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 Benziger
Family Winery (Glen Ellen, on the road to Jack London State Park) – The Benziger Family Winery is one of our favorites, because kids can
get a chance to understand the ecology of a vineyard, as well as enjoy
a picnic under the oak trees, play on the swing set, check out the old
rusted farm tractor, plows, grape crusher or wooden wine barrels, watch
the peacocks, or walk out into the middle of a vineyard.
The setting of this vineyard is just about perfect. Nestled in the hills,
covered with vines, wooden frame buildings evoke the Sonoma Valley of
earlier decades. Take the 45 min. tram tour (half price for kids,
since they won't be wine tasting), which goes through the fields, and
stops at the caves, grape crusher, and in the vineyard itself. Kids can
feel free to ask all the questions they like on the tour.
Absolutely don't miss the self-guided walk to the "Insectory," which starts at the parking lot, just follow the flags into the middle
of the vineyard. The Insectory has plants that encourage biological control
of pests, and display exhibits that explain traditional estate farming
(composting, care of soil, providing houses for birds owls and bats to
keep out gophers and finches that attack the vines.) And listen for the
sounds of birds. |
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Bartholomew
Park Winery (Sonoma) – You'd never guess that a five minute drive
from the plaza in Sonoma, you'd find yourself on a hilltop, surrounded by
vines and wooded hillsides, as far as you can see. Along with wine tasting,
of course, the winery has lots of wooden picnic tables shaded under
the oak trees, and miles of hiking trails. Just follow the Trails
signs from the picnic tables, to the gate in the fence. From there you can
take a three mile (round trip) along the creek, through the redwoods and
manzanita, with views and a lake. This is particularly nice in spring, with
the wildflowers, yellow mustard, and fruit trees in bloom. |
