De Salis Wines

De Salis Wines runs a boutique cellar door at its Lofty Vineyard on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, about 15 minutes from Orange. At roughly 1050 metres it is one of the highest vineyard sites in the region, and it has built a following for French-style cool-climate chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines made with natural ferments and a minimalist hand. Dogs are welcome through the visit, and the resident winery dogs usually put in an appearance.

The dog setup

The cellar door is listed among the region's dog friendly cellar doors by Orange 360, and the region's pet-friendly guide recommends keeping dogs on a lead in the outdoor and alfresco tasting areas. That is the practical arrangement here: plan on tasting outside with your dog settled beside you. The ground around the vineyard is informal and rural rather than manicured, which suits most dogs, but bring your own water bowl. The winery focuses on the wine rather than food, so eat before or after elsewhere.

The vibe

Tastings run daily from 11am to 5pm in a relaxed, family-run setting where the staff talk winemaking detail without ceremony. The mountain views do most of the talking. It suits a settled dog that is happy to lie through a seated tasting rather than one that needs constant walking.

Getting there and parking

Lofty Vineyard is at 125 Mount Lofty Road, Nashdale, off the Cargo Road side of the mountain. It is a short, scenic drive from Orange's CBD and there is on-site parking. A fine day makes all the difference here, since the experience leans on the outdoor setting.

Close by with the dogs

Other cellar doors sit within a few minutes' drive along the mountain roads: Cargo Road Wines is the nearest neighbour, with Philip Shaw Wines and Heifer Station Wines also on that side of town. If the dog needs a run before a stretch of tastings, Machin Park Fenced Dog Park is a good stop on the way out of Orange. More options are listed under NSW wineries and around Orange.

Pepsi: I got to meet the winery dogs and taste outside with my people, 10 out of 10 sniffing grounds.