Xanadu Wines

Xanadu Wines sits on Boodjidup Road a few minutes from Margaret River town, and it is one of the region's better picks for a dog day out because the welcome extends to a full sitting: dogs on leads are taken on the shaded outdoor verandah and through the garden grounds, so a tasting or a long seasonal lunch can run as long as the dog is content to nap through it. The house strengths are Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, backed by a restaurant with a serious local following.

Dogs at Xanadu

The arrangement is outdoor only: verandah and garden yes, indoor cellar door and restaurant no. The outdoor seating is generous and shaded, with space for a dog to settle out of the traffic path, and staff are used to canine guests and usually bring a water bowl out. Pack a portable bowl anyway for the warmer months. The venue is polished rather than rough and ready, so a calm dog on a lead suits the room best; if yours is still mastering restaurant manners, time the visit for mid morning or an early lunch before the verandah fills.

Worth knowing

The grounds are lush and level, and parking is ample, free and flat in front of the building, with a short easy walk from car to verandah. Opening hours run 10am to 5pm daily. If a multi course tasting menu is on your plan, book ahead and mention the dog when you do, so you are seated where a settled hound is no trouble to anyone.

Pepsi: Shady verandah, long lunch, water bowl out. Burn the dog's energy at the dog park first and they will snooze through the whole meal.

Close by with the dogs

Brookfield Dog Park in town is the ideal first stop for an energy burn before lunch. If you are building a tasting loop, Cape Mentelle and Stella Bella Wines are both close to town, and Passel Estate north at Cowaramup also takes dogs outdoors with prior notice. Plan the rest of the trip via Margaret River or the full list of WA wineries.