Picchetti Winery: A Truly Family-Friendly Experience

Most people think wine country in California is restricted to Napa and Sonoma. Not true – there are clusters of wineries in many other parts of Northern California, of which the Santa Cruz mountains host many delightful ones. If you are staying in Palo Alto or other towns on the peninsula, it’s a short 30 minutes drive into the Santa Cruz mountains to local wineries, uncommon wines (often sold only at the wineries or through their wine clubs) and spectacular views.

We recently discovered Picchetti Winery, our new favorite place to spend a summer afternoon with the kids. Take a look at what we experienced:

From memorial day to labor day they offer live music on Sundays and when we visited this past weekend, a food truck serving up all manner of lobster, from bisque to rolls was the culinary attraction (mac and cheese and grilled sandwiches for the kids).  Every family visiting the winery had kids, and unfettered by the picnicking license of world-famous Napa, spread out the contents of their baskets on mats and tables around the grounds, listening to the Retro Rockets bust out old 60s and 70s rock classics. Some kids had balls and games to keep them entertained, while others played in a nearby creek.The winery is located on a historical ranch, much to the delight of nature lovers with walking and hiking trails in case wine and music doesn’t hold your interest (whoever you are!). And in addition to the families and wine-tasters, proud peacocks are regular visitors to the property.

The summer sun is warm so come early to grab a table with some shade or bring your own. Karam shed his clothes and paid ode to the band in his diaper for about half an hour and no one bat an eyelid. Just because this winery is not upbeat like the bigger names up North doesn’t mean they are not serious about their wines. We particularly enjoyed the Sangiovese  and the Tahoe White which they served us chilled to enjoy during out visit.

If you are in the Bay Area and looking for a wine tasting that is kid-friendly or just a fun, relaxed afternoon the whole family can enjoy, head over to Pichhetti. Picchetti also has the distinction of being my 6-week old Kimaya’s first wine-tasting!

Tell Tom Momaboard sent you!