Tintilla Estate Wines

Tintilla Estate at 725 Hermitage Road is a family-owned boutique vineyard with a Tuscan-farmhouse cellar door, and the dog credentials run deeper than a pet policy: the estate is famously named after a family dog, and a big red dog statue guards the entrance. Visiting dogs join you on the covered deck and verandah for a seated tasting, with vineyard views thrown in.

The dog setup

Friendly, well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the relaxed covered outdoor seating, which is where tastings happen anyway. Water bowls are provided, and the gourmet pantry sells dog treats, which is not something many cellar doors can claim. Book ahead and mention the dog so a suitable covered spot is set up; bookings are essential for the seated tastings, which carry a small per-person fee.

Pepsi: The red dog statue at the gate sets the tone. Ask for a deck table, and let your dog audit the pantry treats before you check out.

The vibe

Established in 1993, Tintilla follows the old European habit of growing olives and grapes side by side. Five olive varieties are grown and handpicked on the property, and tastings run boutique single-vineyard wines alongside the estate's own olives, olive oils, jams and vinegars, often with fresh bread and cheese platters. A VIP tasting bundles wine with estate olives and local cheese. Doors open from around 10:30am, closing 5:30pm most days and 6pm Friday and Saturday, with Wednesdays dark.

Getting there and parking

Hermitage Road sits in the quieter pocket of Pokolbin, an easy run off the Hunter Expressway, with on-site parking by the tasting room.

When to go

The road stays calmer than the main spines, but mid-week and mornings are the quietest slots for a dog that prefers space.

Make a day of it

Hermitage Road neighbours make an easy loop: Tulloch Wines is minutes up the road, McGuigan Wines Cellar Door and Iron Gate Estate both welcome dogs, giving a three-stop day without a long drive.

More cellar doors are under wineries in NSW or around Pokolbin.