Philip Lobley Wines

Philip Lobley Wines is a small, family-owned vineyard and winery in Glenburn, on the northern edge of the Yarra Valley, known for its relaxed country atmosphere and wood-fired pizzas. It is a casual weekend destination rather than a formal cellar door, and dogs are part of the picture as long as they stay outdoors with you.

Dogs at the winery

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor and alfresco areas but not inside the indoor tasting room, and they need to stay on a lead at all times. The setting makes the restriction easy to live with: the outdoor space looks out over the vineyard, a lake and the surrounding gum trees, so there is plenty to keep a human occupied while a leashed dog settles at your feet. Bring your own water bowl rather than assuming one will be waiting.

Max: it is a working rural property, so keep your dog on a secure lead at all times and bring your own bowl.

What the winery pours

The winery is best known for its wood-fired pizza, served fresh from the oven on a sourdough base, alongside intimate tastings and sales that Phil often hosts himself. Expect a proper explanation of the wines rather than a tasting-note card, and a family-friendly, unhurried room rather than a polished big-estate experience.

Getting there and when to go

The winery sits in Glenburn, roughly midway along the Melba Highway between Yarra Glen and Yea, so it is a scenic country drive from Melbourne rather than a quick hop. Doors open Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm to 5pm, and as a small venue it pays to contact Phil ahead of time, especially for a weekend visit or if you are bringing a dog. Pizza weekends draw a crowd, so earlier in the afternoon is the calmer window.

Close by with the dogs

Payten and Jones in Healesville is a dog-friendly cellar door within a reasonable drive for a two-stop day, and more options are on the VIC wineries guide and the Glenburn destination page.