Black Creek Farm

Black Creek Farm is a small, French-provincial style vineyard on Old North Road in Rothbury, home to Thelme Wines, and dogs are a regular part of the scene here. The owners run a genuinely personal cellar door, and visitors are often greeted by the resident dog, Elwood, before settling in for a tasting on the farmhouse deck.

Dog access and setup. Tastings happen on an open veranda overlooking the vines, and dogs are welcome to join you there on a leash. As a small, family-operated farm there is no dedicated dog menu or water station mentioned, so bring your own water bowl and treats to be safe. Booking ahead is essential for a tasting, so mention you are bringing a dog when you reserve.

Known for. The cellar door pours single-vineyard, French-style reds and whites, including Semillon, Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz, with tastings led personally by the owners in a rustic, unhurried setting.

Getting there and parking. The address is 803 Old North Road, Rothbury, a short drive from Pokolbin, with plentiful on-site parking near the cellar door.

Nearby with the dogs. Other dog-friendly wineries within a short drive include Briar Ridge Vineyard in Mount View and Saddler's Creek Wines in Pokolbin, while Cafe Enzo in Pokolbin and Bistro Molines in Mount View both offer outdoor seating that typically suits dogs. Kitchener Dam is a quieter option nearby for a walk away from the cellar doors.

Weekday visits tend to be calmer for a dog settling in on the deck, since the intimate setting fills quickly on weekends. Good for calm dogs comfortable meeting another dog on arrival, less so for reactive dogs given Elwood's presence.

Sources

• Welcome | Black Creek Farm Pokolbin Hunter Valley Australia · blackcreekfarm.com.au
• A pet-friendly guide to the Hunter Valley · visitnsw.com
• Black Creek Farm, Cessnock, Australia - Reviews, Ratings, Tips · wanderlog.com
• Our Top 5 Wineries in the Hunter Valley · freetworoam.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.