Wine country with kids? Yes, it can be done! Vineyards often offer expansive outdoor areas or farms where little ones can play and interact with animals. Plus, the warm California weather offers the perfect year-round escape. Not to mention that mom and dad can find vacation bliss tasting their way through the area. Read on for the best family-friendly wineries in California.
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Pro tip: We highly recommend renting a car and getting a driver for you winery visits. For our trip, we opted for the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It offered plenty of space for our whole crew and thanks to it being an eco-friendly option, we were able to drive from San Francisco and back and between all the wineries without ever once having to stop for gas. There are also several services in the area that offer a driver that will drive your vehicle for the day or by the hour. Booking a driver ensures you are safe and means you can sample all your favorite Cali wines worry free.
ACORN Winery/Alegria Vineyards, Healdsburg, Sonoma County
Legos, crayons and cornhole keep kids entertained while parents taste. Children may also explore the vineyards adjacent to the tasting room, join parents on a guided vineyard walk and taste grapes during harvest.
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg, Sonoma County
Kids can join in winery and cave tours with their parents, visit the vineyards and enjoy the winery’s picnic area.
Courtesy of Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega, St. Helena, Napa Valley
The winery offers the coloring book, “Exploring the Napa Valley with Traveler Teddies,” a kid-friendly guide to the Napa Valley, presented with a box of crayons.
Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County
While parents enjoy a glass or a bottle outside overlooking the vineyards, children are invited to play cornhole or giant Jenga.
Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, Sonoma County
A 45-minute educational tram tour showcases the winery’s Biodynamic vineyards, caves and insect-friendly gardens.
Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma, Sonoma County
Tours led by period actors include wine caves and the Historic Wine Museum, which features an entertaining multi-media show. There’s also a picnic area and hedge maze.
Buttonwood Winery, Solvang, Santa Barbara County
Explore the large fruit tree orchard and picnic areas or visit the estate farm animals at this family-friendly winery.
Captain Vineyards, Moraga, Contra Costa County
Tour the first green, sustainable, dry farmed vineyard and winery in the Lamorinda AVA, which offers a 4-H program for middle and high schools through the University of California at Davis.