How to Enjoy a Trip to Famous Vineyards With Children and Teetotalers

August 11, 2025By maverickbirdPosted in Travel Extras, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Vineyards can be a beautiful weekend retreat. A chance to spend a night or two surrounded by the glories of nature embalms us from the nasty stressors of daily life.

Wine tourism has become a delightful contributor to the global economy, from France’s family-owned estates to Maharashtra’s local wineries. Statista reports that Portugal is the leader here, followed, surprisingly, by Europe’s tiny Moldova. 

More families and friend groups now consider trips to vineyards as viable options for mini-holidays, returning rejuvenated and relaxed. But what happens if some people in the group have small children or don’t drink alcohol? It might seem like a dampener, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the trip even so.

1. Book Ahead for Food and Drinks Options

When you say vacation, a lot of people hear food and drink. Gastronomic pleasures are crucial for holidaying. You can experience new flavors that tantalize your taste buds, but you need not complete any chores, like cleaning up or washing the dishes!

In this sense, vineyards can paint a sullen picture for children and those who don’t (or can’t) drink alcohol. Is all they will get sparkling water, grapes, and cheese?

Indeed, varieties of wine and tastefully created cheese platters are the highlights of many famous vineyards. There exist elaborate rules and guidelines for pairing wine and cheese. Real Simple recommends pairing blue cheese with a sweet Port or a dessert wine. Now imagine the scenario for a teetotaller who is also lactose intolerant. It is abysmal.

Avoid this situation by booking ahead and requesting non-alcoholic drink options that are not grape juice. Think infused water and iced teas—perfect for balmy evenings. Ginger beer is fabulous for anyone who has ever lost themselves in Enid Blyton’s books.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could consider keeping a surprise alcohol-free wine under wraps for the non-drinking grown-up guests. Even Bordeaux, France’s legendary vineyards, now has a shop dedicated to non-alcoholic wines. The BBC reports that changing lifestyle habits and a fall in domestic wine consumption are driving groundbreaking events like this.

Food-wise, ensure that the vineyard offers meals that suit vegetarians and vegans. You should also check that the kids will find some “safe” items, such as standard sandwiches and fruit platters. 

Upon request, some spots will provide meals to accommodate specific allergies, such as dairy or nuts. (Otherwise, you can bring eatables from home to keep hunger-induced crankiness away.)

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2. Offer Everyone Perspective, From Up Above 

Vineyards can be stunningly beautiful. All those grape plants, the acres of fertile land, golden sunshine that is required for ripening the fruits. Sometimes, the best way to experience this beauty is through a new perspective: a view from up above.

For example, some providers in California offer hot air balloon rides over legendary vineyards. You can observe the expanse of greens and reds from the skies, riding gently on your holiday mood. 

According to Balloons Above the Valley, these trips can be ideal for both nature lovers and wine enthusiasts, as you get a bird’s-eye view of the entire landscape. Children, in particular, are likely to love the feeling of flying. No one needs wine to enjoy the headiness of being high above the whole world.

Do note that the landscape-watching you get to do will change with the season. So, while deciding the best time to visit Sonoma Valley and other vineyards in the vicinity, assess your preferences. For instance, fall is the busiest season for vineyards in California. You can expect vibrant foliage and the gifts of the harvest, with flocks of visitors. Summer works best for activities like kayaking and cycling. 

In general, winter has a more laid-back, quieter vibe that may resonate with those who want a more restful holiday. You may also find it comfortable to work around school holidays at this time. 

3. Expand Your Itinerary

Your vacation may center around the vineyard and related activities, such as wine tasting and participating in blending sessions. However, when traveling with a group, a more varied itinerary can be helpful. 

Fortunately, many vineyards have picked up on this requirement and arranged enjoyable activities for the whole family. 

If you visit Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, a beautiful region renowned for its wines, you can have a gala time plucking fruits. Tokyo Weekender reports that the fruit under the spotlight varies throughout the year, from strawberry picking in January to apples in December. 

Further, kids can have a splendid time at Heidi’s Village, a recreation of the famous children’s story. The theme park has merchandise, goats, cheese fondue—what’s not to love?

Another idea is to include local attractions in your schedule, like museums and art galleries, or urban delights like shopping malls. Everyone is happier when they know they have something to look forward to just for themselves.

Here are some more ideas to include in your vineyard vacation itinerary:

  • Grape stomping (the kids will love this)
  • Petting zoos
  • Kids play areas
  • Non-alcoholic drinks making classes

Here’s hoping this got you excited about planning your next holiday! Life can be utterly chaotic these days, and every little chance to unwind is worth grabbing. Head out to a vineyard near you or splurge on an exotic one overseas to see nature’s bounty in all its vibrant colors.

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