Headed to wine country with some little ones by your side? I've got a few great tips to make this the best possible experience. My husband and I have become pros at the family wine trip! Continue reading for a few of my top tips on how to have a successful day at wineries with your kids in tow!
#1 Do a little research before you go
Start off on the right foot by doing a little digging before you head out, and be sure anywhere you make a reservation or plan to go is kid-friendly. Many wineries and tasting rooms are very family-friendly (my kind of people) and will welcome well-behaved little ones, but others really just prefer you save a visit to their spot for when the kids go to grandma's house. Browse the winery's website for their policy on littles first, or scroll through any social media they have - you'll get a feel for their environment. If you still can't get your answer or pick up on the vibe - give them all call! You don't want the surprise of being turned away unexpectedly.
#2 Request outdoor seating
Where possible, request outdoor seating. Thanks to COVID, many establishments have created new or additional outdoor seating. -File under COVID things that can stay.- This creates a much more relaxed environment for kiddos and also tends to provide a little more leeway if you've got some squirmy littles struggling to stay in their seats.
#3 Schedule extra time
Be realistic. This is not your day to maximize winery stops. You know as well as I do everything takes a little longer when you have to stop and let a three-year-old "do myself" or make constant trips to the potty. Like, constant. You know, those trips just to check it out because they're bored and maybe there's something new to see in the bathroom. Anyway, even if your kids are great at sitting with you for 30 minutes to an hour through a tasting, give yourself extra time to take them on a little walk or give them some age-appropriate entertainment in between winery stops so they can stretch their legs and use their imagination before sitting for another hour.
#4 Seek out wineries with experiences to entertain your kids
I've actually been able to find a few wineries where my daughter was quite entertained, thanks to other "attractions" on site. Gardens for walking and exploring, animals for visiting, or yard games can all be found and provide great entertainment and buy you a few more minutes.
#5 Think "restaurant-friendly" toys and games
When packing toys and entertainment, think of the same types of things you would take out to eat. Nothing super noisy or super messy for the sake of other guests and staff. Coloring books and a few crayons, etch-a-sketch, or YES! the tablet (heck even with headphones) are appropriate options. Respectfully, do your best to keep them in their seat with some noise-conscious entertainment.
#6 Divide and conquer
This seems like generally respectable parenting advice. Whether you are headed out on this adventure with your partner, a friend, or grandma, make a plan ahead for who will be in charge of what. Note that I do not recommend you take your kids to a winery solo unless you really don't want to enjoy your wine. (lol) My husband goes to wineries with me pretty much knowing he's in charge of Camila and will take her on a walk or find a distraction for her when she gets antsy so I can keep sticking my nose in glasses uninterrupted, but its still good to make a plan. I like to at least know who has what - such as snacks and water - so we don't end up in a "You forgot the..." argument halfway through a tasting. Maybe you take turns on duty from winery to winery or maybe you split the jobs - dad does snacks and mom does potty breaks - whatever works for you! Just go in with a plan.
#7 Snacks
This almost seems unnecessary to mention, as packing snacks is like mom 101, but this is definitely not the time to drop that ball. I mean, you might want some of those goldfish too!! It varies from winery to winery if any food is offered, and even where it is you will often find lovely, yet more adult-friendly, snacks such as charcuterie trays that many kids will turn their nose up at. I know, I know, it's basically pepperoni and cheese. But five-year-olds don't see it that way, so pack your own pepperoni and cheese!
#8 Don't be too ambitious
Take this day of winery hopping for what it is, and don't set your expectations too high. When I get to wine country, I'm ready to go winery to winery to winery non-stop until it's time to go, but you know as well as I do that's not going to fly with any child. So be realistic. You know what your kid(s) can handle, but don't expect to hit more than three wineries in a day. That's a long time to be on good behavior while mom and dad relax and you don't want to reach the point of meltdown - for either of you.
From there it's just sit back (maybe buckle up) and enjoy the ride! As parents, we know to be prepared for anything and this is no different. But it is possible to hit up wine country even with some extra baggage and still have a good time. Just remember to set appropriate expectations and have a game plan! Happy tasting! xoxo