Ah, winetasting. Certainly one of my favorite experiences to share. I know I am not alone in this. But once you have children there is a tendency to want to take them everywhere with you, push for everything to be a family experience. And, despite what some people may say, it is not wrong at all, with the proper planning and preparation.
It is understandable for those who have gone 9+ months being good, not putting toxins in their body, waiting patiently, to get a chance to once again have that experience. I can guarantee you that if I had a baby that the first thing I would want afterwards is a glass of wine! (especially since I am a Man.) I've discussed families and wineries many times with people, both in and out of my time in the industry. The most extreme case wasn't even a winery, it was a smoke shop. I invited a colleague out a week after his baby was born to give him some well earned down time and his wife came along with their newborn. Now, this was before the new law that prevents that. It is a case of the wife feeling left out and there is that need to still want to continue to live a certain lifestyle, not like a bar, but still have that winery experience.
But now the challenge comes to choose wisely and carefully which place is appropriate.
So now, how to go about this. Firstly, come up with a list of wineries you are a fan of or are wanting to try. Once you have your list, contact that winery tasting room and ask if it is ok to bring kids. Some may want to separate you from the other guests and offer you a private tasting or reserve a spot that would be more appropriate for a family. In my experience, small wineries are more family friendly. Still, some wineries will probably just give you a "no" on the family friendly question. It is still best to call ahead and ask so that you can have the best possible experience for you and for the other patrons. Also, make sure there are no special events going on, like Wine Road. Officially they state not to bring your kids, but still some people do. You are very likely to lose them in the crowd, among other concerns.
Once you have found a family friendly winery, here are a few pointers on how to taste with children
1. Have a designated driver. One that does not partake at all. People in the winery will call the police on you if they see both of you tasting and then pile into the car with children.
2. Bring snacks and food for your children. Do not rely on a winery having nibbles for kids. If you give them the nibbles when are stopped at the winery you have a better chance of keeping them somewhat corralled.
3. If the winery has outdoor picnic benches or play structures, by all means use them. Utilizing these family amenities may encourage other wineries to do so, as well.
4. If at all possible, do not bring them into the tasting room itself. If you have to, be sure and control your child(ren). Keep a hand on them at all times, and don't let them play with merchandise or bother other patrons. We all love children (really!) but it can ruin the experience for some people.
5. If another patron does take exception and say something to you, let them know that you did clear it with the winery ahead of time and address the behavior separately with your child(ren).
Follow these few steps and you can have a little fun with your family.
Now, onto some of the family friendly wineries my family has enjoyed:
1. Francis Ford Coppola - This is a wonderful winery that offers quite a bit. They have a pool for summer fun, outdoor pizza oven, and host events throughout the year.
2. VJB - This is a courtyard winery that offers deli, pizza oven, espresso bar, gelato bar, chocolate and, of course, a full winery. They also host holiday events throughout the year. It is very nice to come, sit in the courtyard, listen to some music, and partake of the different offerings in a relaxed, gracious family friendly environment.
3. Sunce - This is such a fun winery. They have a wildly fun harvest fair party with face painting, grape stomping, food, walks in the winery, and other fun. The owners have children who live on the property, so it's like a garden party at someones house.
4. Navarro - Kid friendly, a lot of outdoor picnic tables with shade, a nice field to run in. They have unfermented juice for the kids which comes from the same grapes, which is fun. Depending on the time of year you can catch the sheep actually pruning the vineyard (yes, sheep.)
5. Benziger - This is a fun winery with a lot to offer - good wines, gardens, picnic tables, plenty of amenities and even a playground just for the kids.
6. Cline - Not only does this winery produce some tasty Rhone varietals, they also are very family friendly. On the grounds is a Mission History museum, petting zoo and preservation area provided by the Cline family. I thoroughly enjoyed bringing my son and his school class out here.
With a little pre-planning you can have both family time and enjoy your local wineries.
Cheers!
