The best dog friendly wineries in Australia

Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter Valley is Australia's most established dog-friendly wine region. The number of cellar doors that genuinely welcome dogs, including inside the tasting room, is higher here than almost anywhere else in the country.

Little Wine Co in Pokolbin is one of the few Hunter cellar doors where dogs are welcome inside. Thomas Wines regularly has the winemaker's own dog in attendance. Pepper Tree Wines welcomes dogs both inside and out with a range of tasting experiences. Brokenwood Wines allows dogs on the outdoor deck and terrace. Bonvilla Estate welcomes dogs for vineyard picnic experiences.

Classic Tours runs dedicated dog-friendly winery tours through the Hunter Valley and can customise a half-day or full-day itinerary around your dog. This is the easiest way to do a proper Hunter Valley dog-friendly day without having to research each cellar door individually.

Margaret River, WA

Margaret River is the most consistently dog-friendly wine region in Australia by density of welcoming cellar doors.

Howard Park and Stormflower both have beautiful lawns and outdoor areas where dogs are genuinely welcome. Swings and Roundabouts has a dedicated dog drinking station and large open spaces. House of Cards, South by South West Wines, and Juniper Estate all welcome dogs in their outdoor areas.

The Beer Farm at Metricup is worth including on any Margaret River dog trip. Wide open spaces, craft beer, and a completely relaxed attitude toward dogs make it one of the best outdoor hospitality experiences in the region.

Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, SA

The Barossa Valley has strong dog-friendly options. St Hallett Cellar Door is situated in the heart of the Barossa and welcomes dogs in their outdoor areas. DogRidge in McLaren Vale, as the name suggests, is one of the most dog-welcoming wineries in South Australia.

McLaren Vale takes its dog-friendly culture seriously. There is an annual Winery Dog of the Year competition in the region. Wirra Wirra allows dogs inside the cellar door which is unusual and worth the visit specifically.

In Clare Valley, O'Leary Walker Wines welcomes dogs at their locally-owned cellar door.

Yarra Valley, VIC

The Yarra Valley has excellent dog-friendly options for Melbourne day trips and weekend escapes.

Maddens Rise is widely credited as one of the first Yarra Valley cellar doors to welcome dogs inside. The boutique operation, family ownership, and genuine dog-welcoming attitude make it a standout. Helen's Hill loves their dogs so much their portraits hang on the walls and beers are named after them. Dogs are welcome inside the cellar door and on the deck.

Dog-friendly wine tours through Pooches and Pinot are specifically designed around Yarra Valley cellar doors that welcome dogs and include transport, making them excellent for a proper day out.

Granite Belt, QLD

Queensland's wine country around Stanthorpe is one of the most dog-friendly winery regions in Australia. The concentration of cellar doors that genuinely welcome dogs is remarkable for a region of its size.

Ridgemill Estate allows dogs inside on leash and has pet-friendly cabins on the property. Summit Estate has open lawns with bean bags where dogs can roam freely. Mountview Wines welcomes dogs of all sizes inside and outside. Ballandean Estate has outdoor spaces welcoming dogs throughout.

The winery etiquette that keeps dogs welcome

The reason dogs are welcome at as many wineries as they are is because enough dog owners have maintained a reasonable standard of behaviour. Keep your dog on a leash at all times regardless of whether you think they need it. Some wineries have free-roaming chickens, resident dogs, or other animals that can trigger even well-behaved dogs.

Bring waste bags and use them immediately. Clean up without being asked.

Be aware that not all visitors to a winery will want your dog to approach them. Ask before letting your dog interact with strangers at cellar doors.

Call ahead before any visit you are planning specifically around a dog-friendly cellar door. Policies change seasonally, management changes, and what was true last year may not be true today.