Poonawatta

Poonawatta is a boutique, family-run cellar door in the Barossa high country at Flaxman Valley, working old-vine Riesling and Shiraz off vines dating back to the 1880s. It is a working farm with resident dogs and livestock, so it is genuinely dog-friendly but not a turn-up-and-wander stop.

The rules. Call ahead on 0448 031 880 or email before you arrive with a dog, so the owners can arrange a safe introduction to their own dogs and cats. Dogs need to stay on leash and under control the whole visit, since there is livestock and wildlife on the property, and owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.

The dog setup. Once you have checked in, the cellar door team will set your tasting up outside, often on the dam bank, rather than inside the tasting room. Bring your own water bowl and treats. There is a resident dog on site, so a calm, well-socialised dog will have the better day here.

Known for. Small-batch Eden Valley Riesling and Shiraz from old vines, a relaxed loungeroom-style tasting usually hosted by the owners themselves, and cheese platters to go with it.

Getting there. The cellar door is at 1227 Eden Valley Road, Flaxman Valley, a short drive from Angaston or Eden Valley township. There is on-site parking. Cellar door hours are Friday to Sunday 11am-4.30pm, with other days by appointment, so confirm before you drive out.

Nearby with the dogs. Eden Valley Hotel has outdoor seating for a pub meal afterwards, and Angaston village has a handful of pet-friendly cafes for a coffee stop.

When to go. Weekday afternoons by appointment are quietest if your dog is unsure around other animals. Weekends bring more cellar door traffic, so a confirmed booking matters more then.

Sources

• Visit Us | Boutique Cellar Door | Poonawatta Wines, Eden Valley · poonawatta.com.au
• Poonawatta - Eden Valley, Food and Drink | South Australia · southaustralia.com
• Poonawatta - 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.