Blueberry Hill Vineyard

Blueberry Hill is a boutique family-owned vineyard at 999 McDonalds Road, on the corner of Gillards Road, with Brokenback Range views and a cellar door that lets dogs come inside. On a property with its own resident pack of winery dogs, including a kelpie, a border collie and a greyhound, visiting dogs are part of the routine rather than an exception.

The dog setup

Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the cellar door, warm in winter and air-conditioned in summer, and out on the grounds and vineyard edges, on a lead at all times. Water bowls are often provided, though carrying your own is wise. Because the resident dogs may be around, your dog needs to be comfortable meeting other dogs and new people. The indoor access is the practical draw: this is the door to shortlist when a Hunter day turns too hot or too wet for open-lawns venues.

Pepsi: The resident greyhound runs the meet and greet. If your dog has never met a greyhound at full speed, the first few minutes are the entertainment.

The vibe

The wines are made by Andrew Thomas, a highly awarded Hunter winemaker, spanning semillon, chardonnay, verdelho, shiraz and merlot, and visitors single out the sweet semillon-based dessert style. The staff get their own share of the reviews, described as welcoming, funny and generous with a sneaky extra tasting. Hours run 10am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Getting there and parking

The cellar door sits at the McDonalds Road and Gillards Road corner with parking directly out front, an easy reach from the main Pokolbin accommodation pockets.

Make a day of it

McDonalds Road links a string of dog-friendly doors: Horner Wines and Mercer Wines both pour with a relaxed approach, and Wild Ren Wines and Piggs Peake Winery fill out a small, drive-light loop.

The rest of the region is under wineries in NSW or browse Pokolbin.