Garden State Wineries That Welcome Kiddos & Fidos With Open Arms
There’s nothing more awkward for a parent than the subtle “your child is disrupting the experience here” side-eye from other guests expecting an adults-only experience at restaurants and wineries.
While there will always be a time and a place for adults-only dining and drinking experiences, the realities of modern life often mean that parents don’t just need—they actually want to—bring their kids with them to experience great food and wine.
The same can be said for parents of fur-babies, who are so busy working and adulting during the week, all they want to do when it’s time to chill is bring their dog along for the ride.
The keyword being: chill. Thankfully, there are a number of fantastic Garden State wineries that welcome children and dogs with open arms—not to mention great snacks and water bowls!
For the Kids
Terhune Orchards Vineyards and Winery
Terhune offers activities year-round for kids of all ages, with orchards boasting pick-your-own fruit (gear up for blueberries, blackberries and peaches next) May through October, with farm animals, a kids garden, kids tractors and so much more year-round. Head over for the Weekend Music Series to enjoy live music, fire pits, cheese plates, great wine and apple cider. Adults can adult, and kids can play with farm animals, activities and fresh air.
Saddlehill welcomes children to its lawn and indoor tasting room on Sundays. Kids and their parents will appreciate the space to run, the warm welcome and the kid-friendly pizzas and French fries (in addition to more rarefied fare like seasonal salads and loaded cheese plates). But the pinch-hit is often Saddlehill’s events. Who can resist their farm tour, where guests get to meet the farm winery’s sheep, horses, alpacas, chickens and more … and learn how they—in addition to being adorable—contribute to a healthy and delicious wine ecosystem.
In true family farm form, Beneduce loves it when guests come with their pint-sized crew in tow—especially on Sundays, when the under-21 set is explicitly invited from 12 to 5 pm. $10 gets you low-key all-day fun with acoustic music, a local food truck, wines by the glass and plenty of room to move and groove. At events like Group Therapy, babies 2 and younger are welcome to partake in wine, live music, lawn games and great food.
Laurita Winery was founded out of a love for community and connection, so it’s no surprise that it offers an array of programming for the entire family. Laurita Junior Idol is a super popular singing competition including contestants from three age groups for kids 8-17: the finals are on July 10, with cash prizes for every age group. There is also the delicious Do Good! Eat Good! Food Truck Fest June 28-29, with kids 21 and under free and donations going to Food Pantries.
For the Dogs
Given the name of the establishment, it’s no surprise that Working Dog is canine-friendly. Here’s the deal: leashed dogs are allowed on the lawn, water is provided for the dogs, you can bring snacks for your dog … and everyone wins. On weekend days, kids are welcome too on the lawn. Inside spaces remain 21 and over, humans only.
With sweeping vistas of the vineyards framed by the Sourland Mountains, dogs and their people won’t mind the outdoor-only dogs policy at Old York Cellars. Dogs are requested to be on leash and in the grass areas. For the smoothest experience, book ahead. The estate wines, wine cocktails and killer Spanish-style tapas from Chef José are popular, so seats fill up fast.
When a winery’s goodwill ambassador is a dog, you know you’re in good company. As long as your pup is on leash and outside, you and your crew can enjoy all the wine, food trucks and live music.
