Cabana Winery & Bistro sits in the heart of East Sacramento, where you can pull up a chair on one of two substantial patios and actually relax with your dog while sipping wine. The front patio faces the street, but the real draw is the back area—it’s spacious enough that you don’t feel cramped, and water bowls are scattered throughout so your dog stays hydrated while you’re working through the wine list.

Vintner Robert Smerling came here after two decades at Renwood Winery over in Amador County, and he’s brought serious winemaking credentials with him. Cabana produces eight of its own varietals and blends, but the real scope comes from the bistro’s wine list, which pulls from about 50 selections from around the world. You can taste focused, smaller-production wines without the pretension that sometimes comes with wine country stops.

The food menu keeps pace with that approachable vibe. You’ll find gourmet appetizers and salads that work well for sharing, plus paninis that are actually hearty enough to make a meal, and daily specials that rotate based on what’s available. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour or three without anyone making you feel rushed, which matters when you’re eating outside with a dog.

Summer brings live music to the back patio, which turns the evening into something of a neighborhood gathering spot—just keep in mind that music and crowds might not suit every dog’s temperament. The whole setup is casual enough that you could show up in dog-walking clothes without feeling out of place, but polished enough that you won’t feel like you’re slumming it.

Check their website for current hours before heading over, since winery schedules shift with the seasons.