Ernest Hill Wines

Ernest Hill Wines is a family-owned boutique cellar door on Wine Country Drive in Nulkaba, on the southern side of the Hunter Valley wine country, and dogs are genuinely part of the operation. The resident greeter, Dotti, holds the self-appointed title of Chief Greeter and Vineyard Supervisor, and visiting dogs are welcome to join their people for a tasting rather than wait in the car.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor areas around the cellar door, where the vineyard outlook gives them something to watch while you work through the tasting list. The house rule is a standard one: well-behaved dogs on a lead at all times. Water provision can vary, so pack a portable bowl to be safe. If you are counting on indoor seating because of weather, phone ahead on (02) 4991 4418 and confirm what is possible before you drive out.

Max: Call ahead about indoor access. If the weather turns or the outdoor tables are full, you want to know the backup plan before you arrive, not after.

The vibe

This is a small-batch operation rather than a big-name stop. The semillon and chardonnay are made exclusively from free-run pressings, and the team under-crops the vineyard and drops fruit that does not meet their standard. Tastings stay unpretentious, the staff know their wines well, and the view runs out over the Broken Back Ranges. Kangaroos are regulars on the grounds, which keeps visiting dogs quietly entertained. Hours run 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 3pm Sunday.

Getting there and parking

The cellar door sits on Wine Country Drive at Nulkaba, close to Cessnock and an easy run into Pokolbin, so it works well as a first or last stop on a Hunter loop. Parking is on site and straightforward, with a short walk to the tasting areas.

Make a day of it

Nulkaba sits at the gateway to Pokolbin, so a two or three cellar door day is simple to arrange. Tulloch Wines is a short drive north for fortifieds and classic Hunter semillon, Oakvale Wines is one of the region's most dog-loving cellar doors with water and treats usually on hand, and First Creek Wines takes friendly on-lead dogs in its outdoor tasting areas.

For more dog-friendly cellar doors across the state, see wineries in NSW, or browse what else is around town at Nulkaba.