Kirigin Cellars

Gilroy is fortunate to have many dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. No need to leave your dog behind to enjoy a tasty meal away from home—you can just wine and dine al fresco. Since Gilroy has a mild Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy a great Gilroy getaway with your pets any time of year. more »

Now here’s a wine region that’s hiding in plain sight. The Santa Clara Valley (also known as Silicon Valley) is one of California’s oldest wine-growing regions and home to some 34 family-owned wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly.

The city of Gilroy, known for its famous garlic festival, is your home base for exploring the region; just follow the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail signage to craft your own tour. more »

Bring your tent or RV and make a weekend of it, or just come for the day. Any way you slice it, Mount Madonna County Park, 10 miles west of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, contains all the elements, from ocean views to redwood forests, that epitomize Northern California. Spring wildflower season is perhaps the best time to visit this 3,688-acre preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but in winter you'll have the place virtually to yourself.  more »

Bring your tent or RV and make a weekend of it, or just come for the day. Any way you slice it, Mount Madonna County Park, 10 miles west of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, contains all the elements, from ocean views to redwood forests, that epitomize Northern California. Spring is perhaps the best time to visit this 3,688-acre preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but in late winter you'll have the place virtually to yourself. Hiking options range from easy strolls along graded fire roads to serious huffer-puffers climbing to ridge-top vantage points with views of Monterey Bay. Fido will have to stay leashed, but he's welcome to help you explore all 14 miles of designated trails. Expect frequent encounters with deer, and time your visit for late March or early April to catch the wildflower show. If your schedule permits, buzz down the hill to Kirigin Cellars, where your well-behaved companion can cut loose on 11 acres while you sample a glass of Malvasia Bianca or another featured blend from this 95-year-old winery.

Lots of California wineries welcome dogs, but Kirigin Cellars near Gilroy goes above and beyond. "One of our goals is to be the world's most dog-friendly winery," says Maria Bruhns, who oversees the 94-year-old establishment's tasting room. more »