Hay Shed Hill Wines

Hay Shed Hill is a relaxed cellar door on Harmans Mill Road in Wilyabrup, in the middle of the Margaret River wine strip, and it doubles as a lunch stop because Rústico's tapas kitchen sits on site. Dogs on leads are welcome across the outdoor areas, which covers both a tasting on the patio and a long lunch on the lawn.

The dog setup

Leashed dogs are welcome on the winery grounds and in the outdoor areas: the spacious patio, the lawn and the covered alfresco section at Rústico. The indoor seated tasting room is generally people only, so if a formal indoor tasting is what you are after, ring ahead and ask. Water bowls are available. Keep the lead on; on a fine weekend the lawn hosts a steady rotation of other dogs and patrons, and the setup works best for a sociable dog.

The vibe

Casual and knowledgeable rather than formal. The range runs past 25 wine styles, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and a Spanish-leaning Tempranillo among them, and staff are known for tailoring tastings to what you actually like. Rústico's covered patio is the smart dog table: shade or shelter sorted either way, with a tapas menu that rewards settling in.

Pepsi: Pick the covered patio and the dog spot is sorted whether the sun is out or not. Book it on weekends, because the lawn crowd gets there first.

Getting there and parking

The cellar door is on Harmans Mill Road, Wilyabrup, off Caves Road in the heart of the wine region, roughly 15 minutes from Margaret River townsite and Dunsborough. There is ample on-site parking. Doors generally open daily from 10am to 5pm, though some public holidays are closed. Groups and bus visits are by appointment.

Make a day of it

Stormflower Vineyard is a nearby dog friendly cellar door on the same stretch, and Lenton Brae on Caves Road is known for a warm welcome for visiting dogs. The on-site Rústico at Hay Shed Hill has its own listing if you want the details. The quiet country roads around Wilyabrup suit a short on lead walk between stops.

Find more Western Australian wineries and the Wilyabrup guide below.