Cante Ao Vinho

Located in the up-and-coming Quarry District of Rocklin, this kid- and pet-friendly tasting room is in the historic Barudoni Building that was originally built in 1905 and houses cozy sofas and a sunny front porch. From Friday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., they offer a $5 tasting (waived with bottle purchase) of two whites, a rosé, three reds, and a port paired with dark chocolate. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; come early for dinner prepared by Passionate Plates Catering. 5250 Front Street, Rocklin, 530-632-8058, canteaovinho.com 

Moonraker Brewing Company

With a variety of seating areas—including a covered outdoor patio with cornhole and table games—Moonraker’s kid- and dog-friendly taproom is full of energy while their barrel room offers a quieter, more elegant space. Open noon till 8 p.m., Sunday and Monday, and noon till 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (closed Tuesday), they offer $2 flights per five-ounce pour and have rotating food trucks. 12970 Earhart Avenue, Suite 100, Auburn, 530-745-6816, moonrakerbrewing.com

Casque Wines

Located on Flower Farm’s 10-acre property that’s home to a popular café, this dog-friendly (must be leashed) locale has a large outdoor patio that’s great for relaxing. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., they offer $5 flights (waived with bottle purchase) that generally include seven to eight wines. The rustic tasting room incorporates reclaimed lumber—the bar is made from a black walnut tree from the property—and is bright and open. 9280 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis, 916-652-2250, casquewines.com 

 

Wise Villa Winery

Visit this elegant European setting with rolling hills and the Sacramento Valley as its backdrop. Their main tasting room offers award-winning wines that are paired with gourmet foods. Tour the winery and vineyard for $10 on Fridays and Saturdays (and Sundays during summer) at 1 p.m. You can even taste their hard apple cider for $1. Stop by for tastings from 3-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 4200 Wise Road, Lincoln, 916-543-0323, wisevillawinery.com

Out of Bounds Brewing Company

This tasting room exudes industrial vibes with its wood and metalwork. There are always 10-12 beers on tap and they have a big projection screen, food trucks, trivia, and other special events throughout the week. Have a taster or pint, and leave with a growler or crowler. Tasting hours are 4-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, noon till 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon till 8 p.m. Sunday. Note: Pets and outside food are not allowed. 4480 Yankee Hill Road, Suite 100, Rocklin, 916-259-1511, outofboundsbrewing.com 

Dono dal Cielo Estate Vineyard

Dono dal cielo means “gift from heaven” in Italian and the folks here strive for the perfect balance of earth, sun, and soil. Enjoy five samples of handcrafted wine for $5 (waived with bottle purchase) along with cheese platters (you’re welcome to bring a picnic or snacks). Lounge on the patio or stroll through the vineyard, glass in hand, and say hello to the “dogs of Dono.” Children and well-behaved pups are welcome too, and tasting hours are noon till 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday. 6100 Wise Road, Newcastle, 530-888-0101, donodalcielo.com 

Knee Deep Brewing Company

This large warehouse-like tasting room has an unobstructed view of brewery operations where they brew, filter, and even package their products so you can watch the magic happen while you taste it. Taproom hours are noon till 9 p.m. daily and you can purchase growlers, crowlers, bottles, and cans. The kid- and pet-friendly taproom also has games, food trucks, and occasional live music. 13395 New Airport Road, Suite H, Auburn, 530-797-4677, kneedeepbrewing.com 

Rempfer Cellars

This rustic space was built with reclaimed wood from a vineyard in Amador County and has large beams and an original tin roof. When you visit, you’ll be greeted by their mascot—a wooden hand-carved farmer named Woody—and treated to a $5 (waived with bottle purchase) flight of five wines. Facebook fans are given a secret word every month that’ll get them special gifts or discounts when they visit. The kid-and pet-friendly locale is open Thursday through Sunday, from 1-8 p.m. 815 Sutter Street, Suite A, Folsom, 916-895-9463, rempfercellars.com 

Gekkeikan Sake

Gekkeikan translates to “crown of laurel” and was initially founded in Japan in 1637. They came to Folsom in 1989 and have been serving up quality spirits ever since. Visit their state-of-the-art brewery that also houses a koi pond and Japanese garden from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Saturday, and enjoy complimentary tastings of plum wine and locally produced sakes. 1136 Sibley Street, Folsom, 916-985-3111, gekkeikan-sake.com

Vina Castellano

If you fancy wine tasting in a barrel cave, drop by on Thursday, Friday, or the weekend between noon and 5 p.m. to taste some great Spanish and Rhone-style wines. The tasting (enjoy a flight for $7; waived with bottle purchase) lasts approximately 30-40 minutes. For $40, you can sample artisan Spanish meats and cheeses with tapenades, dark chocolate, and more. And when summer comes, enjoy  playing croquet or bocce ball. 4590 Bell Road, Auburn, 530-889-2855, vinacastellano.com

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By Tara Mendanha