Larson Family Winery is a dog and kid-friendly winery located in Sonoma Valley. Just a 1 hour drive from San Francisco, this winery has a laid back, country lifestyle vibe that is perfect for parents who want to get away to wine country and want to bring the family along!
A couple of weeks ago, we decided to get out of the house after being cooped up inside all week and make a drive to our favorite kid-friendly winery in the Napa Valley/Sonoma Valley region.
Larson Family Winery is located in Sonoma and the drive from our house in San Jose is about an hour and half (depending on traffic). Before heading there we always check the traffic because it can get congested once we get closer to the area due to the single lanes.
Before COVID-19 hit, we were able to just show up without having to make reservations but now it is reservation only.
Before You Go
Before you make the drive and head over there, keep in mind that going anywhere these days is not that simple. We can thank COVID-19 for that. There are a few things you’ll have to do to plan your visit.
1. Larson Family Winery, along with other wineries and dining establishments, are reservations only but they make the process super simple. Just on their website and reserve the date and time you wish to go.
2. They are limiting guest seatings to a maximum of 6 people (again due to COVID-19) so if you have a party larger than 6, you won’t be able to sit all together.
3. Normally they have a section for games such as bocce balls or bean bags, but at this time there are no games on the lawn.
4. There are plenty of seating and the tables are socially distanced so you don’t have to worry about being seated too closely to people. We noticed that when they did seat people, they were leaving a table in between so they really are limiting the amount of reservations they accept in a day.
5. You are able to bring outside food so feel free to bring a picnic. NOTE: on their website it does state that outside food is not allowed, however, the day we went, our server told us we could bring in our snacks. I’m not sure if their rules have changed and they just didn’t get a chance to update their website but I would call before hand to clarify this. They do sell some food there such as cheese, crackers, charcuterie type items but they do mark up the price and for me (especially with kids) it’s much better to bring your own picnic.
6. You must wear a mask at all times unless you are seated at your table.
7. They have two beautiful labradors walking around the property. They will come up to you and it’s ok to pet them and take pictures. They will even cuddle up to you and take a nap. Just be careful if you do have food on the table, they will snatch it up and eat it! It happened to us!
8. If you have a membership to the winery, you are seated in a separate section with comfier patio chairs and cushions. Otherwise, you will be seated at a picnic table or regular table and chairs. We have a membership, however, we have previously sat in both the members area and the picnic tables and both were great! The picnic tables brings you closer to the lawn area so you can let the kids run around and still see them from your table.
9. Minimum purchase is 1 bottle for every 2 adults.
Why We Love It
We love Larson Family Winery because it’s unpretentious, they have good wine, and the service is always great. The kid-friendly winery vibe makes us feel calm and relaxed knowing that it is completely acceptable to have kids there. It’s also pretty quiet and doesn’t get as rowdy as some other wineries we have visited in Napa/Sonoma area.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day sipping wine and enjoying the scenery.
Check out my previous post on how to spend a day in Sonoma with kids.
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