Josef Chromy Wines

Josef Chromy Wines is a cellar door, restaurant and working vineyard at 370 Relbia Road, about a 10 to 15 minute drive from central Launceston, and it is one of the region's more genuinely dog-welcoming wine stops. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the front lawns and outdoor seating areas, so a vineyard lunch or a glass of sparkling by the lake does not have to be a solo mission.

The dog setup

The deal is outdoor access only. Dogs are welcome on the front lawn under the mature trees and in the outdoor dining zones, but not inside the homestead cellar door or the restaurant, where only assistance animals can go. Leads stay on for the whole visit. Staff are used to seeing dogs on the lawns and water bowls are generally easy to arrange on request, but the practical move is to book ahead and specifically request outdoor seating so there is no confusion when you arrive.

If you want a structured tasting, remember the tasting room itself is indoors, so plan around it: a platter and a bottle out on the lawn is the dog-friendly way to do Josef Chromy.

Max: book the lawn table before you leave home. The outdoor seats are the ones with the view and the ones your dog is allowed on, and they fill first on sunny weekends.

The vibe

This is polished Tamar Valley wine country rather than a dusty farm shed. The 1880s homestead sits among gardens and a lake, and the wines lean cool climate: pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling are the names to look for. It suits a long lunch with the dog settled at your feet more than a quick tasting detour.

Getting there and parking

Set your maps to 370 Relbia Road, Relbia, TAS 7258. It is roughly 10 to 15 minutes from central Launceston and close to the airport, with a large free gravel car park on site. If you are coming by taxi or rideshare instead of driving, check that the operator takes dogs before you book.

Close by with the dogs

For a proper run before lunch, Hoblers Bridge Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Newstead is a secure off-leash option on the way in from Launceston, and Waterfront Dog Park gives you a second fenced choice nearby. Clove Cafe is a good dog-friendly coffee stop if you are making a morning of it.

More cellar doors and dog-friendly wine country are on the Tasmania wineries guide and the Relbia destination page.