farming side of Royal We. As a sixth-generation Napa Valley farmer, he grew up among the vines. After working under his mentor, viticulturist Jim Barbour, for more than a decade, Hardin founded his own vineyard management company in 2021. He is married to fourth-generation vintner Alicia Regusci, co-founder with Hardin of the Matthew Wallace brand and founder of RIV Wines.

After years of collaboration, Brown and Hardin founded Caterwaul Wines in 2014. In the fall of 2025, the friends opened Royal We in St. Helena. Along with their own brands, including Brown’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir project Aston Estate and Hardin’s Matthew Wallace, the tasting room features rotating selections from their clients.

The vibe

Yao Family Wines closed its downtown St. Helena tasting room in 2020, and the space sat empty for four years before Royal We moved in. They revamped the tasting room to tone down the Vegas-style décor and added rich tones of royal blue and orange. There is plenty of seating at the circular bar, flanked by two smaller rooms for seated tastings. The atmosphere is sleek and understated. Stylish, but not stuffy.

Royal We does not serve food but encourages tasters to take a bottle next door to Gott’s Roadside for the world’s most elevated burger pairing. The restaurant’s buzzers work in the tasting room, and corkage at Gott’s is just $5.

On the palate

You may wonder how a winemaker who works with so many brands — and mainly with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — keeps them from tasting the same. The distinctions lie in the vineyards. Brown and Hardin avoid overlapping sites between their brands, and each vineyard has its own variations in clones, soils and row orientations. Made with minimal intervention, the resulting wines lean toward power without going overboard.

The 2024 Matthew Wallace Hardin Ranch Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($40) has a flowery, peachy aroma, with vibrant citrus flavors and subtle grassy notes. At the higher end of the price spectrum, the 2023 Caterwaul Regusci Vineyard Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon ($125) is a gorgeous wine with a deep, opaque color and aromas of tobacco spice. It has enough acidity for aging, but it’s already delicious.

Tastings range from quick bar samplings ($25) to more leisurely seated options ($50-$75). If there’s a particular brand or focus you’d like to explore, they’ll gladly create a customized tasting.

Beyond the bottle

Love Italian markets? Check out the newly expanded — and quite spectacular — Mercato del Gusto at V. Sattui Winery. It has everything you could want for a Wine Country picnic, from prepared salads to panini to charcuterie boxes. Oh, and did I mention the house-cured salumi and 200 cheeses from around the world? The market also sells harder-to-find Italian deli meats like mortadella, guanciale and bresaola.

For a simple Italian market, Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Co. is just five minutes away. Hidden on a quiet St. Helena back road, it has been run by the same family since 1931. The space is small, cramped and wonderfully authentic. Along with jugs of housemade extra-virgin olive oil, the market is packed with imported pastas, sauces, cured meats, condiments and candies. Matt Hardin says the place smells like his childhood, but he is wrong about that. It smells like my childhood.

Royal We Wines is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 929 Main St., St. Helena, 707-339-2492, royalwewines.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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After more than a decade of cultivating a fervent following for her exuberant wines through pop-ups and events, winemaker Martha Stoumen finally has a tasting room to call her own.

A darling of the natural wine space, Stoumen opened her new tasting room last fall in downtown Healdsburg. It’s an intimate location that’s open late and ready to lure in both longtime fans and new customers.

For the Sebastopol native, a tasting room was a dream that seemed out of reach, but that changed last summer when Stoumen joined The Overshine Collective, a sextet of wine brands led by founding partner and investor David Drummond.

“I’m really excited to have this huge container for creativity,” says Stoumen, who calls the work to refurbish the space, previously home to other tasting rooms, a “home-grown effort” that included input from team members Alyssa Julian, who worked on design, and hospitality manager Michael Richardson, doing much of the buildout. Stoumen’s parents pitched in, too.

When envisioning her new tasting room, Stoumen drew on her own life experience, where sensory details are at the heart of her craft.

“I thought about the experiential side of drinking wine — not the taste or smell — but the textures, the lighting, the sound of the room,” she says, noting the goal is “to make people feel sexy and relaxed.”

Stoumen, who spent years abroad working harvest, yearned to create an environment where guests feel transported — whether to a European café or a place that she calls “intangibly familiar.”

“I love spaces that feel both comfortable and familiar, even though you’ve never been there,” she says.

Ambition achieved. The tasting room is undeniably inviting, with cozy seating areas grounded by redwood trim, burlap, and cork paneling. The copper tabletops, which gleam like new pennies, will develop a patina over time, yet it’s a detail Stoumen embraces.

Unlike many tasting rooms that close before the dinner hour, Stoumen’s tasting room offers something for night owls, taking tasting reservations until 9 p.m. on weekend nights.

Wines are offered by the glass, flight, and bottle. Flights feature six tastes which might include Italian varietals such as Nero d’Avola and fan favorite Vermentino, as well as blends of both French and Italian varietals with cheeky — sometimes romantic — names like Post Flirtation Red and Honeymoon, a marriage of Colombard and Chardonnay. Stoumen makes nearly two dozen wines each year, so guests can expect something new and interesting on each visit.

Ready-to-serve food items are also available, with a menu that changes regularly.

“In the beginning, we’ll offer a little bit of ‘choose your own adventure’ to see what people gravitate towards,” says Stoumen. “We want to see what the community wants and needs. That’s most important.”

325 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-473-8266, marthastoumen.com

A longer version of this story was originally published in October of 2025 in The Press Democrat. Read the full, original article here.

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The stream of accolades for Healdsburg continues, the latest arriving from geography-focused website WorldAtlas, which recently named the northern Sonoma County city the friendliest small town in California, citing its welcoming vineyards, lively jazz festivals, charming 19th-century inns, art scene, unique lodging options and wine tasting experiences.

Set at the confluence of the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander valleys, Healdsburg has earned its reputation as a polished yet approachable base camp for exploring Wine Country. For travelers planning a return — or a first visit — the following stops offer a well-rounded introduction.

Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

With three renowned wine regions converging at its edges, the town presents an embarrassment of riches for oenophiles.

Bacchus Landing (14210 Bacchus Landing), a contemporary compound just minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza, is home to multiple boutique producers — including Aldina, Comstock, Convene by Dan Kosta, Dot Wine, Solo Nostro and Smith Story Wine Cellars — making it possible to compare styles without moving the car. The central piazza often hosts live music and community markets, giving the experience a festive air.

Medlock Ames (13414 Chalk Hill Road) pairs organically farmed Bordeaux-style wines with an immersive sound experience. Guests can wander the 338-acre Bell Mountain Ranch while listening to an audio program, recorded onsite, that culminates in a guided tasting of five wines that underscores the winery’s sustainability ethos.

At Aperture Cellars, Jesse Katz, named Winemaker of the Year in 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, focuses on meticulously crafted blends and single-varietal bottlings. The sleek tasting room doubles as a gallery space for large-scale photography by his father, Andy Katz, adding a visual counterpoint to the wines in the glass from labels Devil Proof, Collage and Aperture.

Where to Eat in Healdsburg

Restaurants here reflect the surrounding farmland, with menus shaped by the seasons.

Across from the Plaza, The Matheson (106 Matheson St.) houses two restaurants under one roof. On the ground floor, the main dining room presents refined, ingredient-driven plates. Upstairs, Roof 106 offers a more casual experience with pizza, small plates and cocktails, as well as an open-air vantage point over town. The location has special meaning to chef Valette; his great-grandfather operated his first Sonoma County bakery here almost a century ago.

Executive chef Shane McAnelly has built a dedicated following since taking over the reins at Dry Creek Kitchen (317 Healdsburg Ave.). Guests can opt for a three-course seasonal menu or a lengthier tasting progression, including a pasta-focused option. Whichever you choose, save room for dessert crafted by pastry chef Taylor Kelley.

It’s Oktoberfest every day at Tisza Bistro (165 Healdsburg Ave.), a German-Hungarian restaurant that turns out excellent Bavarian pretzels, housemade bratwurst and a variety of schnitzels. Open for lunch and dinner; closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Little Saint (25 North St.) showcases the range of plant-based cooking in a sleek, spacious building that also houses a coffee bar, a wine lounge and a cocktail bar. Its intimate events space is fast becoming one of the hottest music venues in the country, with performances by artists such as Beck, Rufus Wainwright, and Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker of boygenius; plus, an upcoming show by St. Vincent. Programming includes free live music every Thursday night.

Arts and Culture in Healdsburg

Wine and food may draw visitors, but the arts help persuade them to linger.

The recently opened True West Film Center (371 Healdsburg Ave.) screens new releases and classics, as well as special programming carefully curated by John Cooper, the former director of the Sundance Film Festival.

At The Harris Gallery Art & Wine Collection (320 Healdsburg Ave.), paintings by M.C. Harris and his son, Alexander Harris (who goes by A3l3xzand3r), are displayed just steps from the Plaza, often accompanied by pours from the family’s wine label.

In Healdsburg, even hotels participate in the creative exchange. Harmon Guest House (227 Healdsburg Ave.) integrates rotating works by local artists throughout its public spaces, inviting guests and passersby alike to treat the hotel as an informal gallery. The property’s Art Walk website serves as a handy guide. Head to The Rooftop for bites, cocktails and views of the Sonoma hills, Fitch Mountain and downtown Healdsburg.

Stay the Night in Healdsburg

If a day trip feels rushed, check into one of Healdsburg’s charismatic hotels.

The Cottages at Little Saint (425 Foss St.) comprises four vividly redesigned guest cottages, courtesy of creative director Ken Fulk. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood near downtown, they extend the ethos of its sister restaurant into residential form.

Appellation Healdsburg (101 Dovetail Ln.) is the flagship property of chef Charlie Palmer’s new hospitality company. Here, the emphasis is culinary from the outset, with an on-site restaurant upon entry and a rooftop bar with expansive views. In addition to its 108 rooms and suites, the property features a spa and a fitness center.

The post Healdsburg Named the Friendliest Small Town in California appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Despite its postcard splendor, the best of Wine Country can feel curiously out of reach for the people who call it home.

In the warm, sun-drenched months, tasting rooms swell with visitors and fees climb to the price of a decent bottle. Come winter, however, the tempo slows — and those in the know understand that the quiet season is when the region is most generous.

Now through March 15, Sonoma Sips, an annual promotion organized by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers, offers $15 tastings at more than 50 wineries throughout Sonoma Valley.

How it works

The premise of Sonoma Sips is simple. No tickets are required and most wineries do not require reservations, though calling ahead is encouraged. Upon arrival at a participating tasting room, guests mention Sonoma Sips and a host will outline the featured experience. Whether a curated flight or a wine-and-food pairing, the price is fixed at $15.

A complete and regularly updated list of participating wineries is available at sonomavalley.com/food-wine/wine/sonoma-sips.

Best bets

With over 50 wineries to choose from — a big increase from the 16 that participated last year — choosing one or a handful to visit can be daunting. Here are some top picks to help break the decision lock.

Calling chocoholics and art aficionados

Imagery Estate Winery: The Glen Ellen winery offers a trio of wines paired with chocolate, along with a self-guided tour of its art gallery. $10 for nondrinkers and complimentary for wine club members. No reservations required. 14335 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, imagerywinery.com

For dog lovers

Larson Family Winery: Bring your pup to this family- and dog-friendly Sonoma winery for a tasting of three estate wines: Pinot Grigio, rosé of Pinot Noir and its bestselling “Three Lab Cab” Cabernet Sauvignon. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

A free tasting

Meadowcroft Wines: During Sonoma Sips, Meadowcroft offers a complimentary wine tasting flight of three pre-selected wines. That’s right, completely free. Guests who want to explore more of the winery’s offerings can upgrade to a $25 tasting for a full flight of wines of their choice. 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-934-4090, meadowcroftwines.com

Small and casual

Cline Family Cellars: Taste four classic varietals from different Sonoma County regions in a standing tasting. A two-bottle purchase waives the $15 tasting fee. Best for individuals and small groups of up to four people. Reservations and walk-ins welcome. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Right on the Plaza

Corner 103: Guests can choose five award-winning, limited-production estate wines to taste at this Sonoma Plaza tasting room. 103 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-931-6141, corner103.com

For music buffs and locals

B.R. Cohn Winery: Stroll the beautiful property and learn about the winery’s musical heritage while sipping on three estate wines. (Fun fact: B.R. Cohn Winery was founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn, former manager of The Doobie Brothers.) On select weekends during Sonoma Sips, the winery offers a “Local Love Tasting” featuring two complimentary tastings for Sonoma and Napa residents (ID required to prove local residency). Learn more and reserve on Tock. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

A history lesson in a wine barrel

Dane Cellars: Taste wines in a more than 100-year-old, 14,000-gallon redwood wine tank while learning the history of California’s wine industry with winemaker and self-proclaimed cellar rat Bart Hansen. 14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-529-5856, danecellars.com

Drink in the views

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards: Guided by the estate’s wine educators, taste five pre-selected wines against a backdrop of mountain vistas and sweeping vineyard views. 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, 707-833-0242, stfranciswinery.com

‘I prefer cider’

Pomme: Visit the county’s only cider bar and bottle shop for a tasting of three ciders from small-batch producers. Plus, souped-up hot dogs and a large selection of tinned fish are available. 531 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7155, pommecidershop.com

Bonus perk for eco-friendly commuters

Sonoma Adventures: The bicycle rental and tour service offers 20% off rentals and tours during Sonoma Sips. A local tour guide leads winery tours that include lunch. Use the code “Sonomasips” at checkout online or mention Sonoma Sips when reserving by phone. 1254 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-938-2080, sonoma-adventures.com

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There’s a good chance you’ve seen bottles of the California appellation Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red at local markets for well under 20 bucks. But there’s a more artisanal side to this 47-year-old Geyserville-based winery, showcased at Marietta’s first-ever tasting room in downtown Healdsburg.

The story

Marietta Cellars got its start in 1978, when Chris Bilbro founded the Dry Creek Valley winery and named it for his favorite aunt. Initially buying fruit from local growers, he built a reputation for making solid, affordable wines with integrity — including Marietta’s famous $19 red. Bilbro’s sons, Scot, Jake and Sam, grew up in the family business, so it was no surprise that all three found careers in the wine world. In 2012, Scot and Jake bought Marietta Cellars from their dad, and Sam founded Idlewild Wines. Now, as Marietta’s sole owner and winemaker, Scot Bilbro is adding exciting new dimensions to the business.

Farming 200 acres of vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, the winery makes about 35,000 cases per year, with small-lot wines reserved for the tasting room. Wines feature an intriguing array of varieties, including Zinfandel, Riesling and Trousseau.

The vibe

Scot Bilbro and his wife, Lisa Steinkamp, opened the tasting room in late October just off the Healdsburg Plaza. The site was formerly a police station — the old holding cell is now Marietta’s bathroom — and, more recently, the tasting room for Roadhouse Winery.

Steinkamp is an architectural designer and it shows in the bright, contemporary space. (One of her sketches hangs on the wall and her lovely watercolor paintings appear on Marietta’s wine labels.) All of the design choices are thoughtful and intentional, from the French marble hutch behind the bar to the wooden branch sculpture that hangs from the ceiling. Even the spittoons are custom-made by a local ceramicist — a former Buddhist monk.

Seating includes a velvet banquette with marble-topped tables and a couple of bar seats. There’s also a sweet patio out front, with tables set under some leafy trees. The winery doesn’t currently offer food, but you can order from Acorn Café and have it brought over (Marietta shares a back door with the restaurant). Wines are available by the flight, glass and bottle, so visitors are welcome to stick around and relax. If you’re a dog person, as I am, you’ll enjoy meeting the couple’s bouncy pup, Harry.

On the palate

Although Marietta has some higher-production wines in distribution across the country, you won’t find them here. This is a chance to taste Bilbro’s small-lot wines, which he describes as both personal and emotional.

The tasting room offers two different flights for $35 each. The Place sampling features single-estate wines made in a more traditional style. The Presence tasting highlights Marietta’s “Etta” series of playful, esoteric wines. All selections are made with neutral oak, which highlights the purity of the fruit and adds texture.

The Etta 2023 Gris ($42) immediately hooked me with its pale, coppery color. A blend of Grenache and Trousseau, the wine has peachy hints and a nice balance of acidity and body. I loved the Nadi 2022 Wirz Vineyard Dry Riesling from Cienega Valley ($38) for its golden color, stone-fruit aroma and racy energy. The 2022 Gibson Block Red from McDowell Valley ($58) is made from Syrah vines planted in 1918, along with Grenache, Petite Sirah and Alicante. Its deep color, structure and dark fruit flavors call out for a pan-seared steak.

Beyond the bottle

To keep the laid-back, artsy vibe going, catch a movie at the new True West Film Center. The three-screen theater showcases “art house” flicks and new releases, offering big, comfy seats and — in true Healdsburg fashion — a sommelier-designed selection of wines from the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. Moviegoers can also preorder food from Acorn Café, El Milagro, Journeyman Meat Co., Lo & Behold and Troubadour.

Marietta Cellars is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 250 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-433-2747, mariettacellars.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

The post Marietta Cellars Opens Its First Tasting Room After 47 Years appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

There was a time when kids and Wine Country was not a great pairing. But that is changing. A new breed of family-friendly wineries are welcoming wine-loving parents and their (well-behaved) offspring for some fun in the vineyard — children sipping grape juice while parents relax, wine in hand.

Here are some of the most kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties.

Sonoma County

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

One of Sonoma County’s most famous family-friendly destinations, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has an expansive pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Wine and food is delivered to parents poolside, while kids can play bocce and board games. A museum inside the winery features props from Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula. Reservations required for pool access. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Preston Farm & Winery

This cat-friendly winery (leave your dog at home) has gardens, bocce and sheep, in addition to the cats that live on the property. If you’re lucky, your little one can help bottle-feed a lamb. Bring a picnic, pick up one of the winery’s famed Rhône wines, and enjoy the rustic, old-world charm of this west county spot. Don’t miss the farm shop, which sells fresh farm-grown produce. 9282 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3372, prestonfarmandwinery.com

Larson Family Winery

The Larson family has been farming land in the Carneros region for over 120 years. After they started making wine in the 1970s, they turned their farmhouse into a family- and pet-friendly destination. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. Larson Family Winery offers bocce, cornhole and other kid-friendly games and has an expansive lawn that makes for a great location for a game of tag. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Landmark Vineyards

Founded by the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere, Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at its Kenwood and Hop Kiln estates. After rounds of bocce ball at either property, parents can relax with a picnic and wine tasting while the kids play in the grass. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Benziger Family Winery

It’s not just in the name. Benziger Family Winery is truly a family operation; generations of Benzigers have been raised on the property, known for its organic and biodynamic wines. The winery tour is a must for any first-time visitor to Wine Country. Kids and adults love riding the tram through the property while learning about agriculture, as well as biodynamic and organic winemaking practices. Sheep and cows make appearances along the route and the tram even travels into the wine caves. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Cline Family Cellars

Founded in 1982, Cline Cellars is a family-run winery that offers unpretentious tasting experiences in an updated farmhouse, outdoor cabanas and by a pond. Kids will love the property, and parents the wine. Take a guided tour through the estate to the barrel room, where guests can learn about the history of the winery. Or, pack a picnic to enjoy pondside after a self-guided walking tour of the historic ranch, where the family can meet the winery’s resident donkeys and other farm animals. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Buena Vista Winery

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. The historic property offers wine tastings for adults and an educational and interactive experience for kids. Schedule a tour guided by period actors, who will guide your family through the winery, including the old wine caves and the historic Wine Tool Museum, which features a colorful multimedia presentation that feels like a blend between Wine Country and Disneyland. Don’t miss the hedge maze and the giant crocodile. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Napa County

Castello di Amorosa

The closest thing to Disneyland in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a 121,000-square-foot replica of an Italian castle from the Middle Ages. It took 15 years to build and even a bored 15-year-old will be impressed. Book a guided tour, which features everything from gargoyles and knights in shining armor to a dungeon and an opportunity to meet the winery cats. There are also peacocks, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Kids can sip grape juice (included in their $25 general admission ticket) and color their hearts out in their own play area while parents enjoy vino. Please note: Strollers are not allowed inside the winery. 4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, 707-967-6272, castellodiamorosa.com

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards offers yet another family-friendly experience in northern Napa Valley. The winery is only accessible via an aerial tram, which takes visitors 300 feet from the ground to the mountaintop estate. Upon arrival, kids will receive age-appropriate backpacks filled with a drink, snack and game. After a self-guided tour of the winery, parents can enjoy wine tasting overlooking Napa Valley. Please note: Children are welcome at the “Sterling Stroll” and “Tour and Terrace” experiences, but the tasting experiences in the Hilltop areas are strictly 21 and over. 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 800-726-6136, sterlingvineyards.com

The River Club

Founded by two local family-owned wineries, Belong Wine Co. and Paper Planes Wine Co., the newly opened River Club welcomes children and pets (be sure to meet estate dog Peaches on your visit) to its cheery, laid-back tasting room space, nestled on the edge of the Napa River. Parents can sip Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre while taking in expansive river views, as the children play games, read books and color with provided art supplies in the kids’ corner. A kids’ snack pack is also available for purchase. Tastings are just $25 per person, and the next-door River Studio offers equally affordable riverside grub. 101 S. Coombs St., Napa, 707-234-5814, exploretock.com/riverclubnapa

Grace Yarrow and Maci Martell contributed to this article. 

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Sonoma County, with its many renowned vineyards, is a great place to enjoy a day of wine tasting. The region is also a great place for dogs and their owners, with an increasing number of parks, establishments and venues welcoming and catering to canine companions.

But just where should you go if you want to visit a winery while also spending time with your furry best friend? Fortunately, there are plenty of options in the county — and some of them have special events planned for this year’s International Dog Day, Aug. 26.

Sonoma

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

One of the oldest wineries in California welcomes on-leash dogs to their Rhinefarm. Pack a picnic and enjoy the patio, which overlooks the estate vineyards, or bring your dog into the historic tasting room, a pet-friendly pick for a rainy day. 2000 Denmark St., 707-938-5277, gunbun.com

Larson Family Winery

Larson Family Winery makes a dog-themed wine, Three Lab Cab, named after winery dogs Buster, Bubba and Pete. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room barn and on the lawn and picnic area, where you can play cornhole while your dog relaxes in the sun. 23355 Millerick Road, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com 

Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery

Located within 375-acre Bartholomew Park in Sonoma Valley, Bartholomew winery has a variety of great views and trails for humans and canines to enjoy. Leashes are required at all times. 1000 Vineyard Lane, 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

Roche Winery

Watch the world go by, dog by your side, on the patio of this downtown tasting room, with a fire pit and trees providing shade. The tasting room offers barrel tastings, snacks and some of the best people-watching in town. 122 West Spain St., 707-935-7115, rochewinery.com

Glen Ellen

Abbot’s Passage Winery + Mercantile

Coming from a long lineage of winemakers that stretches back over a century and a half, vintner Katie Bundschu is making her distinctive mark with small-lot Rhône-style wines. Her winery is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Dogs should be on a leash. 777 Madrone Road, 707-939-3017, abbotspassage.com

B.R. Cohn Winery

This Glen Ellen winery offers water bowls and treats for visiting dogs to enjoy. Leashed dogs are welcome on the winery patio and grounds, which include estate vineyards and views of Sonoma and the Mayacamas mountains. 15000 Sonoma Highway, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Mayo Family Winery

Mayo’s Glen Ellen tasting room is dog-friendly and open for tastings daily. Guests can also bring a picnic and their pets to the outdoor courtyard. 13101 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-938-9401, mayofamilywinery.com

Kenwood

Deerfield Ranch Winery

“May All Fours Be With You” is the motto of Deerfield Ranch’s winery dog, Obi Wine Kenobi. Water is available for pooches, while dog owners can taste some of the wineries delectable vintages. 10200 Sonoma Highway, 707-833-5215, deerfieldranch.com

Kunde Family Winery

Fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde invites dogs to accompany their owners on tastings and to join him on a hike through his family’s historic vineyards through oak woodlands, native grasslands and chaparral. The dog hikes last about four hours and conclude with a wine tasting and lunch. Dogs must be on a leash. 9825 Sonoma Highway, 707-833-5501, kunde.com

Landmark Vineyards

Welcome throughout the property, dogs are allowed to wander with their owners into the vineyard. Thirsty dogs get a taste of the royal treatment: Fiji water fresh from the bottle served in a bowl. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Muscardini Cellars

Winemaker Michael Muscardini’s golden retriever, Biondi, and staff welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting room and on the patio and green rolling grounds behind the tasting room. Dogs can look forward to treats, water and toys as well as dog-themed events. 9380 Sonoma Highway, 707-933-9305, muscardinicellars.com

Santa Rosa

Balletto Vineyards

The family-owned winery says it usually has dog treats and water bowls at the ready for visiting dogs. Just make sure your dog is on a leash during the entire visit. 5700 Occidental Road, 707-568-2455, ballettovineyards.com

Belden Barns

This family-run winery prides itself on being dog-friendly and kid-friendly. The property, which is located on Sonoma Mountain, is also a working farm that produces a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. 5561 Sonoma Mountain Road, 415-577-8552, beldenbarns.com

Matanzas Creek Winery

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome both inside and outside at Matanzas Creek, where aromatic lavender gardens line the property. This year, the winery is hosting its third annual Dog Day Celebration for dog owners and lovers from noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 31. The event will include estate wines for purchase, hot dogs, local pet vendors (such as K9 Activity Club and Pawsarotti’s Dog Boutique), a dog caricature artist and plenty of opportunities to socialize with other pups. General admission is $30 per person and includes a glass of wine and a hot dog, plus a take-home caricature of you and your pup. Purchase tickets on Tock. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, 707-521-7019, matanzascreek.com

St. Francis Winery

Named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, this Santa Rosa winery lives up to its namesake by supporting local animal charities and partnering with Canine Companions, to which it has contributed over $400,000 since 2021. Friendly pets are welcome on the property and must be leashed at all times. The winery will host its 23rd annual Blessing of the Animals Fundraiser from 2-5 p.m., Oct. 5, in support of the Humane Society of Sonoma County and other local animal rescue organizations. Admission is free but donations are welcome. There will be wine by the glass as well as a raffle and dog contest. 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, 707-833-0242, stfranciswinery.com

Windsor

Mutt Lynch Winery

Winemaker Brenda Lynch’s winery is both an ode to wine and to furry friends. The tasting room hosts “Yappy Hour” events and offers water, treats, toys and possible playmates, as staff members often bring their pups to work. The winery also raises funds for animal rescue organizations through its Wines That Give Back program. 9050 Windsor Road, 707-687-5089, muttlynchwinery.com

Bricoleur Vineyards

Bricoleur’s Essentials Picnic tasting ($75 per tasting flight) is the perfect excuse to treat yourself and your furry friend to an alfresco lunch by the estate pond with a glass of refreshing sparkling wine. Dogs are welcome in all outside areas at Bricoleur Vineyards, though only official service animals are allowed in the Winery Barn. All dogs should be leashed and never left unattended. 7394 Starr Road, 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Martinelli Winery

The historic Martinelli Winery & Vineyards welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash for its Vineyard Terrace Tasting ($50 per person). The tasting includes a flight of estate wines to sip on the terrace overlooking the Hop Barn Hill Vineyard, with the option to add a picnic lunch and bottle service. Only service animals are allowed inside the tasting room. 3360 River Road, 707-525-0570, martinelliwinery.com

La Crema

Located within Saralee’s Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, La Crema Estate also welcomes dogs. The site’s landmark historic barn has been converted into a tasting room and wine education facility. Dogs should be on a leash at all times. 3575 Slusser Road, 707-525-6200, lacrema.com

Two Shepherds

Named for the owners’ two Australian shepherds, Arya and Austin, Two Shepherds winery is not only pet friendly — animals are a part of the whole operation. Donkeys help turn the soil in the wintertime, the estate cats hunt for gophers in the vineyards and the dogs serve as friendly brand ambassadors. There are even wines named after some of Two Shepherds’ furry family, like the “Wiley” Carbonic Carignan named after cat Wiley and the “L’il Trouble” Mourvèdre named after their frisky Nigerian dwarf goat Trouble. The winery also releases a canned sparkling orange wine called “Natty Pets,” which features the furry farm crew on its colorful label. 7763 Bell Road, Windsor, 415-613-5731, twoshepherds.com

Healdsburg

Amista Vineyards

Guests can bring their four-legged companions to this dog-friendly Healdsburg winery, where they can enjoy a walk on a half-mile path through the vineyards. The covered, solar-paneled patio is an idyllic place to relax with the pup and enjoy a wine tasting with stunning views. Amista staff will provide water bowls and dog biscuits. Bonus: You may even get to meet the winery’s own shelties. 3320 Dry Creek Road, 707-431-9200, amistavineyards.com

Bacchus Landing

With a reputation of being “super” dog friendly, this collective of just over a half dozen boutique wineries is a hub of winemaking and tasting activity. Bacchus Landing is equally family-friendly with bocce courts and lawn games as well as a large open patio and five tasting rooms, among them Smith Story Wine Cellars and resident goldendoodle Lord Sandwich. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, 707-395-0697, bacchuslanding.com

Breathless Wines

Guests can enjoy a flight of sparkling wines on the winery’s garden patio accompanied by their dogs. The winery also hosts fundraisers for Humane Society of Sonoma County. Out of courtesy for other visitors and staff, the winery requests that all animals are leashed and well-behaved. 499 Moore Lane, 707-395-7300, breathlesswines.com

Lambert Bridge Winery

This Healdsburg winery allows dogs to settle into a dog bed and relax with a bowl of water while owners try out the wines. After enjoying a tasting, wander through the estate gardens with your pup. 4085 W. Dry Creek Road, 707-431-9600, lambertbridge.com

Portalupi Wine

This winery’s downtown tasting room is a convenient stop along a dog walk. The family is a supporter of the local Humane Society and donates proceeds from their wine sales to the nonprofit. 107 North St., 707-395-0960, portalupiwine.com

West Wines

The winery, with a tasting room below a large oak with views of the vineyards, invites guests to enjoy a tasting on the dog-friendly patio. West Wines’ Instagram account occasionally features an assortment of photos of some of its canine visitors as well as its “winery cat extraordinaire” Jane Bond. 1000 Dry Creek Road, 707-433-2066, westwines.com

Wilson Winery

The Wilsons make a dog-themed wine, Three Dog Zin, which features the family’s three dogs, Molly, Sydney and Victoria. The staff welcomes dogs, offering pups treats and water, while humans sip zinfandel in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the vineyards. 1960 Dry Creek Road, 707-433-4355, wilsonwinery.com

Cloverdale

BobDog Wines

Named after a beloved Rottweiler that lived at Sky Pine Vineyards 20 years ago, BobDog Wines lives up to its reputation as a dog-friendly winery, where pets are free to walk around on a leash. A portion of wine sales proceeds benefits programs for the protection and care of animals. 31955 Pine Mountain Road, 707-756-2471, bobdogwine.com

Geyserville

Dutcher Crossing Winery

Dogs are welcome in the tasting room, where they can try on winery-branded dog collars for purchase while their owners taste estate zinfandel and other small-production wines. The back patio and lawn is a great spot for nibbling on cheese and charcuterie, and playing catch. 8533 Dry Creek Road, 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

Sebastopol

Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Canine companions are celebrated at the winery, with special dog cookies offered to pets. Winery partner Theresa Dutton serves on the Northwest regional board of Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit that provides service and therapy dogs to those in need. 3100 Gravenstein Highway N., 707-823-3887, duttongoldfield.com

Horse & Plow

Located in a historic Sebastopol barn near local vineyards and apple orchards, Horse & Plow welcomes dogs and their owners to the tasting room. Treats and water are provided to pups. 1272 Gravenstein Highway N., 707-827-3486, horseandplow.com

Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery

This vineyard, owned and operated by the Spanish-American Torres family, welcomes dogs in outdoor areas. Visitors will also find some larger than life dogs on the winery grounds — 10-foot metal sculptures of the owners’ springer spaniels, Chico and Bonita. 11400 Graton Road, 707-823-4365, marimarestate.com

Taft Street Winery

Taft Street Winery is a family-friendly business — and that includes dogs. Well-behaved pups on a leash are welcome on the winery’s back patio. The winery also provides treats and water bowls. 2030 Barlow Lane, 707-823-2049, taftstreetwinery.com

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