With so many opportunities for wine tasting popping up more and more, we love getting the chance to sample the tastes of the regions that we travel through, even with kids in tow. As wine lovers, we simply can’t pass up an option to explore new and different wine varieties, get to know the people behind the bottle, and when possible experience where the grapes were actually sourced.
Throw kids into the mix though and wine tasting can get a little tricky. When you taste, you want to take your time, savor, and pick apart the subtle notes in each sip. Kids don’t have that kind of patience.
Can you visit places like Sonoma County, Washington’s Columbia Valley (and beyond), and skip a visit to the wineries? We think not.
Here’s a list of things we keep in mind when it comes to wine tasting with kids:
1. Research Ahead.
It’s best to know what you are getting into ahead of time. Do some pre-planning and find out the most kid-friendly wineries and vineyards in the area in which you are traveling. Features we love and look out for when wine tasting with kids:
- Outdoor decks and patios
- Picnic areas
- Kids tables/play areas
- Games like bocce ball and corn hole, expansive lawns, and even play equipment
- Food
- Animals
2. Bring a few supplies.
Due to the fact that we follow rule #1 (above) we often don’t find the need to get out the supplies we bring along. However, its nice to have a few back-up diversions just in case something doesn’t work out. Books, coloring pads, and stickers keep little ones busy while we taste. Choose your supplies based on the age of your kids, of course!
3. More than 1 kid.
It may seem counterproductive to bring more kids into the mix, but during our most recent wine tasting experience in Sonoma, we found that when Bergen had his older cousin around, he was so much happier and occupied. They were able to explore together, share snacks, and keep each other entertained.
4. Keep the number of stops reasonable.
Three winery visits with breaks for meals and other activities per day is our maximum. For example, in Sonoma we visited two wineries in the late morning, took a long break for lunch, went on a hike, and then visited one more winery before dinner.
5. Encourage participation.
Kids can share in the experience by tasting grape juice (often offered), crackers, and other special food items that the winery might provide. Tours and a walk through the vineyards are also ways to get the kids involved.
6. Limit your time in the tasting room.
When tasting is complimentary, you may want to limit your tastes, and instead opt to purchase a full glass of wine. Then you aren’t tied to the tasting area, can enjoy the outdoor areas with your kids, and be a little more open to explore…all while savoring that glass of vino!
7. Consider crowds & visit off-season.
Avoid the most popular tasting times (summer, Saturdays), wineries, and even regions, and you’ll feel a whole lot more comfortable wine tasting with kids in tow. Call ahead and you can get an idea of how crowded the winemakers think the tasting room will be on the particular day.
8. Know when to call it quits.
When things just aren’t going well, its completely fine to just throw in the towel. That’s why we love complimentary tastings because it takes some of the pressure off in feeling like you have to get through the entire tasting menu to get your money’s worth.
9. Be safe!
It should go with out saying, but I feel the need to say it anyway: Be safe and responsible, especially when wine tasting with kids. Know your limit and designate duties to those who are abstaining from tasting.
Have you tried wine tasting with kids in tow? Tell us about your favorite wineries to visit!
In addition to our recent visit to Sonoma county (linked above), you can also check out our wine-focused trip to Chelan, Washington for more inspiration! Also, We3Travel has more great tips for selecting a family friendly winery.
Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter! You can also keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email.
Calistoga, California Getaway: Napa Valley with Kids (Video)
Walla Walla, Washington with Kids: Family Travel Guide
2016 Gift Guide for the Travel and Outdoor Loving Dad
Family Travel & Vacation Planning: Brainstorm List Printable
Great tips, we follow the same, especially looking for interesting tours or tasting rooms. Animals are definitely always a hit. Our 11 year old is used to following us around on wine tastings because you are right, you can’t go some places and NOT sample the wine!
Thanks, Tamara! Will be interesting to see how Bergen (and Georgia too) reacts the older he gets 🙂 Your daughter is such a great traveler.
Enjoyed wine tasting with my daughter and son-in-law in Woodinville in Washington State. My young grandson was somewhat interested in the process and he was happy to sip grape juice and eat crackers. With 3 adults and some small items we brought with us, it was easy to keep him entertained.
I recommend Alexa’s Cafe nearby Bothell.
Next time we’ll try the Redhook Brewery and bring along the new baby.
Sounds wonderful, Martie! We love Woodinville–especially love visiting Chateau Ste. Michelle, which is has plenty of space for kids to explore, and it’s also my favorite place for concerts in the summer. Yes, Redhook is a lot of fun too & very close by!
Great tips. I visited my friend in Sonoma, and we visited a wineries, bringing her 10-year-old daughter along with us. Since they live there, it’s interesting how that girl really knows her way around and couldn’t wait to head down to the cellars. She really liked the places that had chickens and sheep. One tasting room offered grape juice for kids, too.
Thanks, Michele! Growing up in wine country would be quite the experience. I wonder if it will skew how she feels about wine at all…I suppose she’ll either love it or hate it! Yes, one of the reasons that I loved Preston so much–cats, chickens, sheep all roaming around for the kids to enjoy.
These are all fantastic suggestions! I haven’t taken Z wine tasting before, but now that she is a little older I may try it the next time we are back in northern California.:)
Thanks, Jenny! Yes, you should definitely go with Z when you are back in Northern California. Sticking with the more laid back, less crowded spots will make it a ton of fun for everyone!