A visit to a family-friendly winery is just a few minutes away! While visiting award-winning Charlottesville wineries is an amazing activity for a grown-up time, it can be lots of fun with the kids, too. Consider inviting another family to join you. The kids will love playing with their friends while you sip wine nearby and catch up. There are over 40 wineries in Charlottesville’s Monticello wine region, many of which won awards at the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition. Several of these beautiful properties welcome children and pets. Like with any family outing, parents have much to consider before visiting a winery with kids. For instance, when is the best time to go, what snacks to bring and how to entertain the kids. Here is a guide to family-friendly wineries near Charlottesville with details about the extras they offer. I’ve also included some parent-tested tips to make your outing fun for both kids and adults.
Blenheim Vineyards
31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Distance from Charlottesville: 20–25 minutes
Blenheim Vineyards is a family-friendly winery with rich local history. The family-friendly property is located just 20 minutes south of Charlottesville. Your history lovers in the family will enjoy learning about and seeing a property that’s history dates back to 1730. You’ll even be able to see an assortment of 18th and 19th-century outbuildings on the property while visiting. The winery was designed by owner, Dad and musician Dave Matthews and craftsman William Johnson. Completed in 2000, it is just one of a few spaces guests can enjoy when visiting the wine estate. Outside of the tasting room, two different decks, a patio and a tented picnic table area offer visitors opportunities to enjoy the property’s beauty. Snacks like charcuterie are always available in the tasting room. There are also rotating food trucks that visit on Saturdays between April and December.
Although many sell out quickly, the Painted Series Red and White wines and merchandise are unique keepsakes. Everything in the collection features artwork by Dave Matthews. Blenheim Vineyards winemaking is led by Kirsty Harmon, one of only a handful of female winemakers in the state.
Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm
1135 Clan Chisholm Lane, Earlysville, VA, 22936 | Distance from Charlottesville: 20 minutes
Located near the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Chisholm Vineyards offers a laid-back atmosphere on 500 acres – 14 of them planted to grapevines. Your family can enjoy beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views, a pond and open lawns. Set up a space for a picnic with lawn chairs or blankets. Or, snag a spot under the Pavilion or Wisteria Arbor. On cooler days, get cozy near one of their outdoor fire pits. The family-friendly winery also features food trucks and seasonal live music, so be sure to check the calendar. Additionally, Adventure Farm has been raising beef cattle since 1950. While visiting, your little ones might even catch a glimpse of cattle up close. Dogs are also welcomed on leashes.
Chisholm Vineyards brought home numerous awards in 2024 for their estate-grown wine. Their 2019 Petit Verdot garnered a gold medal in the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition. While their 2022 Rose, 2022 Vidal Blanc and 2022 Viognier each won a silver medal. The winery’s 2019 Farmer’s Reserve also brought home a silver medal from the 2024 Monticello Wine Trail Cup Awards.
Eastwood Farm & Winery
2531 Scottsville Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 | Distance from Charlottesville: 12-15 minutes
Also south of Charlottesville is Eastwood Farm & Winery, a women-owned, family-operated farm winery. This family-friendly winery also offers food. Eastwood’s tasting room features a full menu seven days a week. Little ones can enjoy a kids’ cheese board, juice flights and local ice cream novelties. On weekends, your hungry family can also take advantage of local food trucks. A third dining option, the Terrace Bar and Tent, looks over the beautiful farm and large, terraced lawn. Guests are even welcome to hike along the wildflower meadow up to a beautiful overlook. Additionally, the winery offers live music and events throughout the year. So be sure to check the calendar of events before heading out. Dogs are also welcomed on leashes.
Eastwood Farm & Winery is newer to the local wine scene. However, their 2023 Petit Manseng won a gold medal and placement in the 2024 Monticello Wine Trail Cup Case. This delicious dry wine shows notes of honeysuckle, pineapple and mango. It was selected to be in the winning case in the 2024 Monticello Wine Trail competition.
Keswick Vineyards
1575 Keswick Winery Drive, Keswick, VA 22947 | Distance from Charlottesville: 20-25 minutes
A unique wine experience can be had at Keswick Vineyards. The family-friendly winery is located just a few minutes East of Charlottesville. In 2022, they opened a nine-hole mini golf course, which was a dream of the owners. All ages are welcome to play the wine-themed course. Adults will enjoy the bar at the halfway point to replenish beverages. For a more relaxing time, enjoy both covered and open outdoor seating options. The in-house food truck offers light finger foods, charcuterie and more on most days. If you plan on bringing your furry family member, be sure to keep them on a leash. For off-leash play, enjoy the fenced-in dog park. Keswick Vineyards really does cater to the whole family.
The winery, which has been around since 2000, is also no stranger to awards. At the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup awards, they garnered a gold medal for their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. They also received silver medals for their 2022 Cabernet Franc and 2022 Lydian. At the 2024 Monticello Wine Trail awards, they received two other awards. Their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a gold medal, while their 2022 Trevillan Red Blend earned a silver.
King Family Vineyards
6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932 | Distance from Charlottesville: 20-25 minutes
Just west of Charlottesville in Crozet sits King Family Vineyards. The expansive property welcomes families with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Each Sunday, May-October, families enjoy attending their weekly polo matches. Even on non-match days, the kids can catch a glimpse of the horses in their barns or out in the paddock. The outdoor lawns offer plenty of space for tossing a frisbee or football, setting up a picnic or enjoying a lawn game. Be sure to also check their schedule for food trucks, live music or seasonal events. Dogs are also welcomed on leashes.
In 2024, King Family Vineyards took home top honors at major wine competitions. They earned the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup for their 2019 Meritage. Winemaker and local dad, Matthieu Finot accepted the award at the Governor’s Cup Gala along with his wife, Erin, and the King family. This is Finot’s third Governor’s Cup win for King Family Vineyards. The winery’s 2021 Mountain Plains Red, a popular red blend also won the Monticello Wine Trail Cup.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard
594 Merrie Mill Farm, Keswick, VA 22947 | Distance from Charlottesville: 20-25 minutes
Like Keswick Vineyards, Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard is also east of Charlottesville in the Keswick area. The current owners re-opened the property as a winery in 2021. Both the interior property and exterior grounds exude a bright and eclectic style. The spaces are also kid-friendly and encourage creative play. For instance, families will enjoy the swing, climbing log, space to play outside and charming antique push carousel. Circus-inspired parasol tables also face beautiful views. The seating is perfect for enjoying musical performances on the outdoor stage. Merrie Mill also offers a full food menu with a kids’ section and the eats are delicious – the family also owns the very popular Feast! in town. Dogs are welcome on leashes, too.
For this newer family-friendly winery, their first vintage proved to be successful. At the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup awards, their 2021 Calaboose Cabernet Sauvignon earned a gold medal. They also won a silver for their 2021 Red Blend, 2021 Rock Tree Chardonnay and 2022 Cabernet Franc.
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery
154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA 22725 | Distance from Charlottesville: 50 minutes
Situated on a 70-acre property just 30 miles north of Charlottesville is Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery. This woman-owned winery has been in the industry for over 40 years and seems to always have youngsters playing on the lawn or eating in the pub. Both the winery and Tap 29 Brewer & Pub are open seven days a week, and the Pub offers plenty of kid-friendly options. While on the property, enjoy a private or self-guided tour. Or, create a space on the lawn for the whole family to enjoy together. Frequent live music will entertain all ages, as will dance events and trivia nights.
Owner Kristin Swanson Easter purchased the winery in 2005. Upon doing so, she joined only a handful of other wineries around the world that are female owned. The team also recently welcomed award-winning Winemaker Bryan Jones. Jones brings 20 years of experience to Prince Michel.
How To Plan A Family-Friendly Winery Outing with Kids
As with every outdoor adventure, a few items will always remain on your packing list. Some of these go-to items include sunscreen, bug spray and blankets or lawn chairs. Portable activities and games should also be added to your list. Read on for even more items to consider packing up before heading out with young kids.
Look for Special Winery Activities & Events
When considering visiting a family-friendly winery near Charlottesville, be sure first to check their websites. Many host special and seasonal events, some of which are not the most kid-friendly. Some wineries, however, do host more family-oriented events. Chisell Winery, while it is 21 and up at the winery itself, hosts the gorgeous Virginia Sunflower Festival for all ages. Others may advertise their welcome-ness with kid-friendly areas, games or walking paths. For those who don’t specifically designate areas to families, it’s best to venture towards outdoor areas. This will help your family avoid disrupting the quieter interiors where tastings are happening.
Even if a vineyard welcomes exploring the property, be sure to stay with your kids. We wouldn’t want little ones getting lost or hurt. This will also ensure they stay out of restricted areas. Don’t forget to remind your little ones of vineyard etiquette: Do not touch grapes or vines! Be sure to also check our calendar for special events at local wineries. Many like to cater to families around holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, 4th of July and Christmas.
Plan for Naps
Another detail to consider is your child’s naptime (if they are still of age). Every parent knows when their child likes to (or needs to) catch some shut eye. And it’s never enjoyable for anyone, kids and parents included, to clash a consistent schedule in public. So be sure to consider whether your child(ren) behaves better after a nap or if they can sleep en route.
Bring On the Games
When heading to a vineyard, don’t forget to pack the games. A picnic blanket (or two) will go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable. Entertaining your kids at a family-friendly winery can be as simple as bringing board games, bubbles, a deck of cards and books. Some other ideas include puzzles, art supplies or electronics for educational apps. If they offer lawn space to enjoy, lawn games are always a hit. Some family favorites include bocce ball, ladder ball, a kite, lawn darts, washer toss or bean bag toss. All are relatively easy to transport and set up, and they can keep your kids entertained and nearby.
If you need to buy yourself more time, try making a competition out of a few games. For instance, whomever wins the most games gets to choose the next destination. This is a great way to turn an outing into a family day. Check out our lists for local ice cream shops, museums or restaurants. Depending on the season, you can also plan to enjoy local berry picking or apple picking. Kid-friendly hikes or adventures are other great pairings. Even a pit stop at a local playground would surely be a hit. By pairing a kid-friendly activity with a vineyard outing, your kids will be able to exert some energy. For the younger ones, this will also teach them the difference between places made for exerting energy and more calm environments.
Easy-to-Pack Snacks
Before packing up your kids’ favorites, be sure and check which wineries permit outside food and snacks. When thinking about snack ideas for the day, remember that you will be outside for most of it. So, hydration and healthier options will be more sustaining and beneficial. Some snack ideas include granola bars, cheese and crackers, applesauce pouches and dried fruit. Other filling ideas are yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit and vegetables, and sandwiches. For some recipe ideas, be sure to check out our Food section, especially the Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Pizza Recipe.
It might seem like a lot of work to plan out your day at a winery, but it will be worth it. And all the effort to make the day more enjoyable will help make future trips to other vineyards more desirable for the whole family. If you have a favorite winery, consider joining their mailing list to learn about their events throughout the year. Many offer live music, holiday events, visiting food trucks and more. And be sure to keep an eye on our Calendar of Events for more ideas and events locally. ~