Family-Friendly Wineries & Attractions in Anderson Valley
It’s no secret that Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley is a prime wine destination, but it also offers an abundance of draws and experiences for locals and visitors of all ages. From outdoor adventures set amidst stunning backdrops to charming roadside attractions and family-friendly wineries, Anderson Valley promises a memorable visit for wine aficionados and families alike.
From historic Boonville to quaint, charming Philo, here are a few must-see spots sure to appeal to every generation.
Family Fun at Pennyroyal Farm
Sip on Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc estate wines at picturesque Pennyroyal Farm in Boonville and find plenty to please the little ones with an expansive green grass and farm tours offered daily (reservations required). From solar-powered barn tours and meet-and-greets with goats to post-tour juice-and-cheese flights showcasing the farm’s sustainable practices, Pennyroyal Farms promises an enjoyable (and educational!) experience for guests of all ages.
Sip, Play & Recharge at Foursight Winery
For another kid- (and four-legged-friend!) friendly farm experience, head to Foursight Winery in Boonville to sip on Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other small-lot estate-grown wines while the little ones burn off energy on the playground. Tour the property and plan a stop at the Mendocino Lavender & Pollinator Garden, the latest addition to the family farm, to learn about sustainable gardening practices amidst seven distinct varieties of lavender. There’s even an electric car-charging station onsite so the car can recharge while the family kicks back.
Fine Wine & Kid-Friendly Fun at Brashley Vineyards
Scenic, pet- and kid-friendly and close to the Mendocino Coast, Philo’s Brashley Vineyards checks every box. While of-age visitors can sip on the likes of Brashley’s and 2018 Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir or Rosé of Pinot Noir, they can also taste less-common varieties, like the light, refreshing 2021 Finger Lake Riesling and the vintage 2021 White Pinot Noir with notes of almond oil and white flower. There’s also plenty to appeal to the non-drinker, from life-size chess and cornhole sets to weekly Monday pizza lunches prepared by Chef Sean McTiernan, who earned his culinary stripes in Michelin-starred eateries before making his way to Brashley.
Lawn Games, Disc Golf & More at Meyer Family Cellars
When a towering giraffe statue greets guests, it’s bound to be a great time. Tucked into the tiny hamlet of Yorkville, this winery and tasting room has a playground to occupy the kiddos while the 21+ crowd sips Meyer Family Cellars’ signature Napa estate Cabernet, Yorkville Highland Syrah and cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Anderson Valley. Vine-covered pergolas and picnic tables and a large grassy lawn provide the perfect backdrop for play, sitting adjacent to a wooden playground, while bocce and disc golf offer additional entertainment opportunities for everyone.
Family-Friendly Refreshment at Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders
For a refreshing alternative to wine, head over to Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders in Philo, where you can enjoy dry, semi-dry, and sweet hard ciders that highlight the unique flavors of heirloom apples grown onsite. On a warm day, try their frozen Pinot Noir slushie for a cool twist on the classic Anderson Valley wine-tasting experience. For kids or the designated driver, they also offer delicious non-alcoholic slushies.
Complimentary Tastings & Non-Alcoholic Grape Juice at Husch Vineyards
Another Anderson Valley winery with thoughtful offerings for underage visitors and nondrinkers, Husch Vineyards hosts complimentary wine tastings for adults, while under-21 guests can try the likes of its Gewurztraminer Grape Juice, made from 100% Anderson Valley Gewurztraminer grapes freshly harvested from the estate vineyard. Packaged in a hock wine bottle with notes of tangerine, rose hip, honeycomb and lychee, it’s a simple, yet tasty, way to make the kids feel as special and sophisticated as the adults. The tasting room and vineyard are among the oldest in the valley, and there are great Instagrammable spots if you are into that.
Snacks & Non-Alcoholic Sips at Navarro Vineyards & Winery
Another family-owned and -operated Anderson Valley vineyard, Navarro Vineyards & Winery crafts its own take on non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer Grape Juice using its flagship Gewürztraminer grapes. Cold-stabilized and sterile-filtered like Navarro’s famous dessert wines, the juice is great for kids as well as anyone in search of a tasty sipper, sans alcohol. Navarro’s non-alcoholic offerings also include Pinot Noir Grape Juice and an assortment of tasty snacks, from fresh cheeses from Pennyroyal Farm, its sister farm, to a smorgasbord box brimming over with local delights.
Fresh Fruit & Family-Friendly Saturday Suppers at The Apple Farm
The Apple Farm northwest of Philo is home to 1,300 apple trees, with the region’s morning fog and warm afternoons creating optimal apple-growing conditions. The Apple Farm’s self-service farm stand is open 10-5 daily and is the perfect place to snag fresh apples or pears, as well as cider, jams, jellies, and other delectable treats. It’s self-serve during most weekdays, but on weekends there’s usually someone there to help guide you through all the varieties of heirloom apples and other offerings. For a truly unique experience stay overnight in one of the cabins in their orchard. During summer months they also host “Saturday Supper,” the farm’s monthly all-inclusive dinner series inspired by Sally Schmitt and her acclaimed California cookbook, “Six California Kitchens.”
From its award-winning wineries and historic tasting rooms to its bustling working farms and charming roadside attractions, Anderson Valley is more than just a California wine destination – it’s also a family-friendly getaway offering a diverse and delicious experience for all ages.