5 Family-Friendly Lodi Wineries for Your Holiday Gathering

Photo credit: Michael David Winery

Your sister just flew in with the kids. Your parents want to “do something fun as a family.” Your cousin's bringing the dog. And somehow, you're in charge of entertaining everyone from ages 4 to 74 for an entire afternoon.

Welcome to the holidays.

Here's the good news: You don't need an elaborate plan or weeks of advance reservations. You just need to get everyone to Lodi wine country, where tasting rooms are built for exactly this moment – when the whole crew is in town and needs a place to gather, relax, and actually enjoy each other's company.

According to recent travel data, 92% of parents plan family travel, with multi-generational trips becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism trends. Wine country doesn't have to mean ‘adults only’ and in Lodi, it never has. 

Here, multi-generational farming families have been welcoming multi-generational visitors for decades, creating tasting room experiences where kids can play, dogs can roam, and everyone leaves happy.

Better yet? Many Lodi wineries welcome walk-ins, with an average tasting fee of just $16 (compared to the industry average of $38 - and often waived with purchase). That means you can gather the whole crew without the stress of complicated planning or breaking the bank.

This holiday season, these five wineries are rolling out the welcome mat with special festive events that make them even more perfect for family gatherings. Most of these tasting rooms are dog-friendly (bring your furry family member!) and do not require reservations for groups of less than 6. If you’ve got a large group, it’s always best to call ahead to ensure you’ll receive the best service!

Best of all – these aren't the only family-friendly wineries in town. More than 40 Lodi tasting rooms allow for all-ages visitors. Take your family to a few and see what feels like the best fit!

Photo credit: Intercoastal Vineyards

Intercoastal Vineyards: Big Space, Big Welcome

Sometimes, what families need most is simple: space. Intercoastal Vineyards delivers with a warehouse-style tasting room and expansive outdoor areas where kids can run around while parents enjoy award-winning wines.

The Spaletta family's farming heritage creates an atmosphere that's authentically agricultural – casual, welcoming, and built for real life. Their trademarked motto, “Embrace Every Moment,” is evident in how the space accommodates everyone from wine enthusiasts to energetic children.

On December 14, Sunday with Santa brings holiday magic to the mix, offering families the perfect reason to visit. Kids can snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, warm up at the hot cocoa bar, and let parents actually relax. Adults? Enjoy wood-fired pizza from Paul's Rustic Oven, explore the new gift shop, and enjoy a glass or bottle of your favorite varietal.

What to try: Check out the wines included in Intercoastal’s latest club releases, including Dry Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Montepulciano.

Family bonus: Room to roam, plus hot cocoa for the kids during holiday events.

Holiday event: Sunday with Santa, December 14, from 11:00AM-5:00PM.

Good to know: Walk-ins welcome and dog friendly – bring your furry family member along too!

Photo credit: Jessie's Grove

Jessie's Grove Winery: Heritage, History, and Horses

Jessie's Grove isn't just a winery, it's a living piece of California agricultural history. The expansive property includes horses, farm animals, and a museum showcasing 250 years of farming heritage through antique equipment and artifacts. For families, it's the kind of place where kids can explore authentic farm life while adults appreciate some of California's oldest Zinfandel vines.

On December 20, Jessie's Grove leans into holiday fun with Photos with Santa followed by their Ugly Sweater Party featuring The Network Band. It's wine country meets holiday party – bring your most ridiculous sweater, capture the obligatory Santa photo, and enjoy live music with a bottle of old vine Zin. Walk-ins are welcome (bring lawn chairs for outdoor seating), making it easy to gather the crew without advance planning stress.

The property's size means families can spread out, with kids exploring the horses and museum displays while adults settle into the tasting room or patio. It's the kind of multi-sensory experience that keeps all ages engaged.

What to try: Jessie's Grove specializes in heritage varietals from ancient vines, including their acclaimed Royal Tee Zinfandel, made from grapes grown on vines planted in 1889. Check out their Carignane and Cinsault for more old vine wines. 

Family bonus: Farm animals, horses, and a 250-year heritage museum that brings agricultural history to life.

Holiday event: Photos with Santa (1:00-4:00PM) & Ugly Sweater Party with live music (4:00-7:00PM), Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Good to know: Walk-ins welcome; bring lawn chairs for outdoor concert seating. Dog friendly. Tastings range from $15-$20, waived with the purchase of a bottle.

Photo credit: Mettler Family Vineyards

Mettler Family Vineyards: Room to Roam

Five generations of Mettler family farming have created something special: seven acres of lush, landscaped grounds where families can spread out, explore, and actually enjoy themselves. The expansive property gives kids room to wander safely while adults discover ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah – all sustainably (LODI RULES) and organically (CCOF) farmed from vines the family has tended for over a century.

On December 13, the 5th Annual Christmas Sip 'n Shop offers the perfect solution for holiday multitasking. Over 30 local vendors set up shop, Santa arrives for photo opportunities, holiday tunes fill the air, and mimosas flow freely. It's the kind of event where your mom can finish her holiday shopping, your dad can discover his new favorite Cab, the kids can meet Santa, and nobody has to split up to make it all happen.

The warm hospitality and spacious grounds make Mettler ideal for gatherings where people need room, whether that's kids who need to move or extended family groups who want to linger without feeling cramped. Walk-ins are always welcome, dogs included.

What to try: Mettler specializes in bold, organically farmed reds. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah showcase over 100 years of Lodi grape-growing expertise.

Family bonus: Seven acres of landscaped grounds give families room to explore; mimosas for adults, and photos with Santa – holiday cards checked off the list!

Holiday event: 5th Annual Christmas Sip 'n Shop with 30+ vendors & Santa photos, December 13, 12:00-5:00PM.

Good to know: Walk-ins welcome; dog-friendly; beautiful grounds perfect for wandering.

Photo credit: Ann Backman Photography

Michael David Winery: Where the Kids Run Free

If you're looking for a winery where kids can actually be kids, Michael David is your answer. 

When Grandpa Don Phillips envisioned the family winery, he had one non-negotiable requirement: it had to be a place where kids could play and families could truly enjoy themselves. Mission accomplished. Michael David Winery features a full playground right next to an enclosed chicken coop, giving kids the freedom to burn energy safely while parents settle in with a glass of wine.

This sixth-generation family operation (rooted in Lodi since the 1860s) understands that wine country memories often start young. Brothers Michael and David grew up selling tomatoes from a roadside stand on Highway 12; now their children represent the next generation of Phillips family farmers. That agricultural authenticity means families aren't just tolerated here, they're expected.

On December 14, the Merry Little Market transforms the property into a festive shopping destination perfect for multi-generational gatherings. Bring the family to snap photos with Santa, sip mulled wine or hot cocoa, enjoy cookies, and shop local vendors.

What to try: Michael David's bold, playful Freakshow brand might be what you’re most familiar with, but it’s worth a stop by to indulge in some winery-exclusive varietals from the Misfits & Mavens, Inkblot, and Zero Gravity lines.

Family bonus: Full playground with enclosed chicken coop keeps kids entertained; Farm Café means nobody goes hungry.

Holiday event: Merry Little Market, December 14, 11:00AM-3:00PM.

Good to know: Walk-ins welcome (groups of 6 or fewer); dog friendly; tasting room open daily 10:00AM-5:00PM; Farm Café serves breakfast and lunch. 

Photo credit: Stephanie Russo Photography

Spenker Family Farm: Meet the Goats

For families looking for an authentic agricultural experience, Spenker Family Farm delivers something no playground can match: 70+ goats on an active dairy farm. These friendly residents provide entertainment, education, and a genuine connection to farm life that keeps kids engaged and adults charmed. It's not just a winery visit, it's a working farm where children can discover where cheese actually comes from.

This century-old family operation blends small-lot winemaking with farmstead goat cheese production, creating an experience that appeals to multiple generations. While wine enthusiasts sample wine and cheese pairings, kids meet the goats that produce the artisan cheese available in the on-site creamery. Grandparents appreciate the authentic agricultural heritage; parents love that everyone's genuinely entertained.

The laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere reflects Lodi's farming roots. The goats roam, the tasting room welcomes walk-ins, and the whole experience feels refreshingly genuine. Perfect for when your family needs to get out of the house and do something that's both educational and fun.

What to try: Spenker specializes in Old Vine Zinfandel and other varietals that showcase Lodi's terroir; pair your tasting with their farmstead goat cheese for the complete experience.

Family bonus: 70+ friendly goats on an active dairy farm—kids learn about agriculture while having a blast.

Good to know: Walk-ins welcome; explore the artisan creamery and watch cheese being made through windows to the tasting room

Make it Happen this Holiday Season

The holidays are about togetherness, and that includes your wine country adventures. In Lodi, you don't have to choose between sophisticated wine experiences and quality family time. You can have both, usually without a reservation, and always with a warm welcome.

So gather the grandparents, pack the kids (and maybe the dog), and discover why Lodi families have been making wine—and memories—together for generations. This December, there's room for everyone.

Ready to plan your visit? Explore family-friendly wineries and upcoming events at lodiwine.com/wineries.