John Wallace Wines

John Wallace Wines is a small, family-run cellar door on Palmers Lane in the Rothbury pocket of the Hunter Valley, and dogs are welcome inside the tasting room as well as around the grounds. It is the kind of relaxed, boutique setup where a well-behaved dog on a leash is treated as a normal part of the visit, not an exception.

Dog access and setup. Dogs can come into the cellar door itself, not just an outdoor area, which is a step up from many wineries in the region. Bring a leash and keep your dog close, since it is a working tasting room with other visitors and stock on shelves. Water bowls are typically available for dogs on the day, but it is worth bringing your own bowl as a backup on hot Hunter Valley afternoons.

Known for. 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 a slower, unhurried tasting.

Getting there and parking. The winery is at 168 Palmers Lane, in the Pokolbin/Rothbury part of the valley, with on-site parking close to the cellar door entrance. It is open Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm, though hours can shift seasonally, so confirm before you drive out.

Nearby with the dogs. Palmers Lane itself is a quiet, vineyard-lined road that makes for a pleasant leashed stroll between stops, and several other wineries along Palmers Lane and Hermitage Road also allow dogs in their outdoor areas, so it is easy to build a short dog-friendly wine trail around this one.

Weekday mornings are the easiest time to visit if you want a quieter tasting room for your dog to settle into, before weekend crowds pick up. Good for calm, leash-trained dogs who are happy to sit through a tasting rather than big, energetic runners.

Sources

• Welcome to John Wallace Wines · johnwallacewines.com.au
• Cellar door - John Wallace Wines · johnwallacewines.com.au
• John Wallace Wines - Hunter Valley Wine Country · winecountry.com.au
• Dog-Friendly Cellar Doors - Hunter Valley · hunterhunter.com.au

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