Sonoma County, in beautiful Northern California, is known for sipping wine in its stunning wine country, with vineyards stretching across rolling hills and sprawling countryside. However, many wineries in the area are geared towards adults, making it difficult for families to enjoy a day of wine tasting with kids in tow. But, take it from this local, who tasted wine with babes on my hip, there are a few family-friendly wineries in Sonoma County that will welcome you and your tribe. Here are some of my family-friendly wineries in Sonoma County.
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DeLoach Vineyards (Santa Rosa): DeLoach is a family-owned winery that is passionate about sharing their love of wine with others. The vineyard offers tastings, tours, and events, as well as a picnic area for families to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Children are also welcome to participate in the vineyard’s educational programs, which teach about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyard.
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Paradise Ridge Winery (Santa Rosa): This winery offers a unique and beautiful experience for families, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Paradise Ridge offers tastings, tours, and events, as well as a picnic area and sculpture grove for families to relax and enjoy the beauty of the vineyard. Children are welcome to participate in educational programs, and the winery also offers a special kids’ menu.
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Landmark Vineyards (Kenwood): One of my faves because it’s close to our house so my kids grew up going there, Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at their Kenwood estate. Not only do they produce a delish pinot noir and chardonnay, but every Saturday May through October, visitors can jump aboard Sonoma Valley farmer Pat Prather’s horse-drawn carriage for a free tour and stories about the property. Fun fact- the winery’s founder was the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere! Apres tour, parents can relax with a picnic and wine tasting on the lawn or by the pond, while the kids play in the grass.
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Ledson Winery & Vineyards (Kenwood): This winery is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, making it a great place for families to explore. Ledson offers a variety of tastings and tours, as well as a picnic area for families to enjoy a meal. The winery also has a play area for children to run around and have fun while the adults taste wine.
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Chateau St. Jean (Kenwood): This winery is known for its beautiful grounds and stunning views, making it a great place for families to spend a day. Chateau St. Jean offers tastings, tours, and events, as well as a picnic area for families to enjoy a meal and relax. The winery also has a play area for children to have fun while the adults taste wine.
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Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen): Benziger Family Winery is truly a family operation; generations of Benzigers have been raised on the property known for its organic and biodynamic wines. Their tractor-pulled tram winery tour is a must for both kids and adults! You’ll love riding the tram through the property while learning about agriculture, as well as Benziger’s biodynamic and organic winemaking practices. Sheep and cows make appearances along the route and the tram even travels into the wine caves. And! They have a playground on site.
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Jacuzzi Family Vineyards (Sonoma): This winery is a must-visit for families as they offer a unique and interactive experience. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard, taste wine, and learn about the winemaking process. Jacuzzi also offers a picnic area where families can enjoy a bite to eat and play games.
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Cline Family Cellars (Sonoma): Family-run winery, Cline Cellars, founded way back in 1982 (the old days according to my kids lol), offers tasting experiences in multiple locations on the property including their updated farmhouse, in the outdoor cabanas or by the pond. Pack a picnic and take a guided tour to learn about the history of the winery, visit the California Missions Museum, see the barrel room and meet the winery’s resident turtles, birds, fish and the stars of the show- Fancy and Pudding, their darling donkeys.
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Larson Family Winery (Sonoma): While the Larson family started making wine in the ‘70s they have been farming land in the Carneros region for over 120 years! Along the way they turned their farmhouse into a family- and pet-friendly wine destination. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. Larson Family Winery offers bocce and kid-friendly games that can be enjoyed on an expansive lawn while there’s also plenty of shade on the patio.
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Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma): Founded in 1857 (truly the old days), Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. The historic property offers wine tastings for adults and a fun and interactive experience for kids. Win-win! Guided tours by period actors will take you and your family through the winery, including the old wine caves and the Historic Wine Tool Museum, which features a colorful multimedia presentation. Be sure not to miss the hedge maze and the giant crocodile!
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Preston Farm & Winery (Healdsburg): Excellent wine, gardens, bocce, sheep, a chicken coop, in addition to the cats that live on the property, make this winery a win win for both parents and kids. If you’re lucky, your little may even get to bottle-feed a lamb. Bring a picnic, pick up one of the winery’s famed Rhône wines and enjoy the rustic vibe of this family friendly spot. Be sure to check out the fresh farm-grown produce in the farm shop.
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Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville): One of Sonoma County’s most recognizable names, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has an amazing pool for lots of fun in the sun. Wine and food can be delivered to parents poolside, while kids can swim and play bocce and board games; there’s even a teepee with a kid’s library. A museum inside the winery features props from Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula. Reservations are highly recommended for pool access.
Santa Rosa, California, as well as the rest of Sonoma County, is a wonderful destination for families looking to experience the beauty of California’s wine country- you just have to know where to go so mama can get her wine on while junior plays. And a little local mom tip- take your kids to enjoy a nearby kid friendly activity before your wine tasting day begins, so that they’ll be appropriately de-energized before hitting the tasting rooms. So whether you’re looking to relax, play, or explore, these family-friendly wineries have something for everyone.