John Wallace Wines

John Wallace Wines is a small, family-run cellar door at 168 Palmers Lane in the Rothbury pocket of the Hunter Valley, and the winery's own description of itself is pet friendly and a place for all the family. Dogs are welcome inside the tasting room as well as around the grounds, which puts it a step ahead of the many regional cellar doors that confine dogs to outdoor seating.

The dog setup

A well-behaved dog on a lead is treated as a normal part of the visit, not an exception. The tasting room is a working space with stock on shelves and other visitors moving through, so keep the leash on and your dog settled close by. Water bowls are typically available on the day, but a backup bowl is smart on hot Hunter afternoons.

What it pours

The cellar door pours Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Merlot, made by winemaker Andrew Thomas, in a warm, family-focused setting that suits an unhurried tasting. The vibe is relaxed and personal, and visitors consistently rate the welcome among the friendliest in the valley.

Getting there and parking

The winery sits on quiet, vineyard-lined Palmers Lane, with on-site parking close to the cellar door entrance. Doors open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday), though hours can shift seasonally, so confirm before you drive out. Weekday mornings are the easiest time for a dog to settle into a quiet room.

While you're out there

Palmers Lane itself makes a pleasant leashed stroll between stops, and other cellar doors in the valley are close enough to chain together a dog-friendly wine trail: Black Creek Farm is in the same pocket, while Meerea Park Wines sits over on Hermitage Road. More options are on the New South Wales wineries page and the Rothbury destination guide.

Max: keep the leash short inside. Wine stock sits at dog height and the room is small, so a calm dog makes the visit easy for the hosts and everyone tasting.