Ridgemill Estate

Ridgemill Estate is a boutique winery and vineyard accommodation at Severnlea, just north of Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt, and one of the more genuinely dog-friendly cellar doors in the region. Dogs are welcome on a leash in the cellar door itself, and two accommodation types take pets overnight, which is the detail that decides whether this is a stopover or a whole weekend away.

The pet policy. Dogs (and cats) are accepted in two specific accommodation types: the pet-friendly Studio Cabins (one pet per cabin) and the Winery Escape House, which has a fully fenced courtyard and takes up to two pets. There's a flat AUD 70 pet fee per stay to cover cleaning, and a 30kg weight limit per pet. Pets can't be left unattended in the room, and they're not allowed on the furniture or beds, though the estate supplies a proper pet bed plus food and water bowls.

Cellar door setup. Dogs are welcome inside the cellar door itself for tastings, on a leash. That leash rule holds everywhere on the property, not just the cellar door, because the estate runs alongside cattle, goats, chickens and local wildlife. It's a working vineyard rather than a fenced dog park, so treat the leash requirement as non-negotiable rather than a suggestion.

Known for. Ridgemill sits at around 840 metres altitude, which suits cool-climate varieties like Riesling, Shiraz and Verdelho. It runs a "Top Dog Wine Club" with pet-focused extras, and is regularly named among the more dog-welcoming cellar doors in the Granite Belt.

Getting there. The estate is at 218 Donges Road, Severnlea, roughly 10-15 minutes' drive north of Stanthorpe. There's free, ample parking right outside the cellar door, so this isn't a venue where parking dictates your visit.

When to go. Book accommodation ahead, especially over weekends, since only two room types take pets. Confirm the pet fee and any current booking conditions directly with Ridgemill before you arrive, and pack your dog's own lead and bedding backup in case the property beds are in use. Good for owners who want a relaxed tasting with the dog underfoot rather than left in the car.

Sources

• Pet Policy - Stanthorpe Winery - Ridgemill Estate · ridgemillestate.com
• Winery Escape House - Stanthorpe - Ridgemill Estate · ridgemillestate.com
• Dog Friendly Cellar Doors - Granite Belt Wine Country · granitebeltwinecountry.com.au
• Ridgemill Estate Winery and Cellar Door · queensland.com
• Ridgemill Escape (Broadwater, AUS): Reviews & Deals - Wotif · wotif.com

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