Altair Estate

Altair Estate is a small, family-owned winery on Johnson Road in Wilyabrup that pours Margaret River classics with an Italian streak: Sangiovese, Vermentino and Nebbiolo sit alongside the Cabernet and Merlot. Regional dog friendly guides list it as welcoming to dogs, and the intimate alfresco area overlooking the vines is where a well mannered dog fits in.

The dog setup

Tastings run inside or in the alfresco area under the olives, and the outdoor tables are the spot for a visit with your dog. Keep the lead on throughout, bring your own water bowl, and check ahead if you need a specific table or are travelling as a group, since the tasting space is small and personal. Good fit for a calm dog that settles quietly at your feet.

Pepsi: Small cellar doors like this are the easy dog stops, one table, one host, and nobody minds a quiet dog on the grass.

The vibe

Boutique and low intervention, with sustainability certification and small batch production. The personal seated tasting is fun and educational, and a pre packed local cheese platter is available for $20 to go with a flight. If you want the deep version, a guided vineyard and winery tour with winemaker Josh Vince finishes with a barrel tasting and needs a booking.

Getting there and parking

The cellar door is at 213 Johnson Road, Wilyabrup, off the Bussell Highway side of the sub-region, reachable from both Busselton and Margaret River in about 20 minutes. On-site parking sits near the door. Open seven days from 10am to 4:30pm, which makes it an easy first or last stop on a Wilyabrup loop.

While you are out there

Lenton Brae on Caves Road is a dog friendly cellar door a short drive away, and Knotting Hill Estate fits the same quiet-country-road loop. The gravel roads around here suit an on lead leg stretch between stops.

More WA wineries and the Wilyabrup guide are below.