Squitchy Lane Vineyard

Squitchy Lane Vineyard is a boutique cellar door at 9 Medhurst Road in Gruyere, about an hour from Melbourne, set in a renovated tractor shed with a veranda looking over the vines. It is proudly dog-friendly rather than lawn-only: dogs are welcome at the cellar door itself, which makes it one of the more relaxed small stops in the Yarra Valley for anyone touring with a dog.

Dogs at Squitchy Lane

Dogs on a leash are welcome at the cellar door, including the veranda where tastings and cheese and charcuterie boards happen, with a lawn and garden area around the building for a picnic-style visit. Keep the lead short near the vine rows; a dog-friendly cellar door still means staying out of the vines. Water bowls are often available, but bring your own to be sure, and mention the dog when you book since seating inside the shed is limited.

Worth knowing

The range is small-batch and handcrafted: pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and a fume blanc sit alongside wine by the glass and boards to share. The $15 tasting fee is waived with a bottle purchase, and wine club members taste free. The room is personal and unhurried, a quieter alternative to the valley's big names, with a knowledgeable host walking you through the winemaking. Doors open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, closed Monday to Wednesday; walk-ins are welcome but bookings are smart, and groups of six or more should get in touch ahead.

Pepsi: grab a veranda table with the board, keep the lead clipped to the table leg, and let the valley do the rest.

Getting there and parking

Medhurst Road runs off the Healesville side of Gruyere; the vineyard is signposted from the road, with ample on-site parking including an accessible space near the entrance.

Pair it with

SOUMAH of Yarra Valley is just around the corner, Payten & Jones adds an urban-winery contrast in Healesville, and Healesville Showgrounds gives the dog an off-leash run between stops.

More options are on the Victoria wineries guide and the Gruyere destinations page.