Top 4 Dog Friendly Wineries in the Yarra Valley
So, you're planning a day trip in the Yarra Valley, but your canine has developed a serious case of separation anxiety. Never fear, 'cause guess what? You can take them along. With help from our mates at Pooches & Pinot, we've put together a list of our favourite dog-friendly wineries in the Yarra Valley, so you can have your wine and bring your doggy too!
Maddens Rise
Maddens Rise has the honour of being one of the first Yarra Valley cellar doors to welcome doggies inside (groundbreaking, really). We love this boutique cellar door not only for its super friendly staff but also for its impressive range of small batch premium wines.
Where: Maddens Rise, corner Maroondah Highway & Maddens Lane, Coldstream
Helen’s Hill
Family owned and operated, the crew at Helen’s Hill love their dogs so much, their portraits are proudly framed on the walls and even have beers named after them – Ava, Archie, Brutus and Caesar! Dogs are welcome inside the cellar door (and out on the deck) for a wine tasting, and the flight of wines on offer is extensive, showcasing their two distinct wine labels, Ingram Road and Helen’s Hill. Linger with your pup by your side while you enjoy a delicious grazing platter or pizza. In the warmer months, enjoy the lawn, or ask for a table by the fire when it cools down.
Where: Helen’s Hill, 16 Ingram Road, Lilydale
Rob Dolan Wines
A wine tasting at Rob Dolan is very classy indeed. Set in a lovely old farmhouse in Warrandyte, their cellar door is pup-friendly and their own winery dogs often wander in for a sniff (and food hunt). Rob (winemaker and former AFL footy player) has made this a family affair, with his children often serving at the cellar door. Stone & Crow cheese operate out of the same location, giving you the perfect excuse to buy a glass (or bottle, we're not judging) to enjoy with a selection of handcrafted cow and goat milk cheeses. With a fun calendar full of summer events like Lazy Sundays and Garden Parties, which include music, local produce and wines, it's always a good time at Rob Dolan Wines.
Where: Rob Dolan Wines, 21-23 Delaneys Road, South Warrandyte
Payten & Jones
Treated like a wine bar by the locals, P&J is a breath of fresh air – talented winemakers Behn and Troy are true Healesvillians, friendly and unpretentious through and through. And their wines? Elegant in spades. The clever crew who guide you through the tastings are some of the valley’s finest - down-to-earth, knowledgeable and fascinating to listen to, it's hard not to feel welcome at a place like P&J.
Where: Payten & Jones, opposite Four Pillars Gin, 3 Lilydale Road, Healesville
Check out our latest and greatest Yarra Valley selections here.
This article was written in collaboration with Healesville-based dog and wine tour operators, Pooches & Pinot.