Vamp By Lisa McGuigan

Vamp by Lisa McGuigan at 2198 Broke Road is the most theatrical cellar door in Pokolbin: a dark, high-fashion wine room of monochrome styling, moody lighting and a medieval-style chandelier over a sculptural circular tasting bar. It is also one of the most dog-generous, with well-behaved leashed dogs welcome right inside the tasting lounge rather than parked out on the deck.

The dog setup

Dogs join you indoors at the central bar or in one of the semi-private tasting pods, and out on the deck and terrace garden, on a lead and supervised throughout. The staff are known for being genuinely welcoming to dogs. The one honest caveat: the interior is dark, plush and dressed up, so a dog that lies down and stays put suits this room far better than a restless one. Keep the lead short past the velvet and mind other guests on arrival.

Max: Plush interior, low light, fancy furnishings. Bring a dog that settles cleanly, book a pod, and the whole gothic experience works with a hound at your feet.

The vibe

Lisa McGuigan built the room with EJE Architecture as an experience rather than a counter pour, and the boutique range matches: a tight line-up from crisp minimal-intervention whites to bold shiraz, plus prosecco, moscato and pinot noir that visitors call out. The hosting is knowledgeable and relaxed rather than stuffy, and tasting fees are typically rebated against a bottle purchase. Doors open 10am, closing 5pm most days and 6pm Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Book a quieter slot on 02 4998 7854.

Getting there and parking

The address is 2198 Broke Road, on the main Pokolbin run, with on-site parking.

Make a day of it

Hungerford Hill sits further along Broke Road as a dog-friendly follow-up, and De Bortoli Wines, Hunter Valley and Bimbadgen Cellar Door keep the whole run within a couple of kilometres.

Find more doors under wineries in NSW or browse Pokolbin.