Looking for a new region to explore with your pup? Time to hop on over to the Hopland wine region in Mendocino County. The18 tasting rooms on the Hopland Wine Trail, stretching roughly from Hopland at the southern end of the county to Willits in the north, are all dog-friendly—and are of course operating outdoors during the “purple” Covid phase.
Just east of Hopland is one of the standouts, Campovida, an organic farm and winery specializing in Mediterranean-style wines. A 12-acre biodynamic garden is available for leisure ambling.
Just south of Hopland, the Milano Family Winery on Highway 101 offers some unique varietals and labels, including the outstanding Kick-Ass-Red. Its tasting room is housed in an old hops kiln (Hopland is named for this essential ingredient in beer), and the property also includes a patio and covered picnic pavilion. Nearby Terra Savia Winery makes estate-grown wines and olive oils and maintains an olive press used by many area producers. There’s also an art gallery showcasing the work of local artists.
In town (it’s tiny, with a main drag stretching a whopping three blocks along Highway 101), you’ll find top restaurants including Piazza de Campovido (associated with the winery) and the Golden Pig, both with dog-friendly outdoor dining when weather permits. When it comes to places to spend the night with your pooch, you’ll find lots of chain motels around Ukiah.
Find the latest health and safety information for Mendocino County here.
