Shottesbrooke Vineyards

Shottesbrooke Vineyards is a family-owned cellar door at 101 Bagshaws Road, McLaren Flat, a little over 40 minutes south of Adelaide, known for sustainable, award-winning wines and an easy-going welcome. It is one of the region's established dog-friendly cellar doors, and one of the few that lets dogs inside.

The dog setup

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas and, on cooler days, inside the cellar door itself near the fire. Water bowls are typically provided, and visitors report the occasional extra touch such as a toy library for four-legged guests.

Keep the lead handy and follow staff direction: off-leash has been reported at times, but the arrangement depends on how busy the door is and how other guests react.

The vibe

The range leans on shiraz, grenache and cabernet sauvignon made with a sustainability focus, and tastings run relaxed rather than formal. A nice detail for dog people: proceeds from the Art Collection range support Greyhounds as Pets South Australia.

Best timing depends on the day you want: a weekend works if the restaurant is part of the plan, while weekdays give you a quieter tasting and more room for a dog that is still learning winery manners.

The much-loved Currant Shed restaurant is close by if you want lunch in the mix, and a quiet weekday visit suits the cellar door alone.

Getting there

Ample on-site parking sits immediately outside the cellar door. The drive from Adelaide runs about 40 to 50 minutes through the southern suburbs and Willunga foothills.

While you're out there

Bagshaws Road is a handy little cluster: DogRidge Vineyards Cellar Door and Art Gallery is practically next door and equally dog-friendly.

Add Beresford Estate or Hugo Wines to build a McLaren Flat loop, and the quiet vineyard backroads suit a leashed stroll between stops.

More dog-friendly tastings are in the South Australia winery guide and the suburb's other spots are on the McLaren Flat destination page.