You can bring your kids to these Napa Valley wineries — and actually enjoy it
Visiting the Napa Valley region with kids is getting easier, thanks to these family-friendly wineries.
Wine has always been a family affair. For centuries, it has been crafted by families to be shared and enjoyed. That’s what motivated me to visit Napa Valley with my family a couple of years ago.
As I began to make reservations, I discovered that few wineries in the valley allowed children on the premises. My kids were 15 and 9 at the time. We ended up at Keenan Winery, where we finished two plates of water crackers, and my kids watched on with disappointment as my husband and I spit out the wines after swirling and sipping. They had fun admiring the beautiful vineyards and learning about their history, though.
This winter, at Grgich Hills Estate, I noticed a family with a baby in the tasting room. I shared my excitement with Violet Grgich, the president and CEO of the winery. She’s the daughter of Mike Grgich, one of the architects behind the success of the valley.
“Because we grew up with wine as part of our family, we feel very much that we want to share that culture with everyone who comes,” says Grgich. “Apparently, there are many wineries that won’t let anyone under 21 [in,] but we feel there’s so much more to visiting a winery than just drinking wine. It’s also about farming, and because of that, it’s entertaining for children as well.”
As winery visits in the valley continue to decline, Grgich Hills says that more than 20% of its guests over the past year were families with children.
Inclusivity seems to be the perfect remedy to attract more wine consumers and create a new kind of community.
Family friendly wineries in Napa Valley and the surrounding areas to look for
According to the Napa Valley Vintners, more than 90 wineries welcome families and children into the tasting areas, and they offer various activities and special arrangements for them.
Bouchaine Vineyards
The oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros, Bouchaine Vineyards, has designated its garden for families, children, and even dogs to have picnics surrounded by flowers, olive trees, and a view of the vineyards. You can have a non-hosted tasting of four to five wines, and even a nonalcoholic rosé.
“We do understand that people travel with families,” says Chris Kajani, president and winemaker at Bouchaine Vineyards. “We also understand that a lot of our local fans or club members have families, and they pop over on a Saturday for a celebration of a birthday or anniversary, a picnic or whatever it is, and we want to be able to welcome them.”
Charles Krug
One of the historic wineries in Napa Valley dating to 1861, Charles Krug offers a relaxed, open atmosphere where families can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and admire the beauty of the vineyard grounds. For the little ones, they have juice and breadsticks, coloring sheets and crayons, and a selection of outdoor games like cornhole.
“For my family, wine has always been about bringing people together. It is a place where guests of all ages can gather, share wine and food, and enjoy time together,” says Riana Mondavi, director of direct-to-consumer operations. “As a mom, I see firsthand how special it is to create spaces where my son can be part of these moments, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope to share: welcoming and rooted in family.”
PlumpJack Estate Winery
Nestled in the Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA), PlumpJack Estate Winery has plenty of things for young visitors to do. It offers children’s books and plush toys to play with, and puzzles and games for purchase. The management believes that by keeping kids engaged, parents can relax and enjoy their tasting.
“We believe wine experiences should feel welcoming and approachable, and for a lot of our guests, that includes being able to come with their families, says Lisa Sedgley, director of consumer sales & hospitality. “If people feel like they have to leave their kids behind, it can be a barrier to how they visit and experience Napa Valley.
“It definitely helps us welcome a broader group of guests. People are more likely to visit if they know they can bring their kids, and that can lead to more overall visits and repeat guests.”
Priest Ranch
Priest Ranch, in Yountville, offers nonalcoholic Töst for children along with a small bites menu. Children are welcome in both indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces. Priest Ranch also hosts events around the holidays, such as movie nights, cookie decorating, and mask-making during the Mardi Gras parade.
“At Priest Ranch, hospitality extends beyond the glass, especially in a town like Yountville, where community is a priority,” says Alejandro Gomez, director of hospitality & direct-to-consumer operations. “We believe a tasting room should feel inviting for everyone, including families, and we thoughtfully create experiences that allow guests of all ages to connect, relax, and enjoy time together.”
Wente Family Vineyards
As a family-owned winery, the team behind Wente Family Vineyards in Livermore Valley believes that wine brings people together. That includes families.
“Creating a welcoming environment for all helps break down the perception that wineries are only for a certain type of guest,” says Brendan Finley, vice president of direct-to-consumer and hospitality. “We want people to feel comfortable enjoying our spaces in a way that fits their lifestyle, whether that’s on a date, with a group of friends, or for a family outing. We are lucky to use this space in this capacity, and it helps bring in revenue for the winery that we wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Wente has created dedicated spaces where guests can relax and enjoy wine country at their own pace. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wente’s Cabernet Lawn is open and designed with families in mind. Wines are offered by the bottle, with open seating and a casual, picnic-style atmosphere.
