You don’t have to drive far to get away from the sights and sounds of the city. Grab a few good books and maybe even a board game and head to one of these DMV farms to enjoy a cold pint or sip Merlot. Scroll on for the best family friendly wineries and breweries in and around DC and get ready to wine-d down & cool off with the kids in tow.
Wineries
Bull Run Winery
Located in Centerville, Virginia this winery is the closest to DC but feels a world away. The pastoral setting has plenty of space for kiddos to roam. Grab a glass or two and sit on the porch while the littles run around this wide-open space reserved for families. Take a walk as a family and explore the old homestead before your wine tasting. You can reserve a picnic table prior to arriving or find a spot to spread a picnic blanket. Right now, this venue is outdoors only and masks are required when walking the grounds.
15950 Lee Hwy.
Centreville, VA
703-815-2233
Online: wineryatbullrun.com
Barrel Oak Winery
Long-cited as DC’s top family-friendly winery, Barrel Oak unfolds against the backdrop of the beautiful Virginia Piedmont countryside, just a hop and a skip (one hour) from the District. Owners Brian and Sharon work hard to create a community atmosphere by welcoming parents with kids, hikers, bikers, and travelers from the other side of the globe. And their love of dogs is evident throughout the place, from the paw prints on the menus, to their resident staff member, Birch. Children love the all-inclusive, pet-friendly atmosphere; adults love the expansive patio views and whimsical décor. And then there’s the award-winning wines, 24,000 gallons right on the property. Enjoy live music Fri. nights until 9 p.m. Picnic tables are first come, first served.
3623 Grove Ln.
Delaplane, VA
540-364-6402
Online: barreloak.com
Early Mountain Vineyards
If you’re looking for a majestic, comfortable place where the entire family can lounge around together, Early Mountain Vineyards is your place. Located just an hour and a half away from downtown DC. Kids can even join in the tasting with Okencroft Farm Juices, made from wine grapes, but without the alcohol. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can reserve a patio seat or picnic table here.
6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd.
Madison, VA
540-948-9005
Online: earlymountain.com
Paradise Springs Winery
This really is a little spot of paradise located right in Clifton, VA. Pack up a picnic lunch, plan a hike at the nearby Hemlock Overlook Regional Park and then recoup in the sunshine at this family-friendly vineyard. Small snacks are for sale, live music plays on Saturday afternoons and while tiny tots are not allowed on the back deck the outdoor space is perfect for picnics and play time. They also feature fun events like movie nights and yoga.
13219 Yates Ford Rd.
Clifton, VA
703-830-9463
Online: paradisespringswinery.com
Sugar Loaf Mountain Vineyard
The relaxed family-friendly vibes are immediate when you head out to Sugar Loaf Mountain Vineyard in Dickerson, MD. A designated play area just for wee ones with an expansive space beyond encourages all the running, jumping and games of tag they can muster. No need to sneak in snacks you can buy small ones here or bring your own set of sweets and savories to munch on while you spend a whole day outside enjoying vino and Familia.
18125 Comus Rd.
Dickerson, MD
301-605-0130
Online: smvwinery.com
Port Potomac Vineyard & Winery
Want to feel as if you are on a bit of a getaway? Port Potomac Vineyard and Winery is the place to find a bit of Tuscany in Northern Virginia. Take advantage of one of their other family-friendly events held year-round.
275 Decatur Rd. Stafford, VA 540-446-2251 Online: potomacpointwinery.com
Quattro Goomba's Winery
Just saying the name, Quattro Goombas is fun, so visiting is certain to be a treat. Wine, frozen sangria, craft beer, thick crusty pizza, tacos and beverage flights are all in a day’s visit. Bring a picnic and lounge around while the kiddos play, you can literally spend an entire day here without getting bored. There’s plenty of room to explore, vineyards to admire and of course – wine to drink! Don't forget to reserve your space before you go.
22860 Monroe-Madison Memorial Hwy.
Aldie, VA
703-327-6052
Online: goombawine.com
Rockland Farms Winery & Market
In addition to some of the yummiest pasture-raised meats, fruit, and veggies, this working farm pours some of the tastiest wines near the DMV. Swing by Thursday-Sunday for sips and family-friendly self-guided tours. There's plenty of running around space for the littles and the rustic scenery makes for fabulous photo opps.
14525 Montevideo Rd.
Poolesville, MD
301-825-8075
Online: rocklandsfarmmd.com
Keswick Vineyards
Located on the Monticello wine trail near Charlottesville, VA, Keswick’s 400-acre Edgewood Estate is the quintessential manor with breathtaking views of the countryside and the Blue Ridge Mountains. While it’s a gorgeous spot for a high-class wedding, you’ll feel equally at home with your little ones in tow for a wine tasting and tour. Crayons, coloring books and games are available to keep them busy while you swirl and swish the goods. Check their website for summer family-friendly events featuring live music, food, and of course, vino.
1575 Keswick Winery Dr.
Keswick, VA
434-244-3341
Online: keswickvineyards.com
Breweries
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery
Enjoy live music every Sat. & Sun. at this Loudoun County brewery that serves up wine and cider along with their cold ones. Kids and pets are always welcome. Due to COVID, the playground is currently closed, but there is plenty of space to run, roam and tire out tiny legs.
42245 Black Hops Ln
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-779-7407
Online: vanishbeer.com
Wheatland Spring Far & Brewery
An hour drive from DC, this brewery is nestled on a 30 acre farm in the picture-perfect hamlet of Waterford. They offer contact-free ordering and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a socially distant brew.
38506 John Wolford Rd.
Waterford, VA 20197
(540) 746-6080
Online: wheatlandspring.com
Eavesdrop Brewery
Leave the hustle-and-bustle of all-things-metro behind at this rustic, barn-like brewery off Route 28 near Manassas. Tucked away behind a small, suburban strip mall, Eavesdrop offers plenty of space for kids and pet to run and play outdoors. You'll find the usual beer-garden staples, like cornhole, on the property. The patio area is expansive with numerous picnic tables; outside food is welcome and encouraged. Weather permitting, there is an outdoor fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Don't forget your masks; they are required when standing in line to order.
7223 Centreville Rd., Ste. 115
Manassas, VA
703-420-8955
Online: eavesdropbrewery.com
Dirt Farm Brewing
Nestled on the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dirt Farm not only serves exceptional beers but it offers views for miles. Kids will enjoy grabbing a meal here: Dirt Farm offers house-made flatbreads. You’ll find plenty of toys and attractions on-hand to entertain the little ones, like tubs of bubbles, monster-sized trucks and more. Want more kid-friendly fun when you're done? Head to Great Country Farms before or after a pint.
18701 Foggy Bottom Rd.
Bluemont, VA
540-554-2337
Online: dirtfarmbrewing.com
—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Hilary Riedemann
featured photo: Chateau Ste. Michelle
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