Most Peninsula winery websites don’t mention dogs. That doesn’t mean dogs are welcome, just that the policy is unconfirmed. This page documents what is actually known: the confirmed yes list, the confirmed no list, and the venues where the policy is unclear.
Before visiting any winery with a dog, call ahead to confirm current policy. Policies change and outdoor dining configurations change seasonally.
Confirmed dog-friendly
Stonier Wines, Merricks
The lawn at Stonier’s cellar door is confirmed dog-friendly (stated on the venue website). Walk-in friendly for groups under eight. No restaurant on-site; local charcuterie available. Children’s playground also on-site.
2 Thompsons Lane, Merricks. Open 11am–5pm seven days.
Main Ridge Estate, Red Hill
On-lead only. Dogs must be pre-booked: tick the dog box in the online booking system. If dogs are at capacity for that session, they cannot be accommodated. Outdoor only; maximum one dog per booking. The Larder restaurant serves share plates in an outdoor setting. Friday to Sunday and public holidays.
80 William Road, Red Hill. Note: the cellar door is closed Good Friday, Christmas, Boxing Day, ANZAC Day, Melbourne Cup Day.
Green Olive at Red Hill, Red Hill South
Outdoor dining areas confirmed dog-friendly across multiple sources. Farm school cooking classes and local produce focus. Open 9am–5pm for food; daily in peak season.
37 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South.
Many Little Bar & Dining, Red Hill South
Outdoor seating; enquire on booking or call ahead to confirm. One-hat GFG 2025. Sri Lankan-inspired cooking, Thursday to Sunday evenings and weekend lunches.
2–5/159 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South.
Rare Hare, Merricks North (Jackalope Hotel)
Outdoor lawn areas at this walk-in-only hatted restaurant (one hat GFG 2025). Monday to Friday from 5pm; Saturday and Sunday from 2pm. No reservations taken.
166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North.
Confirmed no dogs
Foxeys Hangout, Red Hill
“Please leave your lovely dogs at home.” Stated explicitly on the Foxeys Hangout website. Fully organic and biodynamic winery. Friday to Monday plus public holidays, 11am–5pm. No exceptions noted.
795 White Hill Road, Red Hill.
Quealy Winemakers, Balnarring
“We kindly ask no dogs.” Stated on the cellar door page. Daily 10am–5pm. Pinot Gris specialist; Kathleen Quealy is credited as the pioneer of Australian Pinot Gris.
62 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring.
Unconfirmed (call before visiting)
The following wineries do not state a dog policy on their primary websites. Call before assuming dogs are welcome.
| Venue | Town | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montalto | Red Hill South | Large outdoor sculpture trail; policy unconfirmed |
| Pt. Leo Estate | Merricks | Large sculpture park; outdoor areas; policy not confirmed |
| Port Phillip Estate | Red Hill South | Outdoor terrace; policy not confirmed |
| Paringa Estate | Red Hill South | Garden Dining outdoor; policy not confirmed |
| Polperro | Red Hill | Outdoor seating; policy not confirmed |
| T’Gallant | Main Ridge | Piazza seating; policy not confirmed |
| Crittenden Estate | Dromana | Outdoor lawns and lake; policy not confirmed |
| Yabby Lake | Tuerong | Unconfirmed; low confidence even in secondary sources |
How to verify
Call the venue directly before visiting. Have a specific question ready: “Do you permit dogs in the outdoor areas?” is more useful than a general enquiry. Policies change seasonally (particularly in peak summer when outdoor spaces fill up) and often don’t get updated on websites.
For beaches that allow dogs between wineries: see our dog-friendly beaches guide. Tassells Cove (Safety Beach) and Flinders Beach (Western Port north end) are both off-leash year-round and accessible from the winery circuit.
Last fact-verified: 22 April 2026.
Business update or correction? Let us know: corrections@peninsulainsider.com.au
Questions readers actually ask
FAQ
Which wineries on the Mornington Peninsula allow dogs?
Confirmed dog-friendly wineries (sourced from venue websites): Stonier Wines (lawn area; Merricks), Main Ridge Estate (on-lead; must pre-book; outdoor only; max 1 dog per booking), Green Olive at Red Hill (outdoor dining areas), Many Little Bar & Dining (outdoor seating; enquire when booking). Rare Hare at Jackalope Hotel also allows dogs in outdoor lawn areas. Most other wineries have unconfirmed policies — call before visiting.
Can you take dogs to Foxeys Hangout or Quealy Winemakers?
No. Foxeys Hangout states 'Please leave your lovely dogs at home' on their website. Quealy Winemakers states 'We kindly ask no dogs' on their cellar door page. Both are explicitly no-dogs venues.
Do you need to book ahead to bring a dog to a winery?
Yes, if visiting Main Ridge Estate — you must tick the dog box in the online booking system, and if dogs are at capacity for that session, they cannot be accommodated. For other confirmed dog-friendly venues, it is always worth calling ahead to confirm current policy before making a long trip.
Which winery restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula are dog-friendly?
Green Olive at Red Hill (outdoor dining areas confirmed) and Many Little Bar & Dining (outdoor seating; enquire on booking) are the confirmed dog-friendly dining options at wineries. Rare Hare at Jackalope Hotel allows dogs in outdoor areas (walk-in only). Main Ridge Estate's Larder restaurant is outdoor and dog-friendly with a pre-booking.