Experience the Charm of Kid-Friendly Wineries near Portland

Enjoy a tasting without having to hire a sitter!

The past couple Sundays, I’ve skipped brunch, packed up my pre-schooler, and headed south for a wine tasting. After experiencing the delightful magic of kid-friendly wineries, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to waiting in a brunch line.

My family resides in South Beaverton, and to my absolute delight, Washington County has an assortment of nearby wineries. Unbeknownst to me, I’m a mere 10-minute drive from lush fields, mountain views, and helpful wine connoisseurs. Oh, and did I mention I can bring my kids along?

For our first outing, we met some friends at a local winery. The adults enjoyed a tasting while the kiddos ran on the grass and carefully examined a few bugs in the flowers. Here are the things we learned along the way.

Thank you to our Summer Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm! We couldn’t do this work without generous sponsors like Bella Organic. Their 100-acre certified organic farm in Portland has so much to offer during peak farming season here in the PNW. In July and August, Bella offers u-pick certified organic blueberries and thornless blackberries, as well as u-cut sunflowers. Shop their farm store, booming with fresh organic produce and pre-picked organic berries all summer long. Let the kids enjoy a strawberry lemonade and pet the farm animals while you cozy up to a wine flight! Bella isn’t just an organic farm and winery, it’s an experience.

Tips for a Successful Winery Trip with Kids

Get there early.

I aim for opening (usually around 11 am). This helps accommodate post-lunch nap times, provides slightly cooler temperatures, and generally means less crowded tasting rooms.

When in doubt call ahead.

Not every winery (understandably) is a good fit for kiddos. If you aren’t sure, give them a ring before heading out. It doesn’t hurt to double-check, even at the kid-friendly wineries listed below, as sometimes things change.

Kids still need to be supervised.

Common sense prevails here. You have to keep an eye on the kids, if nothing else, to prevent impromptu u-picking of the grapes.

Pack a picnic.

Some wineries offer simple meat and cheese selections, but typically food options are limited. Even if your kid does have the refined palette of a foodie-in-training, bring snacks. Many spots have picnic tables or large fields where you can enjoy them.

Bring a few entertainment options.

While grown-ups could probably pass the time by sitting, sipping, and chatting, the kids might need a little more stimulation. I would recommend bringing along a game of checkers, a soccer ball, or a good book (depending on kids’ ages.)

With younger kids, set a time limit.

Personally, I’m spoiled being so incredibly close to multiple kid-friendly options. However, my kids get cranky just like anyone else’s when they require a nap. With the pre-school and younger crowd, I try to limit our trips to about 2.5 hours total, including travel time. The exception here is very young babies (wear them to your heart’s content.)

Invite friends.

While I’m sure I would have enjoyed a trip with only my daughter, it was way more fun with friends (both hers and mine)!

Pace yourself.

Each sample in a tasting is about an ounce of wine (a standard glass of wine is five ounces). During the tasting, we took our time and ended up hanging out around the wineries for the better part of two hours and enjoying food as well. But if you are worried about the alcohol hitting you harder during the day, you can always skip a sample or two if you’d like.

Thanks to Fall Fun Sponsor Bella Organic Farm

Recommended Kid-Friendly Wineries:

Please note: We recommend messaging the winery of your choice to ask about the best time to visit with children and to double-check the kid-friendly status, as things do change. Also, some wineries allow children, and some welcome children. We’ve listed them all under the umbrella of “kid-friendly,” but feel free to contact the winery directly if you’d like to get a better sense of where they fall on that scale. We include notes from select wineries to help you plan your visit.

Amity

Brooks: They recommend an outdoor table for visits with children (more space, less glassware), and the Lemonshade table area has a few outdoor games like ladder golf and cornhole. There is no kids menu, but popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages are available. Some menu items may be simplified upon request. Be sure to reserve a seat for your children, too, not just the adults.

Carlton

Abbey Road Farm
Dominio IV: Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times on the property, as it is a working farm. They allow outside food for picnics, have a bocce ball court, and they’re dog-friendly!
Soter: Reservations required; include children in the headcount. They are kid-friendly, and they ask that children are seated and attended to during the tasting.

Cornelius

Ardiri Winery & Vineyards: Families with children are welcome in their outdoor seating areas, preferably at picnic tables adjacent to the lawn. Minors aren’t allowed in the tasting room, though babes in arms are allowed.

Dayton

Stoller Family Estate: Kid-friendly menus are offered daily and dogs on leash allowed outside.
Durant Redridge Farm: Children and their families are welcome. Enjoy the mile long walking trail, nursery, and farm shop. The wine tasting room has Pellegrino sodas available for kids. During the spring months, kids will love seeing the lambs in the sheep pasture below the tasting room.
Remy Wines
Sokol Blosser

Dundee

Argyle Winery: Kid- and dog-friendly. Please ensure children stay at your table to keep them safe.
Domaine Roy & fils

Forest Grove

David Hill Vineyards & Winery: Children are allowed and must be part of the head count on the reservation. They must stay seated with their caregivers.

Gaston

Beacon Hill: They encourage families to bring something to keep their children occupied and to please keep activities confined to their spacious lawn (avoid private property). Pets are also allowed on leash.

Hillsboro

Ruby Vineyard
Oak Knoll Winery: They are very family friendly. Kids may play on the lawn, and they supply games, cards, and coloring books for children. There are child-friendly sodas and snacks for sale, too.

Hood River

Grateful Vineyard: With incredible pizza and a casual farm atmosphere, this winery is absolutely kid- and dog-friendly. Pair it with a trip through the Hood River Fruit Loop, but be sure to make a reservation.
The Gorge White House Fruit Stand and Winery: Same story here! Enjoy your tasting at a picnic table while your kids snack on food from the farm stand or food cart. No reservations are required.
Marchesi Vineyards: This Hood River Fruit Loop winery enthusiastically welcomes children and dogs, but though the atmosphere is casual, the vibe is quiet and calm. For older children who enjoy eating charcuterie, this is a perfect stop. You also may bring picnic food. It truly feels as if you step out of the parking lot and into Italy.

Newberg

Adelsheim: They are kid-friendly and they offer drinks and activities for children.
Avidity Wines
Chehalem

Oregon City

Villa Catalana: You must pay for a tasting for your child, but you will receive a credit that you can use for wine or pizza instead.

Portland

Bella Organic Farm: Let the kids enjoy a strawberry lemonade and pet the farm animals while you cozy up to a wine flight!
Portland Wine Company: They welcome children in their tasting room, and kids will enjoy the sodas, bubble water, and snacks. The space is small, so families should bring something to keep children entertained. Portland Wine Company is best for children who can sit calmly with their family, to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all guests.

Please note that Hawks View is no longer kid-friendly.