AJ could get used to regular trips to wine country. Photo/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

CAMINO — Wine is always better shared with friends – even if the friend has four legs.

AJ was an instant hit at the handful of El Dorado County wineries she visited. She got treats, was petted and there were water bowls already set out for her.

At Findleton Estate Winery people were showing off pictures of their dogs on their phones. One guy had photos of his pups in his wallet.

Owners Tom and Pam Findleton have always allowed dogs. They even had a sweet 16th party for their dog last year.

Tom Findleton talks dogs and wine at his Camino winery. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Pam Findleton creates all the labels for the winery. A painting is already done with Tom Findleton and their dog Grizzly. It’s likely to show up on future Bordeaux blend label.

Across the way in the Camino Wine Tasting Plaza is the Chic Photo Boutique. They do screen printing of people’s dogs and then Findleton will use it as a personal label for customers on one of their bottles of wine.

The Findletons are such dog lovers that they do an annual fundraising event for the SPCA and El Dorado County Animal Control.

“The more, the better” is Boeger Winery’s philosophy when it comes to dogs.

AJ makes herself at home at Boeger Winery. Photo/Kathryn Reed

“Dogs make everyone else happy,” Yvonne Kendler, who works at Boeger, told Lake Tahoe News.

She said pet owners are good about taking their dog outside if the animal starts to bark or becomes disruptive in some other way.

With ample acreage, there are many places for wine to be enjoyed outside at Boeger if the four-legged companion would rather be outdoors.

Boeger sells the dog treats they hand out to the animals. AJ quickly gobbled up the goodie from Pawsperity Bakery. The Applegate-based business has treats in a variety of flavors; all made with natural ingredients. She won’t have a problem finishing the bag before the expiration date comes.

Over at Wofford Acres Vineyards it’s a one dog at a time policy inside the tasting room. Once dog No. 2 arrives, it’s time for all of them to go to the patio area.

This is a small tasting room, so more than two would be quite a distraction.

AJ becomes the center of attention at Wofford. Photo/Kathryn Reed

“My goal is to get people focused on wine. As soon as you bring a child or dog in, the focus changes,” Ann Wofford told Lake Tahoe News. She is one of the three owners of the winery.

AJ proved her theory correct. Other tasters started paying attention to her, petting her and then sharing their dog stories. Wine suddenly became secondary.

Even so, AJ got people who might not otherwise have talked to one another to do so. And we all still found time to keep sipping.

Not all wineries allow dogs inside the tasting room. Some allow them only in the picnic area. Check a winery’s website or give them a call to find out before you trek all that way with your four legged family member.