Sure, a winery tour and tasting with kids in tow may not sound like the most family-friendly event, but we’re here to tell you that’s not the case. In fact, many wineries near NYC cater to families, with events, activities, entertainment and more. From nearby vineyards on Long Island to award-winning wineries upstate, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly wineries near NYC for you and the family to visit this spring. (And if you’re more of a cider or brewery type of family, we found those, too.) For more family adventures, we recommend these spring day trips, these spots for ziplining near NYC and where you should go cherry picking this season. Cheers!
Pindar Vineyards Tasting Room & Winery
You don't have to go to Europe to experience one of the world's best wine regions. Less than a two-hour drive away, Long Island's North Fork is considered one of the best. Pindar Vineyards was named one of the top six family-friendly wineries by Wine Enthusiast and is open daily for tastings from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The winery also hosts live music on weekends as well as other events like vintage car shows and farmer's markets. In July come by to see sit on the deck and watch the sunset. Feel free to bring a picnic and a blanket to sit on the grounds.
37645 Main Rd. (Route 25)
Peconic, NY
631-734-6200
Online: www.pindar.net
Ospreys Dominion
Wine tasting, live music on the weekends, picnic tables-a-plenty and lots of room to run around. Plus, outdoor sangria bars. What's not to like? You can also get tasty bites such as oysters and panini.
44075 Main Rd.
Peconic, NY
631-765-6188
Online: ospreysdominion.com
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
A Hudson Valley favorite, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery is open for tastings. On weekends (Fri.-Sun.), tastings happen outdoors in a tent ($17/per person), and on weekdays, tastings happen inside. Either way, you should reserve your spot ahead of time. Weekends also bring a selection of food trucks, and there is jazz on Saturdays from 5:30-7:30 starting July 3 ($20 admission, reservations required.) You can also bring your own picnic to lounge and nosh on the green expanse, as the kids run wild.
26 Wing Rd.
Millbrook
845-677-8383
Online: millbrookwine.com
RGNY
This 200-acre vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island (a real hotspot of wine production, thanks to ideal climate conditions) grows 14 different grape varieties. Kick back and relax with a glass—like the vineyard's pinot noir, voted best at the NY Wine & Food Classic. They are open for tastings, and while reservations are not required, they are recommended. You can call 631-298-0075 to do so, or reserve via Open Table. (The vineyard, previously owned by the Entenmann family—yes, the treats—was sold in 2018 to the Rivero-González family, who own a vineyard in Parras, Coahuila, Mexico. The name changed from Martha Clara Vineyards to RGNY in 2019.) FYI: If you've always wanted to stomp some grapes, you can get tickets to a fancy "Stomp Party" here this August, and kids are welcome!
For more to do in Riverhead, head to the Long Island Aquarium or get some discount shopping done at Tanger Outlets. And don't forget The Big Duck!
RGNY
Riverhead, NY
631-298-0075
Online: rgnywine.com
Jamesport Farm Brewery
Also in Riverhead, Jamesport Farm Brewery promises "farm to pint" beers. Indeed, much of its product is made using hops, wheat and barley grown on-site, and food options include cheese plates, backyard brine pickles and a giant pretzel, as well as food truck offerings Friday to Sunday. A wide-open grassy space makes for good lounging, and you can play a round of corn hole if you like. Jamesport Farm Brewery is also dog-friendly. There is one pretty big catch with this lovely spot: no one under 21 is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, and yes, that includes babies and kids in strollers. However, they do host family-friendly Fridays. (The brewery is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.)
5873 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY
844-532-2337
Online: jfbrewery.com
Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard
Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard offers fun for everyone in the family. Stop by wine tastings in a restored, 100-year-old barn from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily, then check out The Barnyard with events like pig races, musical hayrides and kids' concerts, and attractions like an obstacle course, jumping pillow, petting zoo, hedge maze and much, much more!
715 Sound Ave.
Mattituck, NY
631-298-0800
Online: harbesfamilyfarm.com
Blue Point Brewery
This homegrown brewery in Patchogue on Long Island, which made its name with a Toasted Lager, moved into some huge new digs recently. It's a beer-lover's heaven, with a dizzying number of beers on tap, in bottles and cans, as well as ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. The menu is filled with hearty fare, as well as (fittingly) an oyster bar featuring fresh shucking. Other reasons to like them: kids and dogs are welcome, live music is common and they have a beer advocating making voting day a national holiday! They're open Wednesday through Sunday.
Blue Pint Brewery
225 W. Main St.
Patchogue, NY
631-627-8292
Online: bluepointbrewing.com
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Wölffer Estate Vineyard Sagaponack is a class act, with stunning grounds, Insta-friendly flights and food and several seating areas for taking it all in. You can experience Wölffer in a few ways: Drop by Sunset Fridays for wine, music and food (no reservation required), or stop by The Wine Stand, (opens late May)a casual affair that has visitors relaxing on the grass and watching the sun set over the vineyard. You can also book a tasting or vineyard tour here; make a reservation up to two weeks in advance on the website. Note that the tasting room is occasionally closed for private events throughout the season.
139 Sagg Rd.
Sagaponack, NY
631-537-5106
Online: wolffer.com
Benmarl Winery
Further north and located in Ulster County, is the more relaxed and casual 37-acre Benmarl Winery. Overlooking the Hudson River Valley, Benmarl claims to be the oldest vineyard in America. On weekends, they often make fresh pizza from a wood-fired oven. Reservations are required; make them here.
156 Highland Ave.
Marlboro, NY
845-236-4265
Online: benmarl.com
Twin Star Orchards
Love yourself some cider? Make haste to Twin Star Orchards, home of Brooklyn Cider House, where they also make wood-fired pizzas and burgers. (Bites like portabello burgers and cheese plates are also available.) Take a stroll down to the pond, shop the on-site farmer's market, enjoy live music on the weekends and even the occasional pig roast. Come back in the fall when you can pick some of the apples used to make the many, many kinds of craft cider available here. Dogs are welcome on leash, seating is first-come, first-served, and the kitchen opens at 12 p.m.
Open Fri.-Sun.
Twin Star Orchards
155 N. Ohioville Rd.
New Paltz
845-633-8657
Online: twinstarorchards.com
Apple Dave's Distillery
In the fall, a trip to Apple Dave's Orchard and Distillery means you can combine an apple-picking outing with sampling local beers, seasonal cocktails, and wines and ciders from area makers. But it's a great place to visit in the spring, too. Apple Dave's has a dozen apple varieties on 112 acres, plus flower and herb gardens, scenic views and walking trails, live music on weekends and a country store selling doughnuts, produce, pies and gifts. Apple Dave's is one hour from the George Washington Bridge and 20 minutes from Woodbury Commons.
82 Four Corners Rd.
Warwick, NY
845-772-1242
Online: appledavesdistillery.com
RELATED STORIES:
Your May To-Do List: Free & Fun NYC Events for Kid
Fresh Air Fun: The Best Spring Day Trips from NYC for Kids
Oh Pie! Where to Pick Your Own Cherries near NYC
