McCaffrey's Estate

McCaffrey's Estate at 614 Hermitage Road is a small family-owned cellar door with a convivial, owner-run feel and extensive outdoor seating under mature trees. It is one of the genuinely dog-welcoming doors on Hermitage Road, with dogs allowed both outside under the trees and inside the blending room during tastings, provided they settle.

Where the dog goes. Dogs are welcome on the shaded outdoor seating under the big trees, and generally inside the blending room and cellar door area too, as long as they are happy to relax on the floor. Water bowls are kept outside the tasting room. Choose your spot by the weather.

The rules. Keep your dog under close control and on a lead. There is on-site accommodation and working vines here, so a settled, restrained dog during the tasting is important. A dog that lies quietly keeps the indoor welcome.

What is there. Intimate, personal tastings, often with the owner-winemaker, and small-batch French-oak-aged reds among the Hunter classics. There is also a hands-on Winemaker for the Day blending experience, and self-contained vineyard cottages on-site if you want to stay.

Getting there. 614 Hermitage Road, with a free on-site gravel car park right at the cellar door and flat, easy access.

When to go. Being small and owner-run, it is most relaxed mid-week and earlier in the day. Hermitage Road has several dog-friendly neighbours for an easy loop.

Sources

• Dog-friendly Cellar Doors in the Hunter Valley · winecountry.com.au
• More Dog Friendly Wineries to Visit in Pokolbin · theannoyedthyroid.com

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