St Maur Farm Wines

St Maur Farm Wines is a family-run cellar door on 16 acres of volcanic Southern Highlands soil, just outside the village of Exeter. The Panizzutti family brings northern Italian winemaking traditions to the estate, and the relaxed, rustic tasting room comes with a resident Golden Retriever, Siena, as the unofficial host, so dogs are clearly part of the culture here.

Dog access. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyard and open-air areas around the cellar door, and well-behaved dogs on lead are generally allowed inside the tasting room too. Water bowls are typically put out for visiting dogs. As with any working cellar door, confirm indoor access on a busy tasting day, since that can vary.

Known for. The LOT 41 range is the estate's small-batch, single-vineyard line, with an award-winning Pinot Noir, and the Saint Series wines are named as a tribute to the estate's animals. Seasonal long lunches pairing local produce with the oak-aged estate wines run through the year.

Getting there. The winery is on Old Argyle Road, Exeter, just off the Hume Highway and a short drive from the village. There's free on-site parking right by the cellar door entrance.

Nearby with the dogs. The Exeter General Store is a short drive away for coffee or a bite, and Penrose State Forest, a few minutes further on, has unpaved fire trails and bush tracks that suit an on-lead sniff and explore before or after your tasting.

Weekdays and off-peak afternoons are the easier time to bring a dog inside for a tasting, since the courtyard and tasting room can fill up on weekends. Good for owners who want to combine a relaxed wine stop with a bush walk nearby.

Sources

• Cellar Door - St Maur Wines · stmaurwines.com.au
• St Maur Wines - All You Should Know Before You Go · tripadvisor.com.au
• A guide to the Southern Highlands' best wineries · australiantraveller.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.