Calais Estate Winery

Calais Estate is a boutique, family owned winery at 151 Palmers Lane in central Pokolbin, and the reason it lands on dog friendly lists is the courtyard: a relaxed outdoor space set up for tastings and platters with a leashed dog at your feet. Opening hours run 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, to 5pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

The dog setup

Sociable dogs on a lead are welcomed in the courtyard section of the cellar door, with the indoor tasting room reserved for people. The team has a reputation for being genuinely fond of dogs, but the practical setup is outdoor, so pick a mild day or a shaded table in summer. Bring your own water bowl to be safe.

Pepsi: the courtyard is the whole point here. Book nothing, just turn up early, claim a table and let the dog sprawl while you work through the reds.

The vibe

The range leans to quality reds at reasonable prices, with semillon, chardonnay and sparkling in the line up, and cheese platters that turn a tasting into a picnic. Service is the consistent talking point, often the kind that goes beyond the pour. Keep an eye on the dog if peacocks or other birds wander through.

Getting there and parking

Palmers Lane sits in the middle of the Pokolbin strip, minutes from the main cellar door cluster, with parking on site. The quiet lanes around the estate make a short on lead walk possible between tastings, which is handy if the dog has been parked on a mat all morning.

Pair it with

Other Pokolbin cellar doors that take dogs outdoors include Saddler's Creek Wines and First Creek Wines, both a few minutes away, so a two stop day is easy to plan.

The full shortlist is in the NSW dog friendly wineries guide and on the Pokolbin destination page.