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Family-Friendly Napa Valley Wineries: 10 Fun Places that Welcome Kids
by Jill Loeffler •
Are you visiting Napa Valley with kids and want to do a little tasting? Not sure where to go?
Check out my list of the top family-friendly Napa Valley wineries. These are places where your kids will not only be welcome, but will have something to occupy their time as you sample some of Napa's best wines.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Sterling Vineyards
One of the best family-friendly Napa Valley wineries is Sterling. The fun starts immediately with an aerial tramway ride to the top of the hill. This is the only way to get to the tasting room from the parking lot.
As you ascend, you will get amazing views around the valley. Kids love it as they get a bird's eye view of the valley below.
When you arrive at the top and check in for your tasting, your little ones will receive a coloring book. Sterling also offers great views, snacks, and juice for those under 21.
If your kids are old enough, they can also enjoy the self-guided tour. It shows the winemaking process and is a great way to learn about it.
2. Castello di Amorosa
Another one of the top family-friendly Napa Valley wineries is Castello di Amorosa. This authentic Tuscan castle design has 107 rooms and plenty of spaces to explore.
Your best option here is to take one of the guided castle tours, on which kids of all ages are welcome at the general admission price. Your entire family will get the chance to see secret rooms and interesting chambers.
At the end, you will also do a little wine tasting. In addition to the coloring book, kids will get a cup of grape juice so they can join in on the experience.
>> More great Northern CA wine regions and wineries
3. Frog's Leap
You will find this winery in the heart of Napa in the Rutherford District. They have an amazing selection of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. I also love their whites, which include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc—perfect on a warm sunny day.
The reason Frog's Leap is one of my favorite family-friendly Napa Valley wineries is that they offer some fun things for kids on their farm, where the little ones can meet the chickens or watch the fish swim around in the pond.
They can also check out the lovely garden. This keeps them busy so you can do a little tasting during your visit. Family-friendly visits are available by reservation before noon.
4. V. Sattui
The perfect spot for lunch in St. Helena is V. Sattui Winery. They have wonderful outdoor area that includes a number of picnic tables, as well as an on-site deli and Saturday food truck.
Their artisanal deli features salads and sandwiches, paninis, and specialties like Dungeness crab cakes and lasagna. On Saturdays, the food truck serves up yummy BBQ ribs, truffle parmesan fries, and more.
Each selection on their menu shows you the best wine to pair with it, so you can enjoy a glass or bottle of wine with lunch. Both spots offer great desserts as well, including their Italian-style gelato, which kids are sure to love.
This stop gives the kids some time to play around outdoors as you finish your tasty V. Sattui treats.
5. Napa Cellars
This child-friendly winery offers outdoor tastings with beautiful views of the vines. The expansive garden is perfect for spending a relaxed, casual afternoon with the whole family, including Fido (who will receive his own complimentary Pampered Pooch package!).
For your laid-back tasting experience, you can grab a spot on the grass in the sun or shade, and then take a break for a fun game of cornhole with the kids.
They are one of the few wineries in the region that allow, and actually encourage, guests to bring their own food. That way, you can pack a picnic that includes your favorite pairings as well as the snacks you know your kids love.
6. Alpha Omega Winery
Alpha Omega Winery is another one of the best family-friendly Napa Valley wineries. For younger kids, they offer coloring books and crayons upon arrival.
They also have a lovely outdoor area that is perfect for your family. You can taste their wines outdoors as the little ones get some fresh air.
Their selection of wines includes everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to a wonderful Late Harvest wine.
7. Beringer
The next stop for families is Beringer. They opened their doors in 1976 and is the longest continually operated winery in California.
Their "Sip & Stroll Around Beringer" tasting experience allows families to wander around the beautiful gardens and the centuries-old estate.
Children will be fascinated by the rooms inside this historic mansion. Outside, you will find a bocce ball court and picnic tables.
In addition, on Saturdays from July through October, Beringer hosts live music afternoons with wine and food, which welcome families to lounge on the grounds while tasting.
8. Raymond Vineyards
Raymond Vineyards is ideal for visiting with kids because of its gorgeous grounds that are not only well kept, but also curated for the perfect outdoor learning experience.
While sipping your wine, you can take your family around to explore the Theater of Nature. First you'll enter through a white curtain that opens to the picturesque setting of the vineyard's organic and biodynamic farm.
There is a self-led tour through five acts that children of all ages will love as they discover the plants, sheep, chickens, and goats that contribute to the winery. Meanwhile you'll get the satisfaction of seeing how the delicious wines you're tasting came from sustainable viticulture.
Plus, the photo ops are incredible. Stop at the "hanging frame wall" and the big white chairs for some fun backdrops.
9. Inglenook
Inglenook is a historic property owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Construction began on their gorgeous chateau in 1881 with their first harvest in 1882. It stayed in the hands of the original owner, Gustave Ferdinand Niebaum, and his family until the 1960s. Coppola and his wife purchased it in 1975.
If you are traveling with kids, I recommend stopping here for lunch or a snack. They have a wonderful Bistro with outdoor dining. Their outdoor space features a reflecting pool and they allow the younger guests to borrow wooden sailboats to sail around the courtyard fountain.
Both you and the kids will a great experience here. You can sample some of their tasty wines at the Bistro, which is why it's one of my favorite family-friendly Napa Valley wineries.
While children are welcome, it's recommended you call ahead to let them know if you're traveling with children aged 12 or younger.
10. Honig Vineyard and Winery
Another great place to take the kids is Honig Vineyard and Winery. The sustainable farm and beautiful garden are the perfect setting to spend a day outdoors with the family while the adults do some wine tasting.
Family terrace tastings are available in the mornings. Children over 12 months of age will receive juice and snacks with their reservation.
More Fun Things to Do in Napa
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