If you don’t live in Santa Cruz County, you probably know this gorgeous stretch of the California coast for its beaches, its stellar university and the namesake town that proudly embraces its somewhat eccentric reputation. But Santa Cruz County is also known for its mountains, its redwood forests and its wines, particularly the pinot noir and chardonnay that thrive in the fog-kissed climate. Wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled throughout the county, and dogs get a warm welcome at many of them.
DogTrekker.com has mapped out a road-trip itinerary that can guide you to 10 dog-welcoming wineries or tasting rooms between Davenport in the north and Watsonville in the south. That’s too many for one day, of course, but you could always go “micro” by visiting two dog-friendly wineries on the Corralitos Wine Trail at the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, 10 miles south of Santa Cruz. Alfaro Family Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards, both open on winter Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., are just minutes apart and welcome leashed canine visitors to relax as their people taste their very special organic pinots and chardonnays.
