Hollick Estates (Cellar Door, Restaurant & Winery)

Hollick Estates sits at 11 Ravenswood Lane in Coonawarra, near Penola, pairing an award-winning cellar door with the Upstairs at Hollick restaurant and a wide view over the Wilgha vineyard. It is one of the few spots in the region where a dog can join you through a proper sit-down lunch, not just a quick tasting, because the balcony and outdoor seating are open to well-behaved dogs on lead.

The dog setup

Dogs on lead are welcome on the restaurant balcony and the other outdoor areas, with the indoor cellar door and dining room left to humans. Staff are accommodating of calm, well-behaved dogs, but there is no dedicated pet station, so bring your own water bowl. Book ahead and mention the dog so you are seated on the balcony rather than waiting inside.

Worth knowing

Hollick's reputation rests on Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, with Decanter international trophy wins among the awards, and the kitchen upstairs runs an Italian-leaning menu built on regional produce. Between the tasting list and the balcony table, this is a plan for a long lunch rather than a dash along the Riddoch Highway.

Getting there and parking

The estate sits just off the Riddoch Highway in the Coonawarra strip, a few minutes north of Penola's town centre, with on-site parking a short walk from the cellar door and restaurant.

Close by with the dogs

The Coonawarra Rail Trail, a sealed walking and cycling path, runs nearby and suits a pre- or post-lunch leg-stretch on lead. Neighbouring cellar doors welcome dogs outdoors too: Parker Coonawarra Estate, Raidis Estate and Bellwether Wines are all on the same strip, and Patrick of Coonawarra is known for taking well-behaved dogs inside. Penola's town centre, a few minutes south, has more dog-friendly cafes. The South Australia wineries list and Penola guide cover the rest.

Max: Balcony tables with a vineyard view go quickly on weekends. Book ahead or the dog dines with you on the footpath.