First Creek Wines

First Creek Wines at 600 McDonalds Road is a modern, award-laden cellar door that happens to be one of the more dog-generous in Pokolbin: well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome both on the covered outdoor patio and inside the tasting room. That indoor access is the standout, because it means weather never decides whether the dog can come.

Where the dog goes. Friendly dogs can join you inside the modern cellar door for the tasting, and there is a covered outdoor patio if you would rather sit in the fresh air. Either way the dog stays beside you, which is rare out here.

The rules. Lead on at all times. Staff are pet-friendly and often put water bowls out, but bring your own supplies to be safe. As always, an indoor welcome holds only while your dog is calm and clean, so settle a restless dog on the patio instead.

What is there. First Creek is a serious production house, known for premium Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz and a swag of awards, and it also contract-makes for other labels, so the tasting tends to be a notch up on quality.

Getting there. 600 McDonalds Road, right on the main Pokolbin thoroughfare, with on-site parking immediately by the cellar door.

When to go. Being central on McDonalds Road it gets weekend traffic, so an early or mid-week visit gives the dog a quieter room. De Iuliis on Broke Road is an easy dog-friendly follow-up nearby.

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.