Geddes Wines

Geddes Wines is a small family-run cellar door on Blewitt Springs Road in McLaren Vale's sandier eastern edge, and the first greeter is usually Neville, the resident Labrador. Tastings are unhurried and conversation tends to run to vineyard blocks and vintages rather than sales targets, which is exactly why people come out this way.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area on lead, and with a winery dog living on site, the staff are entirely used to well-behaved visitors arriving with their own. Water is usually put out for visiting dogs. If you want to take your dog inside the small tasting room, ask at the door rather than assume, since it is a compact space. Tastings run ten dollars a head and are redeemable against purchase.

Pepsi: A winery with its own dog on staff is basically an invitation. Ask if Neville is around, he usually knows the best spot to sit.

Worth knowing

The estate is known for its Seldom Inn and Single Vineyard ranges, with Petit Verdot a standout, and winemaker Tim Geddes is often the one pouring. This is a small operation rather than a commercial cellar door, so best suits dogs that are relaxed around other dogs, because Neville has the run of the place.

Getting there and parking

The address is 283 Blewitt Springs Road, about ten minutes east of McLaren Vale's main strip, open daily 10am to 5pm apart from Good Friday and Christmas Day. There is on-site parking a few steps from the door, and no tour buses stop here, so even weekends stay quiet. Weekday mornings are the quietest of all.

Pair it with

The quiet country roads around Blewitt Springs suit a leg stretch before or after tasting. DogRidge Vineyards at McLaren Flat is another boutique dog-friendly stop with water bowls, and Kay Brothers Winery and Cellar Door sits over the hill for a second pour. The Willunga Basin Trail crosses the district for a longer walk, and Sam I Am Cafe in McLaren Vale covers the post-tasting coffee.

Find more dog-friendly pours on the South Australia wineries list or in the Blewitt Springs guide.