Top 3 Kid Friendly Wineries in Napa
Castello di Amorosa.
We just got back from a lovely trip to NorCal. My best friend from growing up lives in the Bay Area and some of my extended fam are minutes from Napa Valley. So naturally, I can’t help but find myself a frequent flyer of some of these dreamy winery locations. However, with LBB in the mix, you have to find a spot that allows littles. So, here are my top 3 wineries and a few other noteworthy pit stops to check out on your next adventure to Napa.
Bouchon Bakery, magically pictured with no line by yours truly.
First and foremost. Buchon Bakery. This bakery is pure bliss. Be prepared for a wait, and just know you have to choose your goods under pressure. You generally don’t get a view of the pastry case until you’re next in line. But. There isn’t a pastry in there that isn’t scrumptious. You can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast before hitting the town for tastings. There are a few tables just outside the exit to sit and enjoy your treats before taking off. They also have a restaurant if you’re in the area for lunch and or dinner. I haven’t eaten at the restaurant yet, but it’s on my list for the future.
LBB spotting some flowers to smell outside of Bouchon Restaurant.
Castello di Amorosa.
Castello di Amorosa: This location can’t be beat. It is a bit of a trek up north from the main town of Napa, but worth it. The stones from the castle structure were flown in from an Italian villa and rebuilt over 30 some years. So if you can’t afford the plane ticket to the Italian countryside but still want to enjoy the treasures of Italy. Go here. There are several levels to sit for tastings, all nicely acquainted in the shade. Our server was fantastic and very accommodating with LBB. The best part is that they serve their own house grape juice with every tasting. It’s delicious. It might have been one of our favorite drinks we tried and it wasn’t even wine. They even served it in a wine glass to make the experience extra special for LBB. She loved giving a cheers to each of us with each round of tasting. Their charcuterie plate was also note worthy. Delicious meats and cheeses to accompany your tasting. The goat cheese was particularly drool worthy.
Noteworthy charcuterie plate & wine.
Once you’ve finished your tasting, take a tour of the castle and grounds. We opted to do a self guided version, but still fun to explore the area. They have a chapel, great hall and lovely outdoor paths to walk along and get stunning views of the valley. It’s really lovely. You can finish off the castle portion of the experience in the gift shop in the cellar. There is a tasting bar where you can select your favorite bottles from your tasting to take home. Naturally, we bought a bottle of the grape juice. On your way out, there is a small fenced off area with farm animals. Complete with 2 large emu’s, goats and chickens. LBB lost her mind. It’s not a petting zoo, but it’s a fun activity for a little one after a morning of parent focused fun. The surrounding vineyards and gardens pose as excellent backdrop for photo opts. Find people who look nice enough to snap a family photo for you before you go. You won’t be sorry! Just note, you need to make a reservation for a tasting prior to your arrival, they won’t let you on the grounds unless you have a scheduled time slot.
Roses at CdA.
LBB wondering the grounds of CdA.
Mural in the Chapel of CdA.
Mr. Goat in the animal enclosure of CdA.
Food Truck at V. Sattui.
V. Sattui: I love this place. We actually looked into it as a location for a family reunion a few years ago. It’s a lovely spot to gather and enjoy all that life has to offer. It could be my ultimate favorite family friendly stop in Napa. It’s situated near the Napa wine train, so if your little is in love with choo choo trains like mine. Make a pit stop here. They go by every so often and usually pull the choo chooo just as they pass by. Their wine is so good. I haven’t had a bad bottle yet. They have a wonderful picnic spot that you can either grab a table or throw out a blanket if you have one in the car. It is also very well shaded with lovely large deciduous trees hanging over the grounds. They have an excellent market place where you can buy everything charcuterie under the sun. Even a Buchon baguette with cheese to enjoy with a bottle of wine. You can’t bring outside food or drink so they are fully stocked for an epic picnic experience in the market. We typically don’t even do a tasting here, and just skip to the marketplace, get a bottle of wine and some munchies to let LBB get her wiggles out in the picnic grounds. There’s a great food truck that is open from time to time if you just can’t handle picking out something from the market to eat. It’s honestly hard to narrow down your choices here. I usually come hungry and leave happy. This last time we came here we found a delicious ‘Napa Valley Rose Jelly’ it was light and crisp. The perfect topping to smoother over my favorite ‘Mt. Tams Triple Cream Brie’ on a cracker or baguette. I’m salivating just thinking about it. If your little really can’t handle being contained in the picnic grounds for long. There is a lovely fountain and canopy overhang covered in vibes to walk along on your way out. I believe this winery was noted as the 2022 best winery in Napa. I believe it. It’s a dreamy spot.
LBB running around the picnic grounds hugging trees, her fav activity in the wild.
Lunch all purchased from V. Sattui Marketplace.
Canopy leading to the beloved fountain.
Proof in the pudding.
Inglenook: We have not been here yet, but it is on our list. I wanted to call it out for a few reasons. One, the photos look amaz. A stunning chateau/manor that has been updated to its former glory. Plus the grounds look lush. Two, it’s owned by the Copella family. I’m a major movie buff and Sophia Copella is one of my favorite directors. I’ve watched Marie Antoinette all together too many times. That soundtrack is legendary. So anything Copella feels like a noteworthy stop. Lastly, if you sit at their Bistro for lunch, I had read that children are able to borrow little model boats and sail them in their fountain similar to the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Ugg. Dead. The only caveat I believe is that it may only accommodate children 12 and up. Although, I believe it said call ahead to just check if your young one is eligible. Feels like a must stop next time I’m in town.
Scribe Winery: Scribe is situated in Sonoma, but it’s so worth a stop. One of my sorority sisters owns the winery with her family. She’s the in house chef. Not only are their grounds lovely, but the hacienda is stunning. And naturally the wine and food are epic. I believe you have to be a wine club member to make a reservation for lunch but it’s worth it. A beautiful backdrop to enjoy a tasting.
Lunch at Scribe, Dec. 2021. Droolworthy.
After you’ve managed to max out on tastings, please do yourself a favor and find an Olive Press. I love to cook, and a good olive oil in my opinion is the foundation of most meals. So why not pick up a bottle or two of fresh pressed olive oil local to Napa valley?! In this last trip we went to an Olive Press pop up shop in the Oxbow Market Place near our hotel. (Another amazing stop if you’re hungry but don’t want to settle for one restaurant). This spot is also close to one of the entrances of the Napa River Walk, if you’re looking for an activity to burn off a few calories after the heavy intake of treats.
Latest Olive Press haul.
Lastly, Mustards. I’ve had plenty of recommendations for this restaurant. It’s well appointed near V. Sattui so if you’re still hungry after your picnic, it’s a great lunch stop. I personally haven’t eaten here, I’m still holding out for a reservation at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, ;) But I’ve been told that the lamb burger is delicious. I’m planning on going next time I’m in town.
In short, I’m sure there are plenty of other wineries and activities that are beautiful and accept children in Napa Valley. These are just the few that caught our attention. There are too many places to patron for one trip, which lends itself to future plans to revisit the area again and again. My favorite! We jokingly think all wineries are crazy to not take a weary parent in search for some wine. Usually we’re emotional purchasers that are fast in and out due to nap schedules and an impending tantrum. But who am I to say?! I also get the adults only vibe just to keep the ambiance calming for visitors. Well any who, Napa is always a fantastic location to visit and the weather is generally beautiful year round. Just pack your favorite flowy long dress and sun hat and you’ve got yourself a perfect vibe for an outing.
