Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share this much-anticipated blog post with you. Our wine country getaway is the first trip we’ve taken as a family for an entire year and a half. It’s been a while since we’ve traveled, and although this was only an hour and a half away, it felt so nice to NOT be home. It was a breath of fresh air to explore new places and see how much fun our boys were having. Before planning anything, we talked about what we should do. I feel like I’ve been pregnant for the past 3 years and needed a little (wine) relaxation. We originally booked a hotel in downtown Napa. Still, at the last minute, we decided it was “COVID-safer” to rent an AIRBNB for our family. I am so happy we changed our minds last minute! It was super convenient to have our own place, especially with kids! Since we were searching for an AIRBNB 2 days before leaving, we didn’t have many options.
But we found this adorable cottage in GLEN ELLEN, which is about 30 minutes from NAPA. We ended up going to 2 wineries in SONOMA, so the location was perfect. The wineries were only 15-20 minutes away. It was nestled in the middle of wine country, and the drive was just so scenic and beautiful.
Airbnb, we rated 10/10
Here’s the AIRBNB info: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18599847?source_impression_id=p3_1617500607_7Eb%2BxBG%2FcxAcsPs9&guests=1&adults=1
If you’re new to AIRBNB, you have nothing to worry about. I’ve been using it since 2014, and it’s the best thing invented since sliced bread. It was contactless check-in, and the little house was spotless. We brought our own pillows and blankets, along with the baby’s portable high chair and his pack and play (where he slept).
Here are some travel must-haves for us.
Next up, the wineries. Many moms will agree with me that planning a vacation with kids can get chaotic. I’m not saying to have every second planned out, but just having a general outline with activities. When you’re bringing your kids on a trip, having a plan will help things run smoothly. Things can go south real quick, and it’s good to be prepared if something goes wrong.
Living through a pandemic is difficult; we’ve endured so much this past year. We’ve lost loved ones, jobs, hope. I was seeing no light at the end of the tunnel some days. Things will never go back to normal, and that’s okay. We have to learn how to live this new life, and I am so thankful to have been vaccinated along with my entire family. I am so grateful for the doctors, nurses, teachers, scientists, essential workers, political leaders (some not all) who have fought tirelessly to help us get through this. I am grateful for so many things and have learned to enjoy even the tiniest moments. (rant over)
BC (before COVID), you would be able to drive up to any winery and enjoy a tasting. Well, those days are long gone (for the moment); reservations are recommended for any winery visit. If you want to bring kids, most wineries don’t allow them like they used to. You have to call in and make sure they do. I found a kid-friendly couple in the SONOMA region, which is not too far from Napa.
- Gloria Ferrer, we rated it 9/10
This winery was just down the road from our AIRBNB. They allowed kids and were beyond friendly; even the wine-tasting people were so lovely about us having our kids there! The scenery looks like a painting and felt as if we were wine tasting in Tuscany. We made the reservation online, and our tasting included a cheese charcuterie plate. The servings of wine were also great. They were definitely generous. Each tasting was $55 each, which wasn’t bad since they included a charcuterie plate. Here’s the info for reservations: Email reservations@gloriaferrer.com or call 707.933.1986 www.gloriaferrer.com
2. Gundlach Bundschu, we rated it 6/10
The second winery we visited was Gundlach, and although they did allow kids, we’re rating them based on their wines. We weren’t big fans of how they did their wine tastings. They gave us 1 glass each and placed both servings in one little cantor for my husband and me. We’re used to using a different glass for every wine tasting. Still, at this winery, they were just mixing everything together. We also had to buy water and rinse the cup before each wine. Usually, wineries offer water as part of your tasting. The scenery was beautiful, and the staff was also helpful. For more info: https://www.gunbun.com/visit/
Lunch: Cornerstone Sonoma (Forktable), which was right across the street from Gloria Ferrer winery. We rated it 10/10. This area was super cute and had different places to eat and enjoy lunch outside with plenty of space, away from other people. We went to Forktable cafe, ordered avocado toast for the kids, ordered a Caesar salad with chicken, and my husband ordered a burger. Everything was so good, and the service was terrific! We also had a glass of white wine, and it was a perfect place to relax with the kids.
We also wanted to take the kids to an animal sanctuary the next morning, but it was all booked up. Here’s the info https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1174710 definitely make sure to book this in advance.
Now, for my people who don’t have kids or simply just want to go on a getaway without kids, here are my other favorites.
Breakfast: Boon Fly Cafe
Wineries
Also wanted to share some Wine Country inspired outfit ideas. I always bring a hat in case there isn’t a shade while wine tasting, and of course comfortable shoes. I hope you enjoyed this post, and cheers!
