Taking the Kids -- traveling with Mom in Sonoma County

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Jul 31, 2014

"We want a visit here to promote a coming together of wine and people, dogs and kids. ... We want it to be a full experience that takes every one of your senses," said Anisya Fritz, who, with her husband Lynn, runs Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol. The winery boasts a guesthouse and beautiful garden (where kids might have the chance to pick ripe berries or veggies) and where their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are paired with a picnic -- locally sourced, of course.

Rene Byck, the second generation to oversee his family's Paradise Ridge Winery, joined us for a wine and local cheese pairing overlooking their vineyards. He explained that the winery got its name when his dad, a local doctor, looking for a place his family would gather for generations to come, first bought the land some 36 years ago. He came home and told his wife and five kids he'd "seen paradise."

The Bycks are also committed to offering visitors more than their excellent wine. There is the public sculpture garden named Marijke’s Grove in honor of Rene Byck's mother after her untimely death in a car accident. The garden is currently showcasing the 20(at)20 exhibit, which celebrates the family's 20 years of winemaking. It's a great place for kids to run around, suggests Byck, a father of three young children himself.

Visitors are encouraged to picnic -- there is no charge -- take a stroll through the vineyard or enjoy the sunset. Families come for the pizza served certain nights and music on others. "You don't even have to do a tasting," Byck says. "Even if you don't drink wine, you can come and have a good experience here."

"It started with an overflow from Napa," says P.J. Rex, who, with her husband Robert, runs Deerfield Ranch Winery, known for their low-sulfite wine. "But today people are also coming for the ocean, the redwoods and all of the farm-to-table food.

"Our focus has always been local," she laughed. "Now it's just IN."

Reggie and I laugh -- and get ready to eat more local cheese.

(If you are planning a West Coast trip, look for Eileen's Kid's Guide to LA County and later this year, to San Francisco available online and at major booksellers. There are also Kid's Guides to NYC, Orlando, Washington, DC, Chicago and Boston. Visit www.takingthekids.com and follow @TakingtheKids on Twitter and on Facebook.)