Primo Estate Winery

Primo Estate is a modern, Italian-inspired cellar door on McMurtrie Road in McLaren Vale, known for its Joseph sparkling red, Italian varieties such as prosecco, pinot grigio and sangiovese, and its own estate olive oil. For dog owners the useful part is the sheltered courtyard, which takes dogs comfortably and makes this an easy tasting stop with the dog along.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the courtyard area, on lead, with staff seating dog owners at an outdoor table. Only assistance animals go inside the tasting room. Staff are used to dog visitors and have been happy to supply water, though bringing your own bowl is still the safe play. Mention the dog when you book or on arrival so a suitable outdoor spot is held for you. Charcuterie boards land in the courtyard too, so it works as a long lunch as well as a tasting.

Pepsi: Settled under the courtyard table while the sparkling red got poured. Good courtyard manners pay off here.

The vibe

Tastings carry a fee and lean premium, with unusual wines and olive oil in the line-up, but the courtyard itself is relaxed. It is sheltered, which gives some protection from wind and sun, though on hot days bring water for the dog regardless. The cellar door opens 11am to 4pm, seven days.

Getting there and parking

The address is 250 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale, with free shaded on-site parking. Weekday late mornings and afternoons are the quietest times in the courtyard.

While you're out there

McMurtrie Road is lined with cellar doors, several of them dog-friendly, and the Shiraz Trail runs close by for a flat on-lead leg between stops. The Bec Hardy Wines and Hugh Hamilton Wines cellar doors are nearby options, and the Willunga Basin Trail offers a longer walk if you want to stretch the day. More stops are under McLaren Vale and South Australia dog friendly wineries.