12 Family-Friendly Napa & Sonoma Wineries You Must Visit

It wasn’t too long ago when kids and wine country did not make a great pairing. But, like the seasons, change is constantly happening. More family-friendly wineries are uncorking that fine balance for entertaining oenophilia caretakers and their brood. As doors slowly open since the shelter-in-place, it’s time to crush an action-packed day at these kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa.

It is important to make and/or confirm reservations directly, as individual businesses will open on their own timeline. Recreation is limited and wineries are working with ever-changing guidelines. Expect tastings and activities to be outdoors, masks and social distancing. Please be patient while we all adjust.

Belden Barns Farmstead & Winery

5561 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa
(415) 577-8552

One of the most kid-friendly (and dog-friendly) wineries in Sonoma County. In addition to the annual excitement of the fall Grape Stomp and spring Cork Hunt, children who visit are often thrilled to find a basketball hoop and corn hole game waiting for them right outside of our tasting Barn. The scavenger hunt adventure backpacks are also quite popular. Backpacks contain field guides to local birds or insects, magnifying glasses, binoculars, sketchpads, crayons, and other items, including a checklist of things to find. The backpacks are free for families on a first-come, first-served basis.

Benziger Family Winery

1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen
(888) 490-2739

Benziger Family Winery tour is a must for any first-time visitors. Kids and adults love riding the tram through the property especially when their sheep and cows make appearances. The tram even travels into the wine caves. There are also very welcoming picnic grounds and a small bird zoo.

Castelo di Amorosa

4045 N St Helena Hwy, Calistoga
(707) 967-6272

This 13th century Tuscan-style medieval replica castle and vineyards comes complete with dungeon and moat, juice and coloring books, courtyards and guided tours complete with a cup of grape juice during the wine tasting portion. There’s even a torture chamber. Explore the property complete with sheep, emus and peacocks. They even provide coloring books and a kids’ table provided in the Knight’s Hall tasting room so your little ones can stay entertained while you taste. Please note: strollers are not allowed inside the winery. By-appointment only.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville
(707) 857-1471

Francis Ford Coppola wanted to create a place for families to enjoy all the best things in life together. This winery includes swimming pools, eco-tours, amazing events, restaurants, music and more. Kids can toss the pallino to start a bocce game, crack open a book in a teepee, enjoy board games, and more. There is also a Coppola movie museum including Don Corleone's desk from The Godfather, an original Tucker car from Tucker: The Man and His Dream, and costumes from Bram Stoker's Dracula. Reservations recommended for pool access.

Frog’s Leap Winery

8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford
(707) 963-4704

Kids (and dogs on leashes) will love exploring this working farm. Meet their chickens and other farm animals at the barn, play along the fish pond and meander about the bountiful fruit and vegetable gardens.

Grgich Hills Estate

1829 St Helena Hwy, St. Helena
(707) 963-2784

Jump in a barrel of freshly picked grapes and stomp away! You’ll create a unique keepsake by putting your grape-stained feet on a white “I stomped at Grgich Hills” t-shirt. Adults can extend their experience with a wine tasting.

Inglenook

1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford
(707) 968-1161

Casual family-friendly dining outside in the courtyard. Enjoy wines and non-alcoholic drinks, bistro bites while the kids borrow wooden sailboats to sail in the courtyard fountain.

Landmark

Vineyards

101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood
(707) 833-0053

Every Saturday, May through October, visitors can experience a magical way to tour the vineyard with farmer Pat Prather's horse-drawn carriage for a free tour. Kids will love the horses and the fascinating story about the property. After the tour, relax with a picnic and wine tasting on the lawn or by the pond, while the kids play in the grass.

Larson Family Winery

23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma
(707) 938-3031

A family (and dog) friendly wine destination complete with small petting zoo, large lawn, picnic areas, small bikes, music and events. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting paired with your own picnic, bocce and kid-friendly games on the expansive lawn at the Larson Family Winery.

Preston Farm & Winery

9282 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg
(707) 433-3372

Felines rule at this winery (sorry, no dogs). Stroll the gardens, play bocce and pet the farm animals. Sometimes kids can even help bottle feed a little lamb. Pick up fresh farm-grown produce and wine for the perfect picnic at this beautiful spot.

St. Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery

8440 S St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford
(707) 963-4507

A wide variety of kid-friendly fun includes bocce court, self-guided tours, large lawn, coloring books and vineyard walks.

Sterling Vineyards

1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga
(707) 942-3345

This Greek-style winery, perched on a hilltop above Calistoga, is only accessible via an aerial tram ride. Take the self-guided tour and go at your own pace. Kids can entertain themselves with the snacks, juice and coloring book. Plus the expansive views from the terrace just can be beat.

OTHER PLACES TO PLAY

Please make sure to call in advance regarding hours and regulations for each individual business.

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

• Charles M. Schulz Museum and Snoopy's Home Ice, Santa Rosa

• Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa

• Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma

• Epicenter Sports and Entertainment Complex, Santa Rosa

• Napa Wine Train, Napa

• Old Faithful Geyser of California, Calistoga

• Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa

• Safari West, Santa Rosa

• Self-guided Farm Tour and Cheese Trail

• Snoopy’s Home Ice, Santa Rosa

• The Petrified Forest, Calistoga

• TrainTown, Sonoma

What are your favorite family-friendly wineries and places in Sonoma and Napa?