Harvest in the Vineyards with Kids

So you’re NOT the kind of parent that thinks it’s totally normal to spend a Saturday wine tasting with your partner? OR, maybe you do!! Either side, this blog is for YOU! Why it works: First of all, it’s a trip/vacation/excursion, so it’s not like “life as usual,” 2nd most wineries are located on GORGEOUS grounds, surrounded by lush nature and probably some wildlife (at least a dog or stray cat). 3rd- just cuz you are a parent, doesn’t mean EVERY activity you do must ALWAYS cater to your kids, families are teams, and sometimes the adult team gets to pick the outing. So grab your gang, sunscreen, bug spray (trust me), blanket, Advil and check out one of these fab locations for WINE TASTING WITH KIDS! We recently joined forces with Jessica Hart, a mom of two and your very own PERSONAL LUXURY FAMILY TRAVEL ADVISOR. She curates tailor-made travel experiences for adventure-seeking families who want to explore the world in style.Thanks to her global connections she can gain you insider access and VIP treatment where others can’t, all tailor-made for you. She takes care of all the little details, so you don’t have to.  Stay tuned every month for more insight and travel tips to help you on your next adventure.  Connect with Jessica at www.travelbyhart.com and tell her we sent you for more rewards. 

Bordeaux, France
Aside from the tours and wine tasting for adults, many wineries in Bordeaux have a multitude of activities geared towards families and children making this a top family-friendly destination for appreciating fine wines with the littles in tow.


Visit:

Chateau Bardins has an interactive tour for both children and adults, teaching you how to recognize the different tastes and smell of wine. Kids can then grab theirbackpackand partake in a treasure hunt, among the vines whilst parents sip on the local reds and whites. The family wine tasting that follows includes a grape juice tasting for the kids, leaving the real stuff for the parents.

Chateau Saint-Ahon has a kids play area, and a fun, interactive self-guided tour/quiz through the vines to keep everyone amused. Again, grape juice will be provided for kids during any wine tour/tasting.

At Chateau Soutard kids are led on a 2-hour map quest around the compound and vineyards where they learn how vines grow and how wine is made. Followed by a grape juice and berry tasting in an authentic 16th century hen house. Kiddos and adults alike can also partake in activities such as croquet and archery to get a full feel of country living.


Stay:
Les Sources De Caudalie  This 5-star luxury, family friendly property, 35 minutes outside of Bordeaux, is a hit with the kids. On the property, there is a working farm with miniature goats, chickens, and horses (including horse-drawn carriage rides) that will keep the kids amused for the better part of the day.  The wine fans can spend their time exploring the world-class Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte winery, (THIS IS SERIOUS WINE PEOPLE) next door.


With large suites and villas, a heated outdoor pool, children’s game room, beautiful gardens to explore and a beautiful spa facility this hotel is no brainer.


Travel By Hart perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (valid through Junior Suite)
• Complimentary Buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
• Complimentary wine degustation organized in the grocery wine bar with a sommelier for 2
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Napa Valley
With an abundance of family-friendly wineries and beautiful hotels, Napa Valley is another top destination for wine tasting with kids.


Visit:
Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga - A gondola that takes you up to the winery with stunning panoramic views makes this a fav for kids and parents alike. Add to that the coloring books and juices offered to kids and you’re in for a super kid-friendly wine tasting experience.

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga – All Kids (even the grown-up ones) will LOVE this “castle,” and it’s drawbridge, armory and faux torture chamber. While mom and dad enjoy the Italian inspired wines, kids are entertained with grape juice tastings and coloring, in the Knight’s Hall.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sonoma-  With an expansive pool to enjoy an afternoon in the sun, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is one of Sonoma’s most family-friendly wineries. Hang out poolside where food and wine are delivered to your lounge chair. Stressing over kids is not an option- the kids have endless opportunities to entertain themselves either with a swim, playing bocce ball, reading books in the teepee library, playing board games and more! There is even a museum inside the winery with props from the famous Coppola movies like “The Godfather” and “Dracula”. I highly recommend making reservations for pool access. Passes start at $15 for children and $35 for adults.


Stay:
Calistoga Ranch is one of my favorite places for families to stay. The 1 and two bedroom lodges perfectly accommodate your brood and with plenty of nature, art and fun kid’s activities there is no reason to stay anywhere else. Wander the vineyard and secret gardens on the property (with or without kids). Kids will love visiting the honeybees and learning about the importance of their survival and all they do for the flowers and vegetables in Napa Valley. Come evening; you can even enjoy a family game of bocce ball. There are also complimentary fitness classes and the most relaxing spa, nestled away in the woods with soothing soaking pools overlooking a creek and majestic oak trees.

Travel By Hart perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
• Welcome amenity
• USD 100 Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

New Zealand
New Zealand is such a beautiful, diverse destination for families offering some of the best food and wines in the world.

Visit:

Waiheke is a beautiful family-friendly destination in New Zealand just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. This town is dotted with stunning kid-friendly wineries, olive groves, and beaches.


Wild on Waihekewas made for families! With a vineyard, brewery, café, kid’s playground, petanque and giant chess board there really is something for every age to enjoy. You can even try archery and clay bird shooting (must be 8 and older).  Adults can sample wine, beer, and delicious local delicacies while the kids play happily, a few meters away. What’s not to love?


If you’re looking for a lazy afternoon wine tasting experience on the beach, this is it! Located on the East end of the island, Man O’War Tasting Room is a stunning place to chillax with a glass of wine and delicious local nibbles. With lawn cricket, petanque, skittles, swingball and the beach to amuse kids you will never want to leave this stunning oasis.

Another winery on the East end of the island is Passage Rock. This kid-friendly winery will keep hungry children quiet with yummy kid-sized pizzas and a trampoline to burn off their energy while parents sip on wine.


Stay:
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant  This ultra secluded Lodge with sensational views of the beach books up quickly!  With just two cottages and one three bedrooms, there is no time to waste if you want a one of a kind experience where nature and luxury meet.  It is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful island of Waiheke with a plethora of family-friendly activities to do. Guests are encouraged to go horse riding, and bushwalking and of course take advantage of the locally sourced food and wine.

Travel By Hart perks:
Enjoy a complimentary bottle of Mudbrick Méthode Traditionelle wine when you check-in

 

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