Wine Tasting with Babies & Toddlers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Stoller Family Estate has a tire swing, cornhole, and other kid-friendly games.

Wine tasting sounds like an adult activity. But don’t be fooled. It’s actually surprisingly enjoyable with babies and toddlers, provided you make good choices.

Some tips for doing it right

Go to a winery that is known to be child-friendly, or call ahead to make sure. Places with large outdoor spaces are much preferable to small tasting rooms tailored to adults.

Arrive early in the day, on a weekday. The Willamette Valley wineries all seem to open at 11am. That’s the perfect time to set up camp with a blanket and a baby. You’ll likely have the place mostly to yourself. Drink some vino, have a picnic lunch!

Stoller Family Estate at mid-day on a Wednesday.

Pick a place that serves food. It’s so nice to have a beautiful cheese or charcuterie board delivered right to you, and cheese, crackers, and fruits cut into small pieces are perfect for little ones. Supplement with your own snacks or sandwiches from home--no one will bat an eye.

Designate a driver. Obviously. Babies and buzzed adults can nap in the car between wineries if you plot your route carefully. On a tip from a local, we drove the length of Worden Hill Road (Route 12) from Dundee and saw some of the oldest, most stunning wineries in the region and a landscape that reminded me of Tuscany with its rolling hills and color palette of deep greens, reds, and browns.

Take your time. It’s not just about the wine. It’s about soaking up the vibe of wine country and immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery. On one visit to the Stoller Family Estate, I walked Luca in his stroller for a nap, which gave me the chance to stroll the grounds and see more of the vineyards in harvest season. If I’d had the time, I would have loved to stay a couple nights in the adorable nearby town of Carlton and spent a few days touring wineries in the area. Stoller also has its own guesthouse on site.