Hill River Wines

Hill River Wines sits at 232 Bickers Road in the Polish Hill River sub-region of the Clare Valley, about ten to fifteen minutes from Clare itself. It is a relaxed, family-friendly cellar door with a large garden and deck looking over the vines, and the venue's own FAQ is upfront about the deal: dogs are loved here, they just stick to the outdoor areas.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating: the deck and the shaded tables out under the trees, with a variety of spots to choose from depending on the weather. The indoor tasting room is off-limits, so fair weather makes the visit, though there is enough cover to ride out an iffy sky. Water bowls are usually around and the crew are animal people, but call ahead on (08) 8843 4100 if you have an unusually large or energetic dog and want to be sure of the set-up. Keep your dog on a lead; the property sits among working vineyards.

Max: a table under the trees, a Riesling for the humans and a full view of the vines. The leash stays on, but the welcome is genuine.

Worth knowing

The cellar door is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with free tastings across the range and Polish Hill River Riesling the headline act. There is a beer selection for non-wine drinkers, and the food angle is happily low-key: build your own platter from the Providore Fridge of local cheeses, meats and snacks rather than ordering off a menu, which suits a long, slow afternoon in the garden.

Getting there and parking

Bickers Road runs through the Polish Hill River wine sub-region east of the Clare-Auburn road, with free on-site parking right by the cellar door. The walk from car to deck is short and level, and the gravel yard means no mud drama for paws after rain.

Pair it with

Tim Adams Wines is a short drive back toward Clare, and Shut the Gate Wines is another dog-welcoming door with a providore store in the valley.

More options are on the South Australia wineries guide and the Polish Hill River destinations page.