Children & babies at wineries?

Let me preface by saying: I have never been to the wineries. Although I like wine, DH loathes it. So we haven't gone.

But I see that a LOT of my friends and family take their kids (of all ages) to the wineries to spend the day out there.

Now I have never been there, but I guess in my mind I always equated winery to bar (not restaurant, but bar). Am I wrong?

I guess I am also just not one to drink around my kids. I have 2 (ages 3 and almost 2) and I don't really like to have my judgement impaired even a little bit when they are under my care (I rarely drink and am dieting so even a few sips affects me now, unbelievably).

Anyway, we are coming up on some vacation time and spending it out east with DH's family. Are there really family friendly activities for the kids at the wineries? Can I go and take the kids and just not drink? (Would I just buy a bottle to be polite?)?

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

The wineries are not like a bar. A lot of them have entertainment & families have picnics at them. Martha Clara even has farm animals for the kiddies.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

I've only been to the wineries a few times (I can't see the point of driving far away to drink . . . then how do you get home-unless you have a designated driver, which we never do) and I've never seen kids at any of them. I personally wouldn't take kids there, I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself. Besides that, I don't think it would be any fun for them.

Now that I think about it, I *think* one of them did have farm animals, although that may have just been a nursery.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

We stopped at Wolfer on the way home from a day out east with DD. It was late spring and we were actually the only people there, they didn't seem to mind her being there even brought her "kid" wine, a.k.a. grape juice. It's totally not the same as a bar and during the day it's pretty family friendly.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

They are very family friendly. Some on the north fork even have bouncy houses and baby animals.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

I will preface this by saying I haven't taken my kids and not sure I would b/c it wouldn't be relaxing but I think it depends on the place. Some are just like a bar you stand at and taste wine while others are more relaxed family environments. Haven't been in a few years but I have seen some that have decks or fields where families picnic, they have a band playing and a bounce house. I think it would be more relaxing if you are out there for the day doing other things with an infant to stop by and have a glass of wine on one of the decks rather than actually taste. Many sell cheese and crackers and wine by the glass so you could sit and enjoy a glass on the deck on a nice day.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

I have taken my children to the wineries. We usually go with another couple and only took our kids when they were under the age of 2. One of us would be the designated. We bring a picnic of olives, cheeses, etc. and usually sit outside at one of the vineyards. My DD or DS (we never brought them together) would hang out, some have live music, so they would dance or look at the grapes on the vine and snack. We all enjoyed it. I wouldn't bring them at the ages they are now because it wouldn't be fun for us.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

I live in Mattituck by all the wineries....I go very often.

There are a few I wouldn't bring DD to, but only because they are small, not really accessible for strollers, etc. But most of them I would and do bring DD and I always see other kids there as well.

Some safe bets for kids are Martha Clara, Roanoke, Jamesport, Harbes has a wine tasting barn as well....

It isn't like a bar scene in my opinion. Yes, there is a "bar" counter where you go up to get your tasting, glass, etc. but many of them have separate tables and you can bring your wine to one of them. Also, many of them have live music outside and you could bring some outdoor activities for your kids and let them run around!

Children & babies at wineries?

We went to our favorite winery on mother's day with my infant. Some have tents and bands and i always see a lot of kids. I dont get drunk but i will have a glass or two and we bring snacks. Our DD loved
Iistening to the music and playing on the grass.

Children & babies at wineries?

We have taken my DD numerous times. We sit outside have a picnic and play in the fields. Someone is always sober (obviously) and the rest of us drink responsibly. It's a very relaxing way to spend the day.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

There are definitely some that are family friendly.DH and i went out to the wineries one day last week (alone) for our anniversary and at Osprey's Dominion they have a beautiful open area outside with tons of picnic tables, bbq's and even a volleyball net! We are planning on celebrating the end of summer/ my birthday there next Sunday and we're bringing the kids! Not planning on boozing like crazy but we'll spend the afternoon, bbq, play, have a little wine and enjoy the outdoors! I'm just crossing my fingers for nice weather!

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

we go to martha clara. its more like a picnic. theres animals large grass area for kids to run around, music, food. We sometimes dont even drink when we go. its also dog friendly so our friends bring their dog. its actually a great day out for everyone.

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

Don't feel obligated to buy a bottle just because you visited the winery!

Re: Children & babies at wineries?

OMG, bounce houses, animal farms and entertainment (music)!?! I feel like I am reading about a kid's birthday party, lol!

Well, thanks for all the recommendations! Maybe I will be able to talk DH into visiting one with me & the kids ...

Children & babies at wineries?

We're going next month with a bunch of families. As long as there's a DD, I will be enjoying my wine!!!