Murrumbateman is home to some of Australia’s finest wineries, where you can taste a wide range of award-winning wines made from locally grown grapes. The cool climate of the region creates a unique terroir, resulting in wines that are elegant, complex, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer red or white, sweet or dry, there’s something for every palate in Canberra’s wineries. Many wineries also offer tours of their vineyards and cellars, providing an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational day out, head to Murrumbateman for some of the best wine tasting experiences in Australia.
If you haven’t already, you can see the full list of Murrumbateman wineries with cellar doors here, all with the latest live reviews and photos in one convenient place.
In assessing which wineries’ cellar doors are most pet-friendly, they have been rated based on:
- where the pets will be located,
- your proximity to them whilst wine tasting,
- shade, and
- presence of heaters.
The latter because of how cold open areas can become during peak weather seasons in the cool-climate Canberra region. Almost none have fans during summer, but there is often shade and drinking water available.
Don’t forget that Merry Heart CBR is pet-friendly on all private tours.
All assistance dogs are obviously welcome on any of the tours.
Because of food regulatory requirements, most wineries’ cellar doors can not allow pets indoors and this is something outside of their control.
The below rating are based solely on pet-friendliness. Not the quality of wines or other factors. Cellar Doors have been contacted for comment.
Table of Contents
Murrumbateman Winery - 5/5
Murrumbateman winery is one of the most pet-friendly wineries in Murrumbateman. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. So you can sit outdoors to have tastings and cheese platters with your pet. It is a tent-like area with heaters so you’re all cosy with a glass in one hand and the other petting your dog.
There are also friendly vineyard doggos who often come to welcome the visitors. On that note, make sure your dog is friendly.
Murrumbateman Winery also has a “Mollie Sav Blanc” label named after the winery dog Mollie –a part of the proceeds from those sales go to ACT RSPCA.
Visited Murrumbateman Winery as part of a wine tour with Drivision Australia and had a fantastic experience. Beautiful setting, great wines, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend adding Murrumbateman Winery to any Canberra wine tour itinerary — we’ll definitely be back!
— Drivision Australia Guest Experience
And only a one man band
Incredible wines, service and people
And only a one man band
Incredible wines, service and people
The Vintner’s Daughter - 5/5
Pets are most welcome here.
They can sit with you outside in the verandah overlooking the vineyard, with heaters (pictured).
Have I mentioned that they also run farm tours?
I hope you are both well and I look forward to coming and visiting your cellar door again soon. If you are curious to see what they offer, do yourself a favour ?
We visited with young children and the farm tour was so fab – the kids got to meet and feed goats, sheep, cows, chickens, alpacas, deer and even emus! Stephanie and Ben had thought of everything, with coloring in activities for them while we tasted the beautiful wines. We will absolutely be back and will be recommending a visit to all our friends and family!
Thank you for your warmth and welcome, Steph.
15 mins drive from Yass and 40 mins from canberra. … More
Clonakilla - 5/5
Wine tastings are held both indoors and outdoors. In the outdoors seating area (pictured, to the right), you can have your pet with you. There are overhead heaters and PVC blinds on the sides for when it’s raining.
It was especially great to see the Shiraz Viognier included in the tasting, an absolute standout and a real highlight of the visit.
Overall, a lovely stop for anyone visiting the region and looking to enjoy high-quality wines in a laid-back setting.
Rob was one of the most knowledgeable wine experts/hosts we have ever encountered.
Wines are seriously good (yes, the Shiraz Viognier deserves the hype), and it’s one of those places you plan to pop into and end up staying way longer than expected. Walked out with many bottles,.
Will 100% be back.
Family-friendly facilities, with a baby change room available, along with colouring sheets and coloured pencils.
Serene and lovely environment. A winery with a rich heritage. ?
The four of us were shown to a table in a room of which maybe only four other small groups were present. Twenty minutes goes by before we are asked if we would like to taste some wine to which we said yes. Another 20 minutes goes by until our first tasting was brought to our table. After an explanation regarding the wine was given we were left alone for another 20 minutes until we were served again. This 20 minute window kept happening throughout our time at Clonakilla.
Had the place been busy with limited staff you could understand the timing, but it wasn’t busy and there were 4 or 5 staff on deck.
It really was one of the worst experiences we have endured at a winery. To the point we left without sampling all the wines on offer.
Unfortunately this seems common practice at Clonakilla upon reading previous reviews by other people.
Such a disappointment!
Dionysus Winery 5/5
Arriving here we thought a little wine and a couple of chocolates. We were so wrong. The wines were great and the chocolates were absolutely fantastic ?.
I must admit I am more of a chocolate fan than wine.
The wine and chocolate tasting was excellent. I had no idea what to expect as I had never done a wine and choccy experience. The wines were great but paired with chocolates, another level of yummy was found that I never knew existed.
And the HIGE selection of hand made speciality chocolates was an eye opener. It was art in my eyes. The chocolatier very talented.
Do the wine tasting, do the chocolate tasting too. You’ll love it.
We also had our dog with us who was warmly welcomed by the staff onsite. They loved the dog, even taking care of her while we shopped and asked plenty of questions. The pooch just trotted around and loved the space too.
Definitely worth a visit
The chocolates are a must-try.
For what was intended to be a brief visit, we spent nearly two hours exploring the extensive range of products.
The background story of the business is also noteworthy. We will certainly return.
Eden Road Wines - 4/5
Your pet can join you in the seating area outside whilst wine tasting. There is a shade sail to protect from the rain, but there are no heaters observed.
His wine knowledge and personality, PLUS the consistent excellent quality of the wines, topped off a great day.
Could not resist joining the wine club!
Tim puts in a good bit of effort to make sure you feel looked after. Really personable, and not ‘by the rule book’. Can’t say what its like when its busy but definitely worth 5 stars for a chilled out wine experience we had. Would go again!
Our host Tim was exceptional — the kind of person who makes you feel like you’re visiting a friend rather than a tasting room. He wove together conversation about our travels, his own time in the States, and a genuine enthusiasm for every wine he poured. Nothing felt rushed or scripted. He even connected with our boys over football (soccer), which made the whole family feel genuinely welcomed.
The wines were outstanding — thoughtfully crafted and delicious across the board. Tim capped it off by offering personalized recommendations for the rest of our trip and, in the most generous gesture, a contact to reach out to if we ran into any trouble. You don’t forget that kind of hospitality.
If you’re passing through the Canberra wine region, don’t skip Eden Road. Highly recommend.
Jeir Creek Wines - 4/5
Four Winds Vineyard - 4/5
Your pet can join you in the large covered seating area outdoors whilst wine tasting. There are also winery lunches, such as pizzas and build-your-own charcuterie board deli fridge – so expect their gorgeous eyes to shine. No heaters observed, but there are plenty of blankets and cushions to ensure that the guests are as cosy as possible.
One of the best things about this winery is the space. There is plenty of room for kids to run around, kick a ball, and burn off some energy while the adults sit back, relax, and enjoy the food and wine.
The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone visiting the region. We had a very enjoyable afternoon and would happily return.
There’s a beautiful, large wood-fired pizza hut on the grounds, and the whole setting has a really relaxed, social vibe. We also tried the white and red tasting paddles, which were a great addition to the experience.
It was quite busy when we visited, so we were offered a picnic-style setup with blankets and cushions, which was a nice touch and appreciated. That said, it did make things a little awkward when trying to manage the tasting paddles, and proper seating would have made the experience more comfortable.
There’s plenty of space on the grounds, so additional picnic tables or seating options would really elevate the experience.
They also had a live musician playing, which added to the atmosphere — we easily could have stayed for hours if seating had allowed.
Overall, a lovely spot with great food, wine, and vibe — just plan ahead or arrive early for the best seating.
It works because the thin crust pizzas are really good and at 9 inches just right for an adult. The wine flights are the best value I have seen, generous serves of four for $18. They also have some beers including a non alcoholic brew.
Good ambience (covered outside) and space for the rug rats. Attentive and friendly staff topped off a great visit. However, coming from Perth it will be a while before I can revisit
Service here is brisk and a little more perfunctory than at some neighbouring cellar doors – understandably so, given its popularity – but staff were friendly and accommodating, even allowing me to keep my table on a busy public holiday despite arriving later than planned.
Four Winds strikes me as efficient, unfussy and reliably satisfying – well worth including on any Canberra Wine Region itinerary.
The tasting flights can look pricey (18-20$ for 4 wines only) but keep in mind that the quantity poured in each glass is significantly higher than in other wineries. More suitable if several people do the tasting.
Worth a try.
A range of pizzas on the menu with unusual but great topping combinations. Nice crispy base. Options to create your own charcuterie boards for sharing – great idea.
Staff friendly and happy to help.
Easy to find and lots of parking.
Only downside is no hot drinks offered for us non-drinkers.
Wow. Fantastic wines and amazing pizzas.
Big thanks to Harriet and Tom who were great and were doing an amazing job serving a lot of people.
Well worth the visit.
The pizza menu was interesting and different and our selection had quality toppings and perfect bases. We enjoyed the wine tasting experience as a result of Harriet’s excellent presentation – she is able to impart excellent information and relevant facts in a fun way. She obviously has been involved in the wine industry for some time, both at Four Winds and in Europe.
On both occasions we went mid week, and the lovely, peaceful setting, surrounding views, and the care and attention shown to us by Harriet ensured this elderly couple had really happy and relaxing times at Four Winds Vineyard.
McKellar Ridge Wines - 4/5
Dogs can stay outdoors, where tastings could also be held. There are outdoor pergolas providing shade, but no heaters.
The wines are refined and expressive, with fresh fruit, subtle spice and beautiful acidity. You can really sense the passion and craftsmanship in every glass. A must visit if you are in the region!
Tasting notes – Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Deep, saturated violet in the glass, signalling both concentration and youth. The nose opens with a confident sweep of ripe blackcurrant and cassis, immediately layered with more complex tones of leather, tobacco leaf and a cool thread of menthol. With air, notes of cedar spice emerge from the French oak, alongside hints of cocoa, dried thyme and a faint caramel sweetness that adds breadth without obscuring varietal clarity.
On the palate, this is a composed and linear wine, driven by purity of fruit rather than excess. The blackcurrant core is precise and focused, supported by ripe blackberry and black cherry, while darker accents of dark chocolate and liquorice provide depth. There is a notable freshness running through the mid palate, a straight line of acidity that lifts the fruit and keeps the wine poised despite its richness.
The tannins are firm and authoritative yet finely grained, giving structure and shape without heaviness. Oak is well judged, contributing spice and texture rather than dominance. The finish is long and persistent, tapering slowly with lingering notes of violet, cedar and dark fruit.
A wine of clarity and balance from a favourable vintage, showing both immediate appeal and the architecture for extended cellaring. Great to drink now or expect further integration and tertiary complexity to develop over the next 10 to 15 years.
The hosts were so passionate about their business and seemed truly invested in ensuring people enjoyed their time at the winery. The time given to explaining their wines and the sharing of knowledge regarding the wine industry was fabulous. This was our last winery of the day and where we had an experience that felt personable. Needless to say we purchased a few wines on our way out.
Lovely wines on offer, with a great insight into the styles of wine produced from a fantastic small winery
Yarrh Wines - 4/5
Dogs are allowed in the covered outdoors area, where you can join them for tastings. There are no heaters outdoors.
The kids loved the bonfire but most of all loved the RFS showing them how a fire truck operates! So grateful for the time they spent explaining and engaging with the kids
Shaw Wines - 3/5
All wine tastings are held indoors.
Dogs must be on leash in the Outdoor Terrace, but you can still have a glass of wine and a vineyard platter in the terrace. No heaters observed.
So, you might want to first take your pet to the non-tasting Outdoor Terrace, go back inside for the tastings whilst keeping an eye out through the glass, and then go back and join them in the Outdoor Terrace with a glass in hand. They will be very excited to be physically close to you again.
Service was another letdown. We were asked right away if we were ready to order, but I had to ask for water to begin with. A jug was then placed on the table, but once it got low it wasn’t topped up for the rest of the night. It feels like something that should be offered proactively and monitored, rather than needing to be asked for.
Similarly, even after one of our friends mentioned early on that they’d likely order another drink, we had to flag down staff once their glass was empty—despite servers walking past multiple times.
That said, there were definitely positives. The wine and cocktails were excellent, and the two steaks that came out cooked correctly were incredible.
We visited Shaw Estate for dinner and ordered the premium banquet, which is an upgrade from their standard banquet. The focaccia with olive oil and balsamic, the duo of dips and the pea and goat cheese arancini were a great start. The mafaldine lamb ragu was rich, comforting and full of flavour.
With the premium upgrade we received wagyu in place of the usual beef tagliata, along with broccolini and a king prawn. All three were cooked beautifully and added a real sense of luxury to the meal. The caprese, the crispy rosemary potatoes and the tiramisu finished the dinner perfectly.
Generous portions, relaxed pacing and warm, attentive service made it a memorable evening in Murrumbateman. Highly recommend.
Octopus grilled, grilled flank steak it was so delicious ? and also scotch fillet raw medium and crispy potatoes, basque cheesecake… I had a great experience
Shaw state Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc is amazing ??
I wasn’t impressed from the service :(.
From the moment you arrive, everything impresses — the architecture, the beautifully maintained gardens, the interiors… and of course, the wine. The tastings were generous, and the overall experience felt polished yet still very welcoming.
The staff were exceptional — so accommodating and genuinely attentive. Even though we hadn’t booked and the restaurant was already full for lunch, they went out of their way to fit the five of us in at the bar for a tasting, which we really appreciated.
The only downside? Not planning ahead and missing out on lunch — we’ll definitely be booking next time.
A stunning winery experience and one we’ll absolutely return to on our next trip down south.
Generous portion sizes and good service. We enjoyed the capsicum dip, mahi mahi and roasted potatoes. Well done to all staff, keep up the excellent standard.
Helm Wines - 3/5
Experience
We had a private wine tasting, and our host was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It felt relaxed, personal, and not rushed at all.
Ambience
The cellar door is something special — it genuinely feels like stepping back in time, reminding me of old school classrooms from the 70s, complete with authentic memorabilia like times tables banners and old desks. Such a unique and nostalgic touch.
The takeaway
Needless to say, we didn’t leave empty-handed … a few bottles of white, red, and a cheeky rosé made their way home with us.
A beautiful, memorable winery experience — highly recommend.
Ken gave us some incredible Riesling and Cabs and our group could have stayed there for hours listening to his stories. This is the kind of wine maker I love to meet. Each bottle was standout! Looking forward to coming back soon.
It was a very intimate wining tasting, with a lot of good chatting, and amazing wines. … More
We had the pleasure of the owner explaining his wines, his been making wines for … More
Long Rail Gully (temporarily closed) - N/A
To be updated.
Canberra Dog Walks - everything you need to know about dog friendly Canberra
Travenuity - worldwide tips and guides on dog-friendly travel
Conclusion
Lost for choice but still looking to explore the vibrant capital city of Australia, why not consider taking a Canberra day tour to the Canberra wine region and support your local community? Let Merry Heart CBR suggest an itinerary and take you on a tour suited to your palate, pet arrangements, food intolerances and preferred ‘vibe’ (which may include your food intolerances). These wine tours offer a fantastic opportunity to discover the region’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes. A Canberra wine tour takes you on a journey through the picturesque countryside surrounding the city, where you can sample some of the region’s best wines. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, a Canberra day tour or Canberra wine tour is the perfect way to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer.
So why wait? Book your wine tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Canberra!
Updated: Tuesday 9 May 2023.
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