8 SA family-friendly wineries
Taking young children to a restaurant or winery can be daunting. With toddler tantrums, meltdowns and judgemental eyes, it feels like it isn’t worth the bother. But who says being a parent means having to miss out on grown-up fun. The good news is – it doesn’t!
We’ve found eight family-friendly wineries that guarantee a day parents and kids will both enjoy.
1. Barristers Block
Woodside
With its huge sandpit, animal sanctuary and large lawn area to run around on or have a picnic, Woodside’s Barristers Block is the perfect spot to enjoy a day out with the kids.
Indulge in some delicious stone-baked pizzas, the chef’s selection of local cheeses and fruits or a grazing-style lunch with wine. The kids have their own menu, too, including the favourites like pizza, chips and nuggets and juice.
2. Whistler Wines
Barossa
The adults get food and wine while the kids are entertained by a playground, cubby house, sprawling lawns, a treasure hunt and even a resident dog. Whistler Wines knows how to cater for families. There’s no restaurant on-site but you get the enjoyment of creating your own platter using delicious goodies from local producers, and you can purchase kids’ packs, which include juice, crackers with cheese dip, sultanas, a fruit bar and a lollipop, too. The winery also has special event days throughout the year where they bring in chefs and food trucks.
3. Woodstock Wine Estate
McLaren Vale
Wine, wildlife and a kitchen creating delicious food make Woodstock Wine Estate a winning combination for families. While parents can sample award-winning wines, families can enjoy the three-hectare wildlife sanctuary. You’ll find Australian native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and an emu. There are also daily kangaroo feeding sessions at 11.30am. Tickets to the feeding session at $5 with all proceeds going towards looking after the animals and maintaining the sanctuary.
4. DiGiorgio Family Wines
Coonawarra
A lush green open lawn sets the scene for an inviting family experience at DiGiorgio Family Wines. Understanding that parents can’t always leave kids behind to enjoy an adult day out, they cater to families by providing a selection of indoor and outdoor toys to amuse children. The grownups can then sample wines and nosh on choose-your-own-produce platters. When the kids are done playing and ready to eat, there are $10 snack packs available for them. If you don’t want to leave your pooch at home, they can also join the family at DiGiorgio Family Wines.
5. Jacob’s Creek
Barossa Valley
Jacob’s Creek is one of South Australia’s most famous names in wine, in the heart of the Barossa, and boasts plenty of space to run around. You can even play ping pong or have a hit of tennis at Jacob’s Creek. There’s a picnic where everything is taken care of for you. You don’t even need to bring a picnic blanket as it’s provided, along with a selection of food sourced from local producers.
6. Kimbolton Wines
Langhorne Creek
Families are well catered for at Kimbolton Wines with several packages on offer to make for a fantastic day out. Take your pick from the Kids Flight, Family Experience or Family Tasting Experience & Pallet Picnic for 4’. Each cater for both parents and children. There’s wine and cheese pairings for the adults, while the little tackers can tuck into cordial, cheese, kabana and chocolate. There’s also an activity pack to keep them busy while the adults relax. Once you’ve finished indulging in food and wine, there are lawn games for the kids (and the kids at heart).
7. Z Wines
Barossa Valley
Not a winery as such, but a cellar door set on the main street in Tanunda, at Z Wines families can enjoy an afternoon out in a charming vintage setting. Parents will appreciate the wine and food on offer, while children will delight in the cutest tasting plank, which features a selection of juices, milk and water, fairy bread, fritz, cheese, pretzels, marshmallow and strawberries. There’s also a toy corner to keep the kids entertained.