About Big Dog Vineyards
Big Dog Vineyards perches near the top of the Milpitas Hills off winding Felter Road, backed by open Calaveras watershed land and looking clear across Silicon Valley to the Bay. The estate vineyard went in back in 1997, the winery and tasting room opened beside it in 2009, and the family operation has stayed deliberately small ever since - traditional techniques, small batches, and a namesake big dog on the premises.
The wines have earned their keep: Wine Enthusiast scored the 2020 Cienega Valley Shiraz 92 points and the 2019 Cinq Chevaux Cabernet Sauvignon 88, while the 2019 Estate Grown Cabernet Franc took Best of Class at the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition. Tastings run through a selection of five wines, with bottles and glasses also poured.
The back-patio tasting room opens every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 with live music from Bay Area bands, and Sunset Fridays (4:30 to 8:30) trade flights for glasses and bottles on the front lawn with one of the best sunset views in the Bay Area. Walk-ins are welcome, reservations are encouraged, groups over five should book a private tasting, and the room is 21-and-over with leashed dogs permitted. The hilltop also hosts weddings and corporate events.
Estate wine, live music, and a Silicon Valley panorama from the top of the Milpitas Hills - with a big dog to greet you.
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The View
A hilltop patio looking over the entire South Bay - and a front-lawn sunset on Fridays that steals the show.
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Award-Winning Small Lots
92-point Shiraz, Best of Class Cab Franc - serious wine from a deliberately tiny estate.
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Live Music Weekends
Local bands play the back patio every Saturday and Sunday tasting session.
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Bring the Dog
There's a big dog on premises, and leashed visitors' dogs - big or just big at heart - are welcome.
A ten-minute climb from the valley floor to estate wine, sunset views, and weekend music - Milpitas's hilltop secret.
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Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Big Dog Vineyards, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly.
Tasting Experiences
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Weekend Tasting
Five wines on the back patio with live music, Sat-Sun 12-5. Walk-ins welcome, reservations encouraged; 21+.
Confirm current pricing
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Sunset Fridays
Glasses and bottles on the front lawn from 4:30 to 8:30 - no flights, just the best sunset in the South Bay.
By the glass or bottle
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Private Tastings
A guided four-wine flight, 1.5 to 2 hours, bookable outside regular hours for two or more guests.
Inquire for pricing
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