Brokenwood Wines

Brokenwood is one of the Hunter's marquee names, with a large modern cellar door and restaurant at 411 McDonalds Road. It is more polished than the boutique doors, but it still makes room for dogs on its outdoor terrace and Terrace Wine Bar, so you can sit down to a serious flight without leaving the dog in the car.

Where the dog goes. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck and terrace, including the casual Terrace Wine Bar, weather permitting. The indoor tasting room and restaurant are not for pets, so plan around the undercover outdoor seating. The terrace is the spot you want anyway on a fine Hunter day.

The rules. Keep your dog on a lead the whole time. Bring your own bowl and water; the staff are friendly but dog amenities are not guaranteed at a venue this size. A settled dog under the table is the brief.

What is there. The wines are the headline, especially the Hunter Semillon and Shiraz, with a casual Terrace Wine Bar for grazing and tasting and The Wood Restaurant for a full sit-down meal indoors if someone in your group is not on dog duty.

Getting there. 411 McDonalds Road, with a large free gravel car park right out front and flat, easy access to the outdoor seating.

When to go. As a big-name door it draws crowds from midday on weekends. Arrive early or aim for a weekday for an unhurried terrace seat with the dog.

Sources

• Dog-friendly cellar doors in the Hunter Valley | Hunter Hunter · hunterhunter.com.au
• Pet Friendly Cellar Doors | Hunter Valley Wine Country · winecountry.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.