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Who says wine tasting is only for grown-ups? At Retzlaff Vineyards in Livermore, California, you’ll find a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that’s just as welcoming to little ones as it is to wine lovers.
With beautiful picnic grounds, live music, delicious food, and organic award-winning wines, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savor a weekend afternoon – kids allowed.
Where Is Retzlaff Vineyards?
Address:
1356 S Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
Hours:
Open Friday – Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Reservations are highly recommended to guarantee your spot, but they’ll also do their best to accommodate small walk-ins if space allows. Our small group had no reservations and they accommodated us right away.
Wine Tasting at Retzlaff
We signed up for a 1-hour tasting, during which we sampled five incredible wines.
You can choose from:
- A traditional flight
- An all-white wine flight
- An all-red wine flight
Tastings are usually held outdoors, allowing you to soak up the fresh air and stunning scenery. If the weather isn’t cooperating, tastings move indoors to a cozy setting. Either way, it’s a beautiful, laid-back experience.
Tip: Tastings are popular, so book ahead to secure a spot.
What Makes Retzlaff So Special?
Retzlaff Vineyards sits on a stunning 14-acre estate surrounded by rows of Certified Organic grapevines and shady picnic grounds. No pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are ever used, meaning the wine is not just delicious — it’s also crafted with care for the land and the people who enjoy it.
Their award-winning wines are made using old-school wine-making techniques, bringing out the best flavors, depth, and complexity in every bottle. Great wine really does start in the vineyard here!
It’s also Family-Friendly
Even though Retzlaff is a winery, it feels surprisingly welcoming for families.
Here’s why:
- The grounds are open, shaded, and relaxed, with lots of picnic tables, Adirondack chairs where kids can sit and play.
- They encourage families to bring tabletop entertainment for kids.
- During our visit, someone brought a bubble machine, and it was one of the highlights. Our kids were happily entertained as they chased bubbles, while we enjoyed wine and conversation.
- Live music often plays on weekends, creating a lively, festive atmosphere that has everyone, including kids, dancing and smiling. There was a live band when we arrived and they played lots of old school 80s and 90s pop and R&B music.
- Food trucks set up shop, offering yummy bites to go with your wine. When we visited, we found a fantastic Mexican food truck offering fresh and tasty options.
Important Note: It’s a relaxed environment, but kids do need to stick close to their tables or stay close to their parents.
Wine Club Perks
If you fall in love with Retzlaff’s wines (like we did!), you might want to check out their Wine Club. Members enjoy:
- Discounts on all wine purchases
- Free quarterly tastings
- No picnic fees for groups up to six people
- Early access to special offers and events
It’s a great way to make Retzlaff your go-to weekend spot!
Pets Welcome, Too
Retzlaff allows leashed, non-barking dogs (up to two per group). Just bring water and a bowl for them and be sure to pick up after your furry friend.
Why We Loved It
From the beautiful scenery to the delicious wine, friendly staff, and family-inclusive vibe, Retzlaff Vineyards completely won us over. We loved seeing a mix of families, birthday celebrations, couples relaxing, and kids dancing to the music. The entire place buzzes with a happy, relaxed energy.
It’s nothing fancy — and that’s what makes it so great.
If you’re looking for a casual spot to sip amazing wine, let the kids play nearby, and enjoy a carefree afternoon outdoors, Retzlaff Vineyards is a must-visit.
