Feel like you’ve traded your carefree wine tasting days for sippy cups and playdates? Fear not, wine loving mamas and papas! California’s Central Coast has countless family-friendly wineries to sip, savor and bring the kids.
Where big brother Napa and Sonoma boast a bit more pomp and circumstance, the Central Coast—including Paso Robles, Edna Valley and beyond—is quietly turning out amazing wines with zero attitude. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this stunningly beautiful region of California is the next big thing in wine.
So rally the family and come as you are. Cheers to these family-friendly wineries!
Biddle Ranch Vineyard
Located in Edna Valley, Biddle Ranch Vineyard is your modern farmhouse dream come true. Opt for a bottle of Biddle Ranch Sparkling Wine, bring lunch and set-up an Insta-worthy picnic on their gorgeous patio. Settle in and enjoy the vineyard views, great wine and friendly service. If you really want to stay a while (and you will), book the Biddle Ranch Vineyard House for your next family or friend gathering. This four-bedroom home sits amongst 17 acres of Chardonnay vines and is chic for days. Online: BiddleRanch.com
Tooth & Nail Winery
The Tooth & Nail Castle in Paso Robles is a must-visit. You’ll love the wine and the view and kids will love that it’s an actual castle. Select Fridays have music on the patio and is our favorite time to go. It’s a castle, it’s wine-tasting and it’s a win-win. Tip: some artwork inside is a bit dark, sensitive little ones might want to stay on the patio. Online: RabbleWine.com
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
Should you need something to keep your children’s attention while you savor a glass of cab, check out Pomar Junction in Paso Robles. Not only do they have an old Santa Fe train car on premises, they also have Groucho, a winery cat. Trains and cats are two of my son’s favorite things, in varying order depending on the day, so Pomar Junction means everyone is happy. Online: PomarJunction.com
Stolo Vineyards & Winery
Located in Cambria, California, just two miles from the Pacific, Stolo Vineyards and Winery is one of the best reviewed wineries on the Central Coast. Their Syrah recently scored the #12 spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Best of 2018 list. In the summer months, enjoy their Music in the Meadow events where the kids can run free and play cornhole while you sip some world-class wines. Online: StoloFamilyVineyards.com
BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
Prefer craft beer to cabernet? Spend a picture-perfect day at BarrelHouse Brewing Co. with a Sunny Daze in hand listening to live music on the outdoor flat-bed truck. Located in the hip new Tin City area of Paso Robles, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. is a family-friendly spot where locals and tourists cheers the good life in their half-acre beer garden. Check their events calendar for music and food truck line-up. Online: BarrelHouseBrewing.com
And because I’m a mom and literally can’t help myself, make sure you set up a sober driver or spring for driving service like Uber Wine or SLO Safe Ride for your wine tasting adventures. Okay—now go have fun, kids!
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