Kid-friendly wineries all over San Diego are open for business and ready to uncork your favorite bottle. As with most hospitality businesses, the last year has been challenging for wineries. There is plenty of pent up demand for a place to spend time with friends and family, and these local tasting rooms are ready to meet it. From bonfire nights and Sunday brunch to animal encounters, ice rinks and playgrounds, these spots help make your vineyard visit a family affair.
Orfila Vineyards & Winery
Boasting two locations in San Diego County, the Orfilia Vineyard & Winery tops our list. The Vineyard is located in Escondido and is reminiscent of a large, beautiful backyard filled with families having fun and enjoying the sunshine next to a fantastic winery and tasting room. The entire vineyard is gorgeous, but there's a large grass area and picnic tables located in the back as the “Designated Kid Zone.” Parents will appreciate this because the little ones can comfortably run around and act like kids while the grown-ups chat and sip on some vino. The winery encourages families to bring picnics, toys and games to really make a day of it. There's a small refrigerated section in the tasting room that has some food for sale and food trucks are there several times a week. Make sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of food and water for your family.
The Oceanside tasting room is also family-friendly (that means the whole family, even Fido!) and is located in the heart of downtown just one block from the beach. The modern, beautifully designed tasting room features rustic accents, artwork and a large patio where you can drink, dine and catch up with family and friends. Spending time at either location will make kiddos and adults so happy, you may end up joining the Wine Club so you have an excuse to visit on the regular!
Insider tip: Aside from the picnic area, the rest of the Escondido vineyard is 21 & up, so bring sunscreen and make sure to prepare for a day spent outdoors.
13455 San Pasqual Rd.
Escondido, CA 92025
760-738-6500
Online: orfila.com
Bernardo Winery
San Diego’s oldest operating vineyard isn't just a winery, it's more like an old world village. A village that is home to four vineyards, an old barrel room and antique wine-making equipment for visitors to explore. You can wander through artists shops to catch a glimpse of everything from mosaics and oil paintings to botanical soaps. The family-run business is currently taking reservations, so you can plan your day in advance depending on what you have in mind and what time of day you're planning to visit. Choose from their popular Italian style Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, to an elevated dinner menu at The Kitchen restaurant. Or opt for small bites/sharing plates and their world famous pizza at the Tasting Room. Whatever you choose, you'll be happy and satisfied at this fun and historic San Diego mainstay.
If you want to take advantage of the wine tasting with chocolate pairings (who doesn’t?), grab a table on the patio and kick back as you listen to live music and your kids get their groove on. Stop by on Friday mornings for the Farmers Market where you’ll find local produce and lots of other families. Whatever time or day you choose to visit Bernardo Winery, you'll find plenty of family-friendly fun.
Insider tip: It’s okay to bring light snacks for young kiddos, but the winery does not allow outside food or drinks for adults. Reservations for brunch are available Sundays, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a very popular spot with limited seating, so make your reservations well in advance.
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte
San Diego, CA 92128
858-487-1866
Online: bernardowinery.com
Wilson Creek Winery
"Family is what it's all about" is the motto of this favorite Temecula winery that boasts acres of grass, trees and covered patio tables that keep families coming back. The playground has recently been refurbished and it's open again, as is the fort climbing area. Stop by both before or after you pop open that bottle of wine. Our tip? Bring your camera and capture some shots of your kiddos running around the blooms. The setting is the ideal spot for a photo op.
35960 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92591
951-699-9463
Online: wilsoncreekwinery.com
Peltzer Farm and Winery
A farm. An ice rink. And a winery. Now you've got the entire family's attention. The Peltzer Farm and Winery offers visitors 25 acres of vineyards, an industrial chic winery and a quaint farm atmosphere. Kiddos will love the century-old tractor collection and getting up close and personal with the free-range chickens. The ice rink will re-open for the winter '21-'22 season and is a perfect spot for memory making and family traditions. Be sure to check out the full calendar of events that they host in their event garden. Psst...seasonal events here are a must. During autumn months, enjoy a six-week festival showcasing a petting zoo, pony rides, pig races and mining for gem activities. Christmas on the Farm is a two day event celebrating the season with a Polar Express Train and ice skating rink.
Good to know: Peltzer offers family-friendly hours Sundays–Thursdays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (no tastings offered). If you'd like to take your family and enjoy a wine tasting go on Wine Wednesdays, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. No children are allowed on Friday and Saturday.
40275 Calle Contento
Temecula, CA 92591
Temecula Valley: (Cross Street: Rancho California Road)
Online: peltzerwinery.com
Wiens
Wiens, a favorite among wine aficionados, is more like your typical Temecula winery with large grounds and a tasting room. What makes it family-friendly is its giant lawn and outdoor amphitheater that is set away from the tasting tables. On any given day, you'll find kids of all ages playing in the spacious area while their parents enjoy sipping on the wide variety of wines the vineyard offers. It's also easy to find a quiet spot to park a snoozing baby. The staff is extremely friendly and eager to please. There is limited shade so be sure to load up on sunscreen and bring hats.
Insider tip: Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy on the Winery's outdoor patio. The amphitheater is a beautiful backdrop for an alfresco concert and you might just catch a hot air balloon traveling through.
35055 Via Del Ponte
Temecula, CA 92592
951-694-9892
Online: wienscellars.com
––Aimee Della Bitta & Beth Shea
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