Main Ridge Estate

Main Ridge Estate is a Mornington Peninsula pioneer, established in 1975 and still focused on estate-grown cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a rustic-modern cellar door and kitchen set in a quiet bush valley at Red Hill. Dogs are welcome on the deck, but the policy is specific, so read it before you book.

The dog setup

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome subject to available seating outside on the deck, not inside the cellar door or dining space. Space is limited, so flag the dog when you reserve rather than turning up on spec and hoping.

Bring your own water and bowl, since this is an intimate venue rather than a set-up-for-dogs one. You will most likely be met by Archie, the resident West Highland Terrier, who will attempt to convince you he is underfed; the house rule is not to feed him.

The vibe

Tastings run at the table in The Larder, with a seasonal menu of light sharing dishes and lunch on weekends. The setting is deliberately quiet and non-commercial, which suits a settled dog far better than a big bustling cellar door.

One firm rule applies to everyone: stay out of the vineyards, because visitors can carry the phylloxera pest on their shoes.

Pepsi: book ahead, tick the dog box, and aim for a weekend lunch on the deck. The Pinot does the rest.

Getting there and parking

The estate is at 80 William Road, Red Hill, roughly an hour and a quarter from the Melbourne CBD, with on-site parking near the main building.

Pair it with

The Red Hill Rail Trail between Red Hill and Merricks is a scenic on-lead walk nearby, and neighbouring dog-friendly cellar doors include Myrtaceae Winery, Mont Rouge Estate and Abelli Estate Winery.

For a casual coffee, Nordie Café is a local stop. More are listed on the Victorian winery guide and the Red Hill destination page.

Leash status

On-lead at all times on the property; deck seating only, no vineyard access.

When to go

Friday to Sunday from 11am. Book ahead and reserve the dog in the same booking.