Yarra Valley Wine Co. Store & Bar

Yarra Valley Wine Co. Store & Bar blends a boutique bottle shop with a relaxed drinking spot at 3371 Warburton Highway, right in the main strip of Warburton. For dog owners the draw is the outdoor seating: front deck, balcony and a backyard area that runs towards the Yarra River, where well-behaved dogs on leads are genuinely welcome to join you for a flight.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome across the outdoor areas, including the deck, balcony and backyard, but not indoors. Leads stay on the whole time, a sensible rule given the backyard sits close to the river bank. Seating is generous, so finding a comfortable distance from other groups is easy, and the team has a reputation for being welcoming to four-legged guests. It is walk-ins only, which makes an impromptu stop after a river walk simple.

The vibe

Rotating tasting flights showcase Yarra Valley producers exclusively, alongside regional craft beer and a grazing menu of artisan cheese, charcuterie boards, breads and olives built for slow sipping. Indoors is cosy with a fireplace, but with a dog in tow you are here for the outside: relaxed views over the river and a fire pit in the backyard on cooler evenings. Late afternoon is the sweet spot, when the deck catches the last of the sun and backyard seating frees up.

Pepsi: river, deck, charcuterie crumbs. A dog could get used to the high life.

Getting there and parking

Free street parking runs along the Warburton Highway out front. If you are staying locally, several river-side accommodation options sit within walking distance. The venue is an easy add-on to a Warburton day trip from Melbourne, about an hour and a half away.

Close by with the dogs

Stretch legs first along the Warburton Rail Trail or burn off zoomies at Wesburn Park Dog Off Leash Area, a short drive away. If you are making a weekend of it, Doon Reserve Caravan Park at Yarra Junction takes pets.

Plan the rest of the trip with the Victoria wineries guide and the Warburton destinations page.