Montoliva Winery: Great Wines and Dog-Friendly Vibes in California Gold Country
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My favorite winery in California
I grew up in Nevada City and we both have family up there, so we are often up in Gold Country to visit. It is a great dog friendly weekend getaway. The whole area is one of California’s hidden treasures and is literally paradise for our dogs. There are woods, rivers, and great areas for being on and off-leash.
The minute they smell the pine trees, the manzanitas, and the fresh air of the foothills our dogs get really excited.
After we go on an outdoor adventure with the dogs, it’s time to relax, wind down, and spend a couple of hours in the afternoon at my favorite winery in California: Montoliva Winery
🛌 Chris’ Hotel Pick:
If you are in town for a weekend getaway, check out a dog-friendly historic hotel right on broad street in downtown Nevada City. No extra fee for pets!
How to get there
You will need a car to get there. The winery is in Chicago Park, about 20 minutes from Nevada City. Currently, they are only open on the weekends. Definitely double-check Montoliva’s website when making plans. Their schedule changes a little between seasons.
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Dog Friendly
The winery is very dog friendly. There is a nice outdoor patio and a small lawn looking over the vineyard. Dogs are allowed on the patio. It’s also helpful they can come with you inside to try out the next varietal and hear Mark’s story.
I recommend you pack a picnic lunch. Then you can enjoy a nice afternoon, sipping wine outdoors, looking over the vineyard that Mark planted, and enjoy a relaxing moment in the Sierra Nevada Foothills with your furry friend at your feet.
The winery hosts a number of events in the summer like movie nights in the vineyard. Well-behaved leashed dogs can join in the fun.
Small but mighty. A very distinct style of wine
We have traveled all over the world, and if there is an area that makes wine, I am definitely going to try it. I really enjoy tasting different wines and getting to know how each region is unique.
I have yet to find a winemaker that does anything like what Mark does at Montoliva. The wines he makes are rich and complicated. They also change a lot from year to year as he lets the climate, the grapes, and the weather all speak for themselves.
The wine varieties are unique as well. Sure, he has Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Barbera. But have you ever had Aglianico, Toroldego or Negroamaro?
Mark follows an old-world style of wine-making, which is probably why the flavors in his wine are very distinct. However, I have been in areas of the “old world” like France, Spain, and Portugal and there is nothing quite like what he does.
The Central and Southern Italian varietals are what Mark really likes to work with. I do plan on going to Italy, hopefully soon. I mostly want to go just because I have enjoyed the Montoliva wines so much. I’m curious to see some of the inspiration behind them.
The history of Montoliva is a story unto itself, but rather than get into it here, you just need to visit the winery. Mark is the best one to tell you why he chose the tiny town of Chicago Park as the perfect place to plant a vineyard and make his wine.
Best host in Nevada County
It is still small enough that we usually end up chatting with Mark and get to hear the latest stories from the vineyard and town. Even if you aren’t much of a wine drinker, Mark is a great storyteller and a fantastic host.
It is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. But that won’t last long. The winery is getting busier and busier every time we go. Mark has a passion for his craft that is infectious and keeps me coming back year after year.
7 great things to do with your dog in Grass Valley and Nevada City (before or after visiting Montoliva)
Wine Tasting Day Trip
Montoliva is one of a handful of wineries up in Gold Country. There are several tasting rooms in Grass Valley and Nevada City as well as chances to visit the wineries themselves.
For a wine map of the region, check out Sierra Vintners. If you do self-guided some of the wineries with outside areas will be dog friendly.
Yuba River, South Fork
California might be famous for its beaches, but the river is another magical way to cool down.
If you are visiting in the spring or summer, the South Yuba State Park is worth the drive. There are some wonderful hikes along the different stretches of the river.
In spring the hills are covered in wildflowers. In summer, you can soak up the sun after a refreshing swim.
Each of the crossings has its own unique swimming holes and hiking trails. Dogs are allowed on-leash on all trails and beaches except one.
Bridgeport is probably the most family-friendly with easy trails and river access. Unfortunately, the area that is most family-friendly is the one place dogs are not allowed – Family beach.
Even though it is getting crowded on the weekends, there are plenty of places on the river beach to hang out for the day. Parking might be tough to come by, but the river itself is great.
In the middle of summer, the water temperature is perfect. While dogs aren’t allowed at the main beach, there are miles of trails to walk on. You and your dog don’t have to be in great shape to walk, but it will take some effort to clamber down the slope to the river.
I have many, many memories of playing in the rapids and small waterfalls. Our dogs absolutely love it.
Local tip: Go in the evenings or on weekdays if you want to avoid the crowds and find easy parking
Empire Mine State Historic Park
The park is right on the edge of Grass Valley and is on the same highway as Montoliva.
You could visit both in the same day, starting your morning off at the park wandering the grounds, visiting the mining museum, peering down mine shafts or hiking on the trails. Then drive up in the afternoon to the winery for a nice cool glass of Sierra Bella in the afternoon.
There are miles of dog-friendly on-leash trails all around the park. Be mindful that some of them are shared with horses. Dogs are also allowed inside the grounds of the paid park, but they can’t go into the historic buildings.
Historic Downtown Nevada City and Grass Valley
Both towns have historic centers that are fun to walk around in. A number of wineries have tasting rooms downtown. If you are in Grass Valley, grab one of Marshall’s pasties to take with you.
The California Gold Rush created all sorts of strange connections between these towns and the rest of the world. This one goes all the way to Cornwall.
Dogs are welcome downtown and there are many places with lovely outdoor dining. However, a big part of the fun is meandering in and out of the shops. So, that might be better if your pup isn’t with you.
If you are visiting near Christmas, both towns have street fairs to celebrate the winter holidays. Join the magic the holidays at Victorian Christmas (sundays in Nevada City) and Cornish Christmas (fridays in Grass Valley).
Both are outdoors and dogs are welcome. However, they do get very crowded, so it is probably best for dogs that are well-socialized and do well in crowds or that can get tucked into a bag.
Deer Creek Tribute Trail
Step off the streets of Nevada City and suddenly find yourself in the quiet woods and running water of Deer Creek.
There is a beautiful suspended bridge to capture that Instagram moment. Then on to the rest of the trail to breathe in the peace and beauty of the forest.
This is a great on-leash trail to go on with any dog but especially small pups, senior dogs, or one that can’t do a strenuous hike.
Rock Creek Nature Trail
This is definitely a hidden gem that brings back lots of memories. Most years growing up, my parents would get us all in the car and head up Highway 20 to get to the Rock Creek Nature Trail.
The drive is about 20 minutes out of town taking you up further in elevation into the foothills above Nevada City. The trail itself is a short loop trail, but it is a natural woodland park with little microclimates and a unique habitat that makes it a special hideaway.
It is particularly interesting in spring and fall. Big Leaf Maples, ferns, yews, and California Dogwoods shelter in the filtered light of giant Fir and Pine trees. Away from everything, sometimes it is just you and the murmur of Rock Creek making its way along the trail.
If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful, and meditative walk with just you and your dog, this is the place.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
One of the forms of mining used during the Gold Rush was to blast a hillside with water and then filter the sediment to find the gold. Incredibly destructive at the time, but it left behind beautiful bluffs that are were exposed and sculpted by the water.
Dogs are allowed on-leash on most trails and at the campground.
Note: this is a longer drive from Nevada City (about 45 minutes on highway 49). A good day trip would be to visit Malakoff Diggins and spend a little time in the tiny town of North Columbia. Then head back towards Nevada City and hit the river at Hoyt’s Crossing (also known as the 49er Crossing). It is a short steep climb down to the river, but there is a swimming hole right there under the bridge.
Wrapping Up: Montoliva, the best wine? Dog-friendly winery? Am I biased? Absolutely! 100%
Now after all that typing, I think I will have to pop open one of my last remaining bottles of Primitivo and plan my next visit!
Cheers!
Ready for another fun weekend getaway, take a drive to dog-friendly beaches on the California Central Coast
