The ultimate list of kid-friendly wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and more surrounding & in San Francisco! We contacted over 150 wineries to see if they are kid-friendly (i.e. accept families with open arms) so you can taste wine without judgment. 😉

Here are the wineries that believe that just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to stop learning about wine and enjoying wine. We give up so much as parents, wine-tasting in beautiful wineries doesn’t have to be one of them!

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to stop learning about wine and enjoying wine. We give up so much as parents, wine-tasting in beautiful wineries doesn’t have to be one of them!

Updated: Aug 2018

Introduction to Kid-Friendly Wineries Near San Francisco – Please Read

I don’t like to start off such a fun post in a preachy tone, but I learned through researching for this post how sensitive the topic of wine and kids are. So – to not ruin all the fun for future parents going to wineries – please read the disclaimer below and be aware of these sensitivities when you visit wineries with kids! 

What we mean by kid-friendly wineries. When we say kid-friendly wineries here, we mean that the wineries will not turn away parents visiting the wineries with kids and that the winery may have some aspects that make the space kid-friendly, unless otherwise noted. Anywhere from having open spaces, picnic tables, games, toys, snacks (Goldfish at Honig Vineyard & Winery), juices, crayons and yes some with animals and hula hoops (Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves)!

HOWEVER, all parents visiting any wineries must use standard precaution when going to wineries and never ever take their eyes off of them or let them wander around (especially if/when after your second glass of wine). Wineries are not public parks, and it is a place first and foremost to learn about wine. Most wineries have machinery and equipment that makes kids want to go near them and touch them – please be sure that your kids stay away from them at all times. If in doubt, always call the winery ahead of time. Also – shouldn’t have to be said but you never know these days… these wineries under no circumstances do not serve alcohol to minors.

If you want more tips (and these are fun tips) on going to wineries with kids, check out our post here.

Now that we have all the rules laid out, let’s get to it!

Disclosure: Part of this post is sponsored content, and we received discounts or free products. This post also contains affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, we may receive a small amount of commission. Lastly, even with these sponsored content and affiliate links, all opinions are of our own, and none were provided or influenced by the companies or individuals that sponsored me and my family.  

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Map of Kid-Friendly Wineries Near San Francisco

Kid-Friendly Best Wineries in Sonoma

Sonoma tops our list above all other regions because we found that Sonoma has the best family-friendly wineries! Yes, the area is pretty big – it includes places like the Russian River, Dry Creek, Santa Rosa, Kenwood, and much more. It’s not only on the top of the list because it’s big and has lots of kid-friendly wineries – the generally more laid-back vibes of the wineries and close proximity to San Francisco makes Sonoma a perfect destination for a day or weekend in the wine country with kids. (Not to mention Sonoma Train Town, Charles M Schulz Museum, and Children’s Museum of Sonoma County are all here too!)

Since there are so many kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma, we listed all the best wineries in Sonoma HERE.

Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma)

Let’s just say Buena Vista Winery is amazing, it is definitely one of the best wineries in Sonoma. We are so happy we did this research because we found this winery! This California Landmark is filled with kid-friendly features like a hedge maze, interactive museum, kid-friendly winery tour and picture books! Read more about this winery here – in our extensive list of kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma.

 

Dutcher Crossing (Geyserville)

This winery is located in the Dry Creek Valley and it’s quaint and gorgeous. We loved loved loved our visit to this winery. Read more about this winery here – in our extensive list of kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville)

Someone called this place the Disneyland of wineries. Haha When we went mid-day mid-week, there were no lines so we got to enjoy this place like Disneyland – without the lines! Read more about this winery here – in our extensive list of kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma.

Larson Family Winery (Sonoma)

When you Google “Family-Friendly Wineries” in this area, you betcha this winery is at least in the top 5 that pops up in most search results. That is because it’s true!!! This winery is super family-friendly for the whole family (including dogs). Read more about this winery here – in our extensive list of kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma.

More Kid-Friendly Best Wineries in Sonoma HERE

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in Livermore & the East Bay

I know, I am putting this region above Napa Valley. Some of these wineries are so much closer to San Francisco – and they are just hidden gems all around! We love going to Livermore wineries. They are laid back, cheap and fun! We found these other amazing wineries in Alameda and Castro Valley (waterfalls and chicken coops?!) too. They are definitely on our list to visit next time!

Family-Friendly Wineries in Livermore

Charles R Vineyards

At Charles R, families and kids are always welcome! The family owned and operated winery has the coolest kid-friendly aspects of their winery. Read on.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

You can bring your own picnic, and enjoy it on their garden patio. Marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate to roast s’mores over the fire pit and cornhole on the lawn or board games indoors or outdoors.

Garre Winery

We fall in love with any winery who has kid-friendly events on hot summer nights – and Garre does with local musicians, special menus, and lawn games!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Big lawn and 2 outdoor bocce courts. Kid-friendly events like Thirsty Thursday nights during the summer – will have games on the lawn and local musicians.

Las Positas Vineyards

Perfect place to come on a hot summer day (or any time of the year) when San Francisco is having its worst Faugust (fog-August) because you know it will be sunny here!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Outdoor area with tables and lawn with a gorgeous view of the grape vines & live music on occasion!

McGrail Vineyards and Winery

There are 8 grandkids in the family of this winery and on most days one of them is running through the winery.  They have a large lawn area out front where you will find parents and kids picnicking, playing, and running around.  On event days they usually set up a few games for the kids including giant jenga, corn hole, and a bean bag toss game!

Retzlaff Vineyards Winery

This charming winery has a gazebo that has live music on the weekends and let your kids help close-up shop. 🙂 They were so kind to our family when we showed up about 15 minutes before closing. Henry had a blast learning how to put away the cornhole pouch things while we watched him, and relaxed on their outdoor seating area on a hot summer day. Thanks for your kindness!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Cornhole, weekend live music and nice big lawn.

Tenuta Vineyards

Love their slogan – “give us 30 minutes and we will be friends for life”. They are kid-friendly, pet-friendly and cyclist-friendly!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Annual Easter Egg hunts on Easter Sunday, Santa during the month of December and “I Love Lucy” grape stomp in the fall – all family-friendly event!

Wente Vineyards

At the risk of sounding like an old lady, the best way to describe this winery is “hip”. They just have a hipster kind of vibe inside with beakers for the winemaking studio and really cool decor. Then there is this great big space outside. We went on a pretty busy weekend, where Livermore was having a downtown festival. It was crowded, but if you are able to reserve a table outside, it was great!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Big outdoor space, food truck type food option on certain days, snacks for purchase, generally relaxed vibe. They do have family-friendly events like cinema nights. For more details about picnicking and bringing kids to their winery, check out their picnic policy here.

Family-Friendly Wineries in the East Bay

Rock Wall Wine Company (Alameda)

City skyline view, next to an old hanger, a deck, a 3,000 square foot geodesic dome and a designated family area!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Fun games like supersized Connect 4, cornhole and a bocce court. (Note: kids are not allowed in the tasting room.)

Westover Winery (Castro Valley)

Open on the weekends (weekday by appointment), this winery is so family friendly – one of their customers said: “Westover is the only winery where kids bring their parent”. Haha

Westover is the only winery where kids bring their parent

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Ping pong for kids and parents, a creek, waterfall, lawn area and chicken! Kids are allowed at the coop sometimes where they can get eggs out of the nest. Beehives to learn about the bees and honey.  

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Napa Valley needs no introduction but is a pretty big area that makeup of famous wine country cities like Calistoga (our favorite!), St Helena, Yountville and of course, Napa. This is a perfect place to bring out-of-town guests who’ve heard of Napa and really want to see the wineries where they have actually bought wine at their local grocery/wine store. It’s world famous!

Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga)

This winery is an authentically built Medieval castle with 107 rooms, of which 95 is dedicated to winemaking, wine storing, and wine tasting. Out of the 8 levels, 4 of them are underground! The list goes on for how cool this winery can be for kids!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Your kids will be offered their amazing grape juice, crayons and Medieval-inspired coloring pages in many of the tasting rooms, and they have goats, chickens, and peacocks! They have a moat, drawbridge, dungeons, 5 towers, courtyards, loggias, a chapel, stables, an armory, and much, much more. Children 5 years or older can join on the guided tour.

Do you want to know more about what it’s like to go to this winery? Check out this post by This Mom is Going Places! She does an amazing job of showcasing this winery.

Clos Pegase (Calistoga)

Totally Instagrammable design of this winery has so many cool features, even kids will appreciate.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

They have a Heritage Garden you can explore – this was built as a commitment to water conservation and design that replaced water-thirsty lawns with a special collection of rare, drought-tolerant plants and trees. Besides this, their grounds are super spacious including a Renaissance fountain built in the 17th Century.

Cosentino Winery (Yountville)

This winery just screams of sunny summer days at a winery. This can be one of your first (or last) stop in Napa Valley Wine Country! They are also pioneers in introducing new wine blends in Napa Valley.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Beautiful outdoor sitting space with an ivy-covered building. You’ve probably seen this iconic building driving by! Close to the landmark Napa Barrel sign.

Dutch Henry Winery (Calistoga)

The Owner, Scott, has three kids and they have a wine named after their kids called the “Three Red Heads”. So they are totally family-friendly. 🙂

Why you will love this winery with your kids

They have picnic grounds and their cats and pups love their visitors – including kids!

Honig Vineyard & Winery (Rutherford)

Goldfish. Enough said how much they are kid-friendly. 🙂 It doesn’t stop there! They even have a designated area for families! The owners and their 4 kids live on the winery property so you may see their kids biking around too.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Besides Goldfish, they have apple juice (or water). Guests can bring their own food an enjoy in the picnic area – either in the designated family area or the patio. Chalks for chalk art! Crayons, toys for younger kids, and blocks.

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards (American Canyon)

We were so excited to find this winery so this one tops our list in this category. They have mini horses (during certain events)! (And a horse statute.)

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Outdoor area with corn hole and by appointment, mini-moments, where you can wine taste with mini horses (March-December). It’s $50 per adult (one complimentary child per adult) which includes their signature tasting.

Raymond Vineyards (St Helena)

Theater of Nature – Biodynamic demonstration gardens with plants and animals can be found here!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Gardens and goats that love to be petted and fed! Bocce and petanque courts close to Sycamore Grove that opens up in warmer weather. Adults can also enjoy a Corridor of Senses, where you can explore different textures and smells of wine.

Swanson Vineyards (Rutherford)

This hidden gem has a peaceful vibe and a gorgeous outdoor patio area.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Outdoor seating and gardens with picnic tables. Snacks available too.

V. Sattui Winery (St Helena)

We always called this winery the wineries 101 winery. 🙂 It just has the California winery feel to it, with amazing 2.5 acres of a shaded picnic area and they sell food. We usually bring first-time Napa visitors here for a picnic stop for their “artisan deli and marketplace featuring over 200 types of cheese from all over the world plus house-cured meats, and home-made salads, sandwiches, panini, and desserts.” The winery itself prides themselves on the family-friendly environment and it shows!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

The shaded picnic area, affordable (compared to other places in Napa) wines, huge selection of food, and BBQ on the weekends during Spring, Summer, and Fall. Their own Gelateria for scoops during summer and fall! Non-alcoholic grape juices too.

 

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in San Francisco

Did you know San Francisco has kid-friendly wineries!? We didn’t until we did our research! Technically not on the mainland 🙂 of San Francisco, but these wineries on Treasure Island are amazingly family-friendly. They come with a gorgeous view of the Bay Bridge too. Down the road, there is a nice walkway that’s perfect for strolling, scooting, biking and stroller-ing with the view of the Bay Bridge, the city, and the Golden Gate Bridge! On last weekend of each month, you should also check out TreasureFest for music, food, entertainment, and flea markets!

You May Also Be Interested In…

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• Anything and everything that has to do with San Francisco with kids!

Sottomarino

A submarine inspired tasting room with authentic Italian wines made in San Francisco.

Why you will love these wineries on Treasure Island with your kids

The Winery SF

Henry thought it looked like a barn and loved it! He wasn’t disappointed when he walked in either. Big open floor space to test out his new Paw Patrol car. (We bring cheap new toys just in case of “emergencies” when we go to wineries to buy us some sipping time. Haha Check out more tips on going to wineries with kids here.) We made sure it was ok that he was playing with his car, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer! Excellent wine too.

VIE Winery & Sol Rouge

Two of the cluster of wineries in Treasure Island – you can make your bocce ball court reservations through their website here or here.

You can taste wine at all 4 of these wineries at once at the waterfront location with an amazing view of the Bay Bridge, bocce ball courts, and corn hole!

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in Lodi

A little ways away from San Francisco Bay Area, but these wineries bring us nature and down-to-earth vibe that we definitely need some time as parents. There’s also a kid-friendly hands-on science museum called The World of Wonders there too! (Thanks to Gregg from Dancing Fox Winery for the tip!)

For a lot more information on wineries & things to do in Lodi – check out Visit Lodi’s website!

Barsetti Vineyards

We have so much love for this winery and the owners! This family-owned winery comes with deep family history and passion that stems from 1903. You have to check out their story and the winery for yourself!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Patio to hang out at, live music and dog-friendly too!

Consumnes River Farm

This winery not only produce wine, but also balsamic vinegar and olive oils!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Patio for picnicking with a glass of wine or fruit juice for the kids!

The Dancing Fox Winery and Brewery

Besides your kids loving the name of the winery, they are located in the historic downtown area of Lodi, and hands-on science museum called “The World of Wonders” is only a couple of blocks away!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

The restaurant attached to the wine tasting room, outside seating, soda and snacks for the kids, lots of shops and science museum nearby.

Durst Winery and Estate

Just going to quote them because I love what they said: “all family and friends are part of living the Good Life at Durst Winery and Estate”. Love it! They are kid and dog-friendly.

[Quote] We have enjoyed family guests as young as two weeks old, snoozing in their stroller, to 98 years old celebrating their birthday with over 50 family members of all ages.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Their winery labs – Jack and Gracie – loves to play with kids! They have a great big outdoor area too.

Heritage Oak Winery

This 106 acres of the winery has hiking along the Mokelumne River with a private beach. “Families show up every week, some with the family dog, to make the walk for a fun time together. They can fish and paddle in the river, of course, depending on the water level.” Amazing!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Besides the private beach, hiking trail, they have a monthly bird walk that’s kid friendly!

Michael David Winery

This winery has been farming in Lodi since the 1850’s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. Their founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families in the vineyard, and now the 6th generation has joined the team, Mike’s son Kevin and daughter Melissa. They understand the importance of “leaving it better than you found it for future generations.” We love that family friendly – for generations – thoughtfulness!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

They have a playground for the kids! They also have an onsite cafe and fruit stand.

Oak Farm Vineyards

Award-winning wines are produced at this winery surrounded by nature.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Walk through vines, oak trees, pond (with ducks), bocce ball courts for wine club members. (Note: The pond is not accessible to the public and the bocce ball court is only for our wine club members.)   

 

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in South of San Francisco (the Peninsula, Coastal, and Santa Cruz Mountains)

If you want to taste wine in the mountains surrounded by redwoods, look no further! This area is close to the Peninsula (some are in the Peninsula) area and a perfect coastal getaway on its own, or we love to stop by on the way back from Santa Cruz.

Need ideas to make it a weekend in Santa Cruz with kids? Check out this example weekend itinerary to make the best of your wine country getaway! 

 

Alfaro Family Vineyards and Winery (Watsonville)’

A little down South of Santa Cruz, but this winery has a nice outdoor picnic area!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

The winery offers crayons and coloring books and provides free juice boxes and snacks for the kids! (Also dog-friendly.)

Bargetto Winery (Soquel)

This kid-friendly (well-behaved with adult supervision) winery has a large outside courtyard with cornhole! Call beforehand to see if they are having a private event that day, as the tasting room maybe not available to the public on those days.

 

Beauregard Vineyard (Santa Cruz)

This place is as “surrounded by redwoods” as it gets! It’s in the Santa Cruz mountains (you’ve probably seen the winery signs from Highway 1) with great big outdoor space that you can roam around. Inside tasting room is nice and big with seating. We loved their leaf-shaped crackers too. 

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Fresh redwood smells all around, large outdoor space with picnic tables to roam around in. Creek in the back! 

Bonny Doon Vineyards (Davenport)

This winery is self-admittedly small with some bench seating – but they are so happy to have any parents with kids! Maybe best for new parents with small babies that do not move around much. 🙂

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Conveniently located right off of Highway 1 in Davenport.

 

Cooper-Garrod (Saratoga)

This generational family business has so many kid-friendly amenities! Read on.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Small coloring table in the wine tasting room (when we went, they had horse coloring sheets – fitting!), patio with picnic tables (bring your own picnic or purchase wine-friendly cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers). Nearby horses from the neighbor’s stables (but please do not feed the horses – they are privately and separately owned). This nearby stable has pony rides (under 8) and horseback riding (over 8) to ride too. When you go on the pony ride, you are able to walk along side and go on a nice hike. It’s gorgeous there. 

When I asked if the pony ride is cash only to one fo the wine educators, he said he didn’t know, but if it was, he would pay for Henry to go on it because he wouldn’t let a kid not be able to go on a pony ride! So sweet!! You can’t beat that kid-friendly spirit! (They do take cards – and I’m going to hide his identity so he won’t be hounded for free pony rides. ;)) A little note: Horses can be afraid of strollers, so please be cautious if you are bringing one.

 

Picchetti Vineyards (Cupertino)

This family-friendly winery has spacious grounds and is open daily from 10am-4pm.

Why you will love this winery with your kids

You can go hiking and picnic space available!

Silver Mountain Vineyards (Los Gatos)

You can’t beat the views from this place of the Monterey Bay! (Their Santa Cruz location is just a tasting room, so make sure you are going to their location in Los Gatos.)

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Juice available with large outdoor play area and flower gardens.

Testarossa Winery (Los Gatos)

This dog and kid-friendly winery have cave areas, patio, and courtyard! (The JRS Terrace is off-limits to kids and they do stress all the “disclaimers” about bringing your kids to wineries we’ve mentioned at the top of the post.)

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Really cool wine cave, picnic tables available where you can bring your own food (except no food at the Wine Bar).

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards (Santa Cruz)

This winery doesn’t have big outdoor space, but they are still welcome to families with kids!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Izze sodas for kids (with parental approval) and tables on weekends to gather around.

McHenry Vineyard (Santa Cruz)

They “absolutely welcome kids” at this winery! Love that enthusiasm. They are only open 4 times a year (on the Santa Cruz Mountain Passport Days) so check their calendar before you go!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

A lot of outdoor space and Estate vineyard for exploring.

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Kid-Friendly Wineries in Other Areas 

Pennyroyal Farm (Boonville, Mendocino County)

Mendocino wine country may not be as famous as other regions, but they make amazing wines – and a leader in organic and biodynamic wine production! Penny Royal Farm is no different. This family-friendly winery also have farm tours! The farm tour was a lot of fun with Henry – who is obsessed with farm animals. The tour included plenty of farm animals – goats, sheep, llama, and wine dog! When we went, the winery sheep were hard at work at the vineyards. The tour is about an hour long, including the wine and cheese tasting (grape juice for the kids)!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Wine for adults and juice for the kids – cheese for everyone! Win-win. Go around March and April to see all the barn full of baby goats they are adorable. There is a plane kids can ride, kids table and chairs, high chairs, corn hole, a garden, a wagon and a toy truck. Perfect place to stretch your legs between Mendocino coast and San Francisco.  

Going to Mendocino soon? Read our guides here or check out this video for more ideas on what to do!

Meyer Family Cellars (Yorkville)

If you are making your way home from Mendocino, or on the way to, this winery is right around an hour from Mendocino and 2 hours from San Francisco. So a perfect pit stop!

Why you will love this winery with your kids

Bocce ball court and picnic grounds.

Do you know of another good kid-friendly winery and it’s not listed in this area? Are you a winery that would like to be listed on this list? Contact Us!

You May Also Be Interested In…

• Places to see animals in San Francisco – a 3-day itinerary
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• 30+ Kid-Friendly Hikes in 49 Square Miles of San Francisco
• Anything and everything that has to do with San Francisco with kids!

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