Add these family friendly wineries to your summer vacation itinerary! Activities like hiking, ziplining, farm tours and grape juice tastings help keep younger guests occupied while the adults enjoy a glass (or two) of wine in peace.
It makes sense that wineries across the state are embracing family friendly activities. After all, the majority of California’s 4200 wineries are family owned, and many are multigenerational! Taking the whole family to a wine tasting isn’t just enjoyable, it can also be educational. Vineyard tours can be a great introduction to agriculture. Over 60% of California vineyards are certified sustainable, which means tours can include kid-friendly topics like owl-boxes, falconry, sheep, and beneficial insects.
Note: Even if a winery states it is family-friendly, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to get all the details. Some activities are only available on weekends or seasonally, and many wineries ask that you include children when making reservations.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sonoma
With two family-friendly pools, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is the ideal winery to visit on a steamy summer day. Sip a glass of wine poolside, then enjoy a game of bocce with the family as the sun sets. Older children will appreciate the on-site movie museum, with memorabilia from some of Coppola’s most famous films. Check the winery’s website for seasonal, family-friendly events like Easter Egg hunts and Halloween Carnivals!
Michael David Winery, Lodi
If you’re familiar with Michael David’s wildly irreverent wine labels, it might surprise you to learn that this Lodi winery is kid and pet-friendly. Adults can reserve Bistro and Bottles seating in the dedicated Kids Area, a fully enclosed farm-themed playground. Afterwards, take a stroll through the meandering pollinator gardens or challenge the kids to a game of bocce. Don’t forget to order a slice of their world-famous pie – it’s a hit with kids of all ages!
Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley
Live out your fairytale fantasies at Castello di Amarosa. What child hasn’t dreamed of being a knight in shining armor or a powerful princess? Tour the authentic Italian castle, then check out the farm animals (including peacocks!) and the kids’ play area. Non alcoholic grape juice tastings are offered for children and anyone else choosing to abstain.
San Joaquin Wine Co., Madera County
With a large gated grassy area, San Joaquin Wine Co. offers plenty of space for kids (and pets!) to play. Family friendly events like line dancing lessons, outdoor concerts, and Wine Down Wednesdays (yard games, bounce houses, and food trucks on the lawn) make San Joaquin Wine Co. one of our top picks in the Central Valley.
Pennyroyal Farm, Anderson Valley
Pennyroyal Farm makes wine and cheese in the beautiful Anderson Valley. Sign up for their family friendly farm tour to get up close and personal with the adorable animals, then enjoy a delicious cheese and wine pairing (with grape juice for the kiddos).
Calivirgin Winery and Olive Mill, Lodi
Head to Calivirgin Winery and Olive Mill on Sunday afternoons for live music, small bites and lawn games. Tastings aren’t offered on the patio, but adults can enjoy wine by the glass or by the bottle.
Ancient Peaks Winery, Paso Robles
Adventure awaits at Ancient Peaks Winery! Horseback riding, ziplines, e-bike tours, escape rooms and wildlife tours ensure that a trip to this Paso Robles winery is nothing short of unforgettable.
Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma
California’s oldest premium winery, Buena Vista Winery, offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. History geeks and theater fans will enjoy the barrel tasting tour (featuring an actor dressed as the founder, Count Agostos).
Guests can also tour The Theater of Nature, a self-guided introduction into the importance of organic and biodynamic farming – complete with live animals during more temperate months!
Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Lake County
An hour north of Napa, Six Sigma Ranch is an outdoor lovers paradise! Explore 21 miles of hike and bike trails or hop in the Pinzgauer (picture a tank crossed with an ATV) for a vineyard tour. Kids can also hand feed the resident animals and play outdoor games. There’s so much to do, you just might want to stay the night – which is why Six Sigma Ranch offers camping and glamping experiences!
Spenker Winery and Family Farm, Lodi
Spenker Winery and Family Farm offers unique experiences for the whole family – including goat yoga.
If you prefer snuggling to stretching, sign up for Goodnight Goats – a half hour session of snuggling, playing with and reading to adorable baby goats. During the summer, explore pollinator gardens and owl habitats on the vineyard tour.
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance, Alycia Moreno, James Collier and Meza Studios.