Did you know that there are numerous physiological, psychological and social benefits of owning a dog? A study of 3,432,153 Americans found that those who owned a dog had a lower risk of heart disease and a lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death than those who didn’t own a dog. The RSPCA also reports that those who own a dog have fewer visits to the GP, stronger immune systems (particularly if they’ve grown up with a dog) and that children who own a dog are less likely to have illness-related absences at school. Given all the joy, support and health benefits that our furry friends can bring to our lives, we thought we’d share a few of our favourite dog friendly wineries in Victoria so that you can enjoy some delicious food, impeccable wine and great vineyard views in the company of your beloved pup!
1. Green Olive at Red Hill
We love when visitors bring their dogs along to the farm! With such a large property to explore, it would be shame if our visitors had to leave their dogs at home. Enjoy farm grown food and a glass of Estate wine on our deck and then venture around the farm with your pup on a lead: walk through the vineyard and olive grove (great for Insta pics!), say hello to our resident kelpies, Indi and Rasa, and explore the sights and smells of our Kitchen Garden. In addition to our two kelpies, we also have two farm Maremmas, Baci and Pisa, but you can only introduce your pups to Indi and Rasa as the Maremmas are busy protecting their flock. Snap a picture of your furry friend at the farm and tag #greenolivepups!
Photo credit from left to right: @therealchihuahuasofmelbourne, @heathmeldrum, and @humphrey.d.dog.
2. Rochford Wines
Rochford Wines is known for being one of the wineries to host the annual musical festival A Day on the Green whose 2019/2020 lineup features Elton John, a-ha and Rick Astley, but throughout the year, they serve Modern Australian cuisine paired with their Estate wine in Isabella’s Restaurant which overlooks their vineyard. Indulge in their speciality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon in the company of your beloved furry friend at this dog friendly winery.
Photo by @teddy_shih_tzu_.
3. Tucks
Tucks is a casual dining experience only an hour out of Melbourne and located in a hotspot of wineries on the Mornington Peninsula. With brilliant views overlooking the vineyard, the covered deck area of Tucks is a great spot to enjoy some of their yummy dishes with their recommended wine pairings. A must try is the duck leg with celeriac gratin, red cabbage and walnut, paired with their 2015 Pinot Noir! Walk your dog around their property, sit on their lawn and soak in the sun or take a photo with your dog on their insta-worthy tree swing and tag #pupsattucks.
Photo credit from left to right: @bodhi_the_bordoodle, @hanaandgnocchi, and @bentleythegroodle.
4. Cambells of Rutherglen
Established in 1870, Cambells Wines is a family run business located in the Rutherglen wine growing region of Victoria. Dogs are welcome to join visitors sitting under the oaks and overlooking the vineyard while enjoying their Vineyard Platter with their renowned Muscats and Topaques.
Photo credit: @campbellswine
5. De Bortoli Wines Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is a cool climate wine growing region, known for it’s award-winning vineyards that produce delicious wine, and De Bortoli is no exception. Their lovely wine has been perfected over four generations of family winemaking, so you can count on it being impeccable. Sit outside with your dog and enjoy their Melba Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon with authentic Italian cuisine such as their home made pasta dishes with sauces that using ever-changing ingredients according to the seasonal produce available. We love a winery that is dog friendly and sustainable!
Photo credit from left to right: @debortoliwines, @leanne.debortoli, and @ollydayz.
6. Hanrahan Vineyard
Located in a town called Gruyere, named after Gruyère cheese due to the town’s dairy farms Hanrahan Vineyard is a hidden gem in the Yarra Valley region. Not only are they a dog friendly winery, providing wine tastings accompanied by Yarra Valley cheese platters, but they also offer an experience called ‘Reverse BYO!’ in which visitors bring their own food and Hanrahan provides a full drinks package: wine, champagne, beer, cider, soft drink and bottled water. Grab your picnic basket and your pup and head on down to this dog friendly winery.
Photo credit: @melbournewoof.
7. Feathertop Winery
Not only does Feathertop’s restaurant, Feathertop Providore, overlook their vineyard, but visitors get the added bonus of the brilliant views of the alpine peaks of Mt Buffalo. Feathertop Winery offers complementary tastings of their wine so that you can choose the perfect wine to enjoy with their local collection of charcuterie meats, cheeses and dips. Dogs are welcome to sit with you in their beautifully rustic outdoor seating area or bring them along to SpringFest on 5th October to enjoy some live music and some great market stalls!