Is Wine Tasting Kid Friendly? It can be, but you'll want to think through your itinerary.
The first time families like ours walk into a tasting room with kids—ours were two and four-years-old—it can feel daunting to make wine tasting kid friendly. We were on holiday near San Diego, California and felt it was a must… We only stayed for one flight, which we shared and quickly departed when a bachelorette party entered the tasting room. Not because our kids were acting up, but in fear that they would. Later that evening – while sipping a California Cab – we reflected on the experience of wine tasting with kids. Our girls had been amazing. It was us who were nervous.
But why were we nervous? Why should families avoid doing these things we love just because we have kids? We decided we shouldn’t…and neither should you. Many wineries today are embracing the idea of a family friendly winery, creating spaces and experiences designed to welcome families and ensure everyone feels comfortable.
We’ve since evolved from popping into a tasting room here and there to doing full on wine country vacations with the kids. It can be done, if you plan ahead and know when to call it quits. At a family friendly winery, families can explore gardens, outdoor play areas, and interactive activities, making the visit enjoyable for both adults and children.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help create a beautiful pairing when wine tasting with kids.
You can go wine tasting with kids…these tips will help make a beautiful pairing.
Kid Friendly Wineries
Do some research beforehand to make sure you visit kid friendly wineries. Most wineries are now working to be more family-oriented, offering a variety of amenities and activities for all ages. There are some places that do not welcome little ones, so know before you go. Remember, a child should always be supervised and not allowed to explore independently.
I like to find wineries that have playgrounds, swimming pools, large lawns, gardens, picnic spots, petting zoos, cooking classes and other things that can entertain kids. Yes, there are kid friendly wineries that have swimming pools! (See our list of the top kid friendly wineries in California.) There are soooo many more wineries working to be more of a family destination these days that it makes wine tasting with kids a fun activity for the entire family. Most wineries also welcome guests warmly, often providing grape juices for kids and engaging activities for families. When visiting with friends and their families, these spots become even more enjoyable and memorable.
During a visit to Italy, we spent most of our time wine tasting at kid friendly wineries. The region, often described as a garden paradise, was beautiful and relaxing. It was amazing to have the girls play on a playground made out of old barrels while we sipped Barolo. The vineyard setting was perfect for kids to play and explore under supervision. But, their favorite of the kid friendly wineries offered a pool. What kid doesn’t like to swim on holiday! One of the most family-friendly wineries I have visited even offered a tram ride through the vineyard, which was a huge hit with the kids.
When you’re state-side, you may not be able to find too many kid friendly wineries with pools. Although, there are a few in California (kid friendly wineries in California). One of our favorite kid friendly wineries – and summer go-to’s in Colorado is Creekside Cellars in Evergreen. It’s a great place for families, and they have an amazing patio that overlooks a creek where my kids have spent hours feeding the ducks. If your kids are old enough they can walk down to the creek and play on the rocks. You might even be able to grab one of the picnic tables they’ve setup along side the creek—don’t forget to bring snacks for the kids! It’s simple, yet totally entertaining. The tasting experience here includes proper glassware, and sometimes even glass-related activities for kids.
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado wine country with your family, you might also want to check out where to stay in Colorado wine country with kids for family-friendly lodging options in Palisade. Colorado wine country is located on the western slope, near the town of Palisade and close to Grand Junction, making it accessible from major cities and a great base for exploring the area’s vineyards and family-friendly attractions.
Many wineries offer a variety of wines for adults and grape juices for children, so everyone can enjoy a tasting. Some special experiences, like a guided tour of the winery or unique activities, can be arranged upon request, and certain activities may require a reservation. Families can spend the day enjoying the vineyard, taking a tour, and exploring the nearby town with its family-friendly features.
Plan Activities Around Wineries
Don’t just go from winery to winery—making stops in-between that offer something for your kids to do helps to break up the day while also feeding their interests. There are typically so many things to do beyond the vines in wine country. From hiking, biking, exploring museums or national parks, to exploring gardens, or touring working farms—many of which offer tours that can be arranged for guests. Some activities, like guided tours or special tastings, may require a reservation, so be sure to plan ahead.
I recommend visiting one or two wineries in the morning, then having lunch and doing a hike or other activity. Families can spend their time enjoying both the wineries and local attractions, making the most of their visit. Consider visiting a nearby town to experience its charm and family-friendly features as part of your day. Outings with friends and their families can make the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
Depending on how early your crew wakes up, another option is to do an activity in the morning such as a hike through the hills of wine country, hit a winery for a tasting and picnic lunch. Then visit one more winery before you head out for a late afternoon activity. Take a peek at some of our ideas for things to do with tweens and teens in Sonoma
TIP: Don’t push the number of wineries you visit in a day. Three to four should be around the max. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider staying at a winery hotel in the United States to make the most of your wine country visit.
Pack Your Own Activities
Assuming there are not other activities at the winery specifically for kids, bring crayons and coloring books. My girls loved coloring the maps of the Barolo wine regions when we were in Piedmont. A lot of wineries will have these types of things on hand for kids, but others won’t so be prepared. Also, pack some snacks for your kids to enjoy during the visit, especially if food options are limited.
Encourage Participation and Learning
Encourage your kids to learn about the winemaking process, after all, wine was first grape juice. The entire winemaking process is really an interesting science experiment, especially when children can explore the vineyard and its equipment firsthand. From growing the grapes, to pressing the juices, to removing the stems and skins, to naturally occurring yeasts on the grape skins fermenting the juices into wine, there is so much to discover. Educational tours are a fantastic way for each child to learn about winemaking, as they can explore the grounds, see the process up close, and ask questions. Some wineries even offer grape juices as part of the learning experience, so kids can participate in tastings alongside adults. And, then how the Oak barrels or steel tanks impact its smell and taste. There is a lot of science going on here that kids can better understand when they’re seeing the vineyards and equipment in real time.
Something else I encourage parents to do is to talk about wine and the effects it can have on people – both good and bad. At our house, wine isn’t taboo. Our kids sniff, swirl and learn about different types of grapes. (Yes, I’m a total cork dork! A name both my kids have adopted.) This is a great time to discuss how wine has a lot of health benefits, but if you have too much it can lead to poor choices and negative health benefits. Everything in moderation.
Create an Activity
One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to give them a job. Both of my girls love to take photos so I give them each a camera to capture what they see and are learning. Kids can spend time taking photos during a tour of the winery, making the experience more engaging for them. It’s fun to see a process I know and study through their eyes…it also helps them to pay more attention during the tours. My youngest was the best when we were in Hawaii touring Maui Wine when she helped clarify a few points I had missed in my notes. She was totally interested and paying attention!
The Fail Safe in Your Back Pocket
If all else fails, devices can be used. I’m rarely, if ever the parent who gives her kids a phone to play with when we’re out and about. It honestly drives me crazy to see kids doing this…but I have allowed them to play on the iPad at a few wineries in Italy and there was NOTHING for them to do but sit there. It’s ok if it’s every once in a while. Moderation is everything…
Sitters
Hiring a babysitter is always an option. I have personally never hired a babysitter when we’re traveling – unless we are with someone who knows the sitter – simply because I am paranoid as The Husband calls it. But, I have used Care.com at home to find sitters, it’s a great resource you can use throughout the United States. They do a lot of the pre-screening and background checks for you so you should be getting a qualified person.
Another option is to ask your concierge for recommendations and/or if your hotel or resort has a babysitting service. Kids Club’s usually are not a viable option as you have to be on the property when your kids are there.
Another option is to travel with a sitter that you personally know. Your nanny, regular sitter, a grandparent, aunt, friend, etc. Again, I haven’t done this simply because it’s an added cost AND an added person to engage with during a family vacation. Have you taken someone with you on your holiday simply to watch your kids? I would love to know your thoughts on this.
Sip
Don’t drink to where you’re not cool to be around your kids. Split tastings with other adults and pace yourself, it’s a marathon not a race. And, remember, you’re still the parent so you need to act like it.
Know When to Quit
Be prepared to bail if your kids are being more annoying than the tipsy bachelorette party at the tasting bar. Or, if the environment is not conducive to your little ones. Remember, you want them to have a good time too!
Safety Comes First
If you’re driving, have a designated driver or hire a driver. Be safe.
Accommodations and Restaurants
When planning a family-friendly wine tasting adventure, where you stay and eat can make all the difference in keeping everyone happy—kids and grown-ups alike. Many wineries require reservations, so it’s smart to plan your days around visiting one or two wineries, leaving plenty of time for rest, play, and meals. This helps younger kids stay engaged and prevents the whole family from feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
For your family visit, look for hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities like pools, outdoor games, and free wifi—these little perks can be lifesavers when you need some downtime between tastings. Some family friendly wineries even offer grape juice or other kid-friendly drinks, so while the adults are sipping wine, the kids can join in the fun with their own special treat. Many wineries also have picnic tables and outdoor space, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed family lunch or snack surrounded by stunning views of the vineyards.
When it comes to meals, choosing the right restaurant can turn a simple lunch into a highlight of your trip. Many wine country restaurants in places like Sonoma, Napa, or even Italy, offer kid-friendly menus, outdoor seating, and activities like coloring books or games to keep little ones entertained. Some family friendly wineries also have on-site restaurants or food trucks, so you can pair your tasting with delicious local food without having to leave the property.
If you’re looking for a truly family friendly place to stay, consider hotels or resorts with extra amenities like bowling alleys, bocce ball courts, or dedicated play areas. Some wineries even offer tours or tram rides through the vineyards, which can be a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. Walking through gardens or exploring the property can turn a simple wine tasting into a full day of adventure for the whole family.
Before you go, always check the website of the winery or restaurant to see if they have any specific policies or amenities for kids. Some may offer special tours, grape juice tastings, or play spaces just for children, while others might have restrictions on ages or require advance reservations. By doing a little research and planning ahead, you can ensure your family vacation in wine country is both relaxing and fun for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of California, the charming towns of Italy, or another favorite wine region, there are plenty of family friendly wineries and restaurants ready to welcome you and your crew.
Have you taken your kids wine tasting? Do you have other tips?
Sip In More of Carpe Travel...
Elaine Schoch
Elaine Schoch (pronounced the German way – Shock) is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and founder/editor at Carpe Travel. She is married to The Husband and has two kids, who’s interest and knowledge in wine is quite extensive. Not to mention the stamps in their passports.
Subscribe to Sip in More of the World
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.