Gelateca

Gelateca is a seasonal artisan gelato shop sharing the Chalk Hill Road site with Pizzateca, using dairy from the local Fleurieu Milk Company. Dogs are welcome in the shared courtyard, so it doubles as an easy dessert stop after a dog-friendly lunch next door.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the open-air, partly covered courtyard shared with Pizzateca, but not indoors. The space is roomy and relaxed. Water bowls are often provided, but a dog water bottle of your own is worth carrying. Keep your dog on-lead and under control, as the courtyard gets busy.

Good to know. The gelato is the draw, with seasonal local-fruit flavours and signatures like olive oil, chilli honey and pistachio. It runs spring to autumn and pairs naturally with the pizza site next door.

Getting there. The address is 319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale, two to three minutes from the main street. There is on-site gravel parking, busier on weekends.

Nearby with the dogs. The flat, sealed Shiraz Trail is close for an on-lead walk, the visitor centre nearby has grassy areas, and several wineries close by are dog-friendly.

When to go. Open seasonally, spring to autumn. Weekday afternoons are calmest in the courtyard; weekends and the post-pizza rush get busy. Keep gelato out of reach of the dog, since dairy and some flavourings do not suit them.

Sources

• McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast - visitor guide · mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au
• Dog Friendly Cellar Doors | McLaren Vale · mclarenvale.info

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