Deviation Road Tasting Room

Deviation Road is a boutique, family owned winery at Longwood in the Adelaide Hills, about half an hour from the Adelaide CBD, and it makes the dog case plainly: well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor tasting areas, so you can work through a flight of traditional method sparkling without leaving your mate in the car.

The dog setup

Dogs stay on leash at all times on site, which is a working winery rule as much as a courtesy: there is equipment, vehicle movement and other visitors between the car park and the tables. The outdoor areas are where you want to book, ideally paired with a regional produce platter if you are settling in. Water bowls are often provided, but a portable bowl covers you either way, and mentioning the dog when you book means staff can seat you somewhere suitable. The resident Hungarian Vizsla, Aggie, calls the place home, so well socialised dogs fit right in.

Max: leash up before you step out of the car and keep your dog close at the tasting table. Tight control is non-negotiable on a working winery site.

The wine

Deviation Road is recognised for its South Australian sparkling made by traditional methods, alongside a pinot noir line, and the cellar door experience is seated and structured rather than a stand-at-the-bar pour, with platters to match. Tastings run 10am to 5pm daily, closing on key public holidays, and bookings are expected, so reserve ahead and flag the dog at the same time to lock in an outdoor spot.

Getting there

The address is 207 Scott Creek Road, Longwood, close to Stirling and Aldgate, with parking at the cellar door. The drive in is scenic but properly winding, as Adelaide Hills roads tend to be, so take the corners steadily, especially with an excited dog in the back.

While you're out there

Stirling is a short drive for a leg stretch before or after a tasting: Wright Road Fenced Dog Park for an off leash run, The Evelyn Halliday Reserve for an open space walk, or Marshi's Kitchen for a dog friendly coffee stop.

More doors are on the South Australia dog friendly wineries guide and the Longwood destination page.