Sip on a shiraz with your pooch among the vines.
Sometimes our friends cancel plans, don’t like drinking on a work night, or just are plain boring, but there is one friend that never lets you down – your dog.
Continuing our four-legged journey across the state, today we’re diving into some of the best wineries to head to with your pooch, so they too can enjoy the beautiful terrain, high-class food, and quality drinks.
Green Olive At Red Hill
Nestled in the wonderous Mornington Peninsula is the Green Olive Winery, a stunning property servicing Victorians with some of the best wines in the state.
Making a visit to this spot even better, you can take your fur friend for a wander throughout the massive property, who knows what you could find. But the fun doesn’t stop there, you can enjoy a bite and a drink or two in their outdoor dining area, with your dog (as long as it’s on a lead.) Green Olive also has a couple of dogs that live there too, Indi and Rasa, so your pooch can make some friends!
Check out some more info on Green Olive here, and check out all the cute dogs that have visited the winery over at #greenolivepups
View this post on Instagram
Rochford Wineries
Otherwise known as the spot for your mum’s favourite festival; ‘A Day on The Green,’ Rochford Winery is home to some of the most upper-class wines in the region.
Their critically acclaimed restaurant serves some of the best food, full of the freshest and most local ingredients, so you’ll be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you’re not hungry, tastings are dirt cheap – only $5 for five tastings, a bargain, and you can enjoy it with your pup on your lap, while admiring the wonderful view from the outdoor dining area.
Check out the menu and wine list here.
Want more? Check out our guide to the best dog-friendly cafes in the Geelong region
Basil’s Farm
Located in the beautiful shores of Swan Bay in the Bellarine Peninsula, Basils Farm is a winery/farm seriously passionate about biodynamics and specialise in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz – our favourite kind of grapes! Home to a vineyard, Cellar Door, Farmhouse café and modern Pavilion, this picturesque location is not only perfect to share a bottle of wine, whilst enjoying a house-made dish, but it’s also dog-friendly.
They have outdoor dining areas under umbrellas that are perfect for those dining with dogs all year round, as well as some spots on the verandah.
Check it out here.
View this post on Instagram
De Bortoli Wines
Known for their super-popular ‘Noble One’ wine, Another of the most iconic wineries in the Yarra Valley region is De Bortoli.
De Bortoli states that they’re family-friendly, and families include four-legged members, so you know your pooch will be loved by them. Their sustainable endeavours make the stuff they produce the highest quality, so you’ll be sure all the wine drinking you’ll be doing is actually doing good for the world. You can enjoy a bite and drink with your pup, making for a day both of you will never forget.
Check out some more info about taking your dog to De Bortoli here.
Otway Estate
Half Winery / Half Brewery, Otway Estate is one Great Ocean Road’s premier locations for alcohol.
Their massive range of beer and wine is bound to house something up your alley. The team at Otway Estate’s love for canines is paramount, their outdoor area being full of all the best dog stuff – beds, water bowls, toys, your pet will be in heaven. Making it even cooler, you can order a dog beer as well, so they can see what all the fuss is about.
Head here for some more info on Otway Estate and the stuff they offer.
View this post on Instagram
Mt Duneed Estate
Located just 15 minutes from Geelong and the Surf Coast, or an hour from Melbourne, Mt Duneed Estate is a prime location when you’re looking to indulge in a few pinots with your pup.
Mt Duneed Estate is known for wine, great locally sourced produce, outstanding service and a place for everyone to relax and unwind with doggos completely welcome in the stunning garden bar. Order a bottle and a grazing platter and you’ve got yourself an ideal afternoon.
Find out more info here.
View this post on Instagram
Buller Wines
One of the roomiest wineries can be found at Buller Wines, an awesome spot located in the heart of Rutherglen.
Their awesome range of wines will delight you, with a bunch of them being made from 100 year old vines, so you’ll have something to brag about next time you’re around your wine-drinking friends. Your canine companion will love the smell of the area, they’ll never get bored. You can go for a mosey through the winery, or even enjoy a meal on the deck with your pet on a leash.
Check out Buller Wines’ menu and wine list here.
Dal Zotto Wines
Dal Zotto wines is famous for their amazing Prosecco, that’s garnered a bunch of fans across the state, but head there and enjoy it in person if you want an extra special experience for you and your four legged friend.
Run by the Dal Zotto family since 1987, the winery focuses on providing customers with the best service, food and wine. The winery offers some of the best homemade pasta and pizza, so you can enjoy the iconic pairing of a red and pizza, while your pooch enjoys the awesome surroundings.
Look here for some more info about Dal Zotto Wines.
View this post on Instagram
Steels Gate Wines
Yet another dog-friendly winery in the Yarra Valley comes in the form of Steels Gate Wines.
This spot will be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited, their base overlooking the never-ending vineyards. Your four-legged friend and you can enjoy the winery on their well-manicured lawn, the perfect spot to chuck out a picnic blanket and enjoy a charcuterie platter. Or you could even take your pup onto the deck for some fancier foods, all made from local ingredients.
Check out their website here for some more info.
Panton Hill Winery
Moving a little closer in now, Panton Hill Winery is a hidden gem that’s definitely worth a visit to.
Their boutique location allows dogs in most areas, as long as they aren’t naughty. On the weekends they’ve got an awesome menu that has a whole heap of classy sounding pizzas, and even a massive antipasto platter full of the finest cold meats and snacks, for an easy $35.
Check out the rest of the menu here, and book in a visit today.
McGlashan’s Wallington Estate
The Bellarine Peninsula is filled with boutique vineyards that produce outstanding handcrafted cool-climate wines, and best of all, some are dog-friendly including this one!
McGlashans’ is a small boutique winery offering visitors a more casual and relaxed experience. The cellar door tastings at McGlashan Estate are friendly and informative and include Sparkling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, or if you’re in for the after they’ve got great gourmet platters that showcase local produce, plus weekends you’ll find wood oven pizzas.
Outside there’s large wooden bench seating to enjoy the tranquility, sunshine, wines and food, while overlooking the vineyards with your pooch! Here they even have their own friendly Border Collie hanging about if you just need to get your daily dose on canine love!
Check it all out here.
View this post on Instagram
Bennetts on Bellarine Winery
Bennetts on Bellarine is a family-run vineyard that provides the perfect mix of rustic rock and old-fashioned hospitality. Located at the corner of McAdams Lane and Portarlington Road, this charming vineyard is one of the newest on the Bellarine, with a friendly atmosphere, stunning views and even an outdoor area for you and your pup. Of course, dogs must be on a leash and you are welcome to bring your own water and bowl for them.
Stunning in every way, this relaxed, open-air venue is a must-visit on your next trip to the Bellarine when you’re got your fur baby in tow.
Find out more here.
View this post on Instagram
