Rochford Wines Yarra Valley

Rochford is a large, versatile Coldstream estate on the Maroondah Highway, with a big cellar door, a restaurant and a calendar of live music and major outdoor concerts. For dog owners it works because the outdoor courtyard and terrace are generous and overlook the vineyard, so a dog has room rather than a cramped footpath.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, the courtyard and terrace areas, on a lead at all times. They are generally not allowed inside the restaurant or the indoor tasting room, so plan to sit outside. Water bowls are usually available, but bring your own bottle and bowl to be sure.

Good to know. The wines to look for are the Yarra Valley pinot noir and chardonnay, and the restaurant is well regarded with plenty of vegetarian options. The flip side of the events calendar is crowds: concert days and Saturday afternoons are the busiest, and a big event day is not when you want a nervous dog here.

Getting there. Free on-site parking, with accessible parking and entrance, at 878-880 Maroondah Hwy, roughly 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

Nearby with the dogs. Healesville township a short drive on is dog-friendly with outdoor cafes, and on-leash country lanes nearby suit a short walk.

Weekdays are the calmest by a wide margin. Good for a relaxed outdoor lunch, less so on a big event day.

Sources

• Summer at Rochford Winery: A Family Friendly Destination · rochfordwines.com.au

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