Sonoma Valley - Sonoma County West

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels in Sonoma Valley and West County, all styles and price ranges, and near to places you'll want to explore:

Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen) – 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.

Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery (Sonoma) – You'd never guess that a five minute drive from downtown Sonoma, you'd find yourself on a hilltop, surrounded by vines and wooded hillsides, as far as you can see. The vineyard was originally planted in the 19th century with grapes from Europe.

The winery is located within Bartholomew Park, surrounded by a large grassy area (perfect for kids to run around and play) and picnic tables, plus hiking trails.