Flaxman

Flaxman is a small, family-owned winery on Flaxmans Valley Road, known for unpretentious, highly rated wines and a genuinely intimate tasting experience. The resident dog, Gus, is often around the cellar door, and dogs are welcome to join you under the vineyard-view pergola.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor pergola area overlooking the vines, which suits the boutique scale of the place better than the indoor tasting room. Keep dogs leashed and settled, especially around Gus and other visitors. Water bowls are usually out, but bring your own to be sure on a hot day.

Known for. A quiet, personal tasting experience with the owners, standout Cabernet Sauvignon and other boutique wines, and the 3-course or 5-course long lunches paired with Flaxman wines under the pergola.

Getting there. The cellar door is at 662 Flaxmans Valley Road, Flaxman Valley, a few minutes off the main road but easy to find by GPS. Free on-site parking is available, with an accessible car park and entrance. Cellar door hours are Thursday and Friday noon-4pm and Saturday 11am-5pm, with Sunday by appointment.

Before you book. If you want the long lunch rather than just a tasting, book at least 72 hours ahead, and mention you are bringing a dog so they can seat you in the pergola area.

Nearby with the dogs. Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park is about 10-15 minutes away and has proper walking trails if your dog needs to stretch its legs before or after. Poonawatta winery is a short drive further on for a second cellar door stop, though call ahead there too since it is a working farm.

When to go. Weekday sessions are the calmest for a dog that is not used to crowds. Weekend long lunches get busy, so book early and confirm the pergola seating when you do.

Sources

• Flaxman Cellar Door and Winery - Eden Valley, Food and Drink · southaustralia.com
• Flaxman Wines - All You SHOULD Know Before You Go · tripadvisor.com.au

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