schmidtrossi

I was looking over the websites of winery tours that have been recommended on fodors and noticed that one stated that children under 21 not allowed. I know they wouldn't be given samples but are they not allowed on a winery tour? Any suggestions for any that might be especially interesting for teenagers. They both do like wine and drank it with dinners each time we went to Europe.

easytraveler

It is against the law in California to serve wine to anyone under 21. I doubt there are ANY wine tours that will allow teenagers to drink during the tour.

jlm_mi

schmidtrossi covered that:

"I know they wouldn't be given samples but are they not allowed on a winery tour?"

I'm guessing the bit about enjoying wine was added just as a note about why she thinks the teens would be interested in going on the tour.

KathrynT

I think kids are allowed on some tours but might not be able to go into the tasting room areas. At least I remember touring some when I was young, but that was some time ago! Individual wineries may well have different rules as many don't offer tours per se but only have tasting rooms open to visitors. Best to check with the wineries you're interested in to see what they offer.

schmidtrossi

Exactly jlm_mi! I know they would not be allowed any wine, but they definietely would enjoy seeing the process. And yes I will contact the winery first to double check that they would be allowed. I would think that just like anything else some wineries would have better tours that others. Many adults might feel the biggest area to evaluate a winery tour would be in the testing aspect or free sample area and I would want it informative and interesting.

E

If the teens are allowed, I would recommend the Chandon tour. The methods used to make champagne are different, obviously, and Chandon does a good job of explaining the process and showing off their caves--I think your kids would find it interesting. Good luck!