Hounds of the Vine

Hounds of the Vine is a small, family-run cellar door on the Bellarine Peninsula, a short drive from Portarlington. It is a genuine dog-friendly winery: leashed dogs are welcome across the grassed grounds and outdoor seating while you work through a tasting flight, and the name is a nod to the owners' own dogs.

Dog setup. Dogs are welcome outdoors only, on the lawns and patio seating around the cellar door. Keep dogs on a leash at all times: the property has resident farm animals (goats, roosters) and other visiting dogs, and owners are expected to clean up after their dog. There is no indoor dog access reported, and no overnight accommodation on site, so this is a day-trip stop rather than a stay.

Known for. Small-batch, estate-grown wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose) made on site, plus sweeping vineyard views and a relaxed, picnic-rug pace that suits an afternoon with a dog underfoot.

Getting there and parking. The cellar door is at 100 Church Road, Bellarine, about seven minutes from Portarlington and a short drive from Geelong via Portarlington Road. On-site parking is available and close to the cellar door. It is currently open Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm, so check their site before a weekday visit, and book ahead for a tasting since walk-in tables are limited.

Nearby with the dogs. Basils Farm in nearby Swan Bay is another dog-friendly cellar door with room to roam, and Portarlington's foreshore and dog beach are a few minutes away for a leg-stretch before or after your tasting.

When to go: weekends only, so aim for an early sitting to get a table without a booking, and bring water for your dog since farm animals mean the leash needs to stay clipped on all day.

Sources

• Hounds of the Vine | Boutique Vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula · houndsofthevine.com.au
• Our Cellar Door | Visit and Enjoy! - Hounds of the Vine · houndsofthevine.com.au
• The Story of Hounds of the Vine · houndsofthevine.com.au
• Best activities for a dog friendly visit - Visit Geelong Bellarine · visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

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