Looking for child-friendly wineries on the Garden Route, where the whole family can enjoy a taste of the region? We’ve got you covered with our Top 5 child-friendly wineries, with an added Bonus vineyard, where tastings are optional, but the options to accompany your lunch are plentiful!
When travelling the Garden Route with children, I have often found that the best experiences are the ones where everyone in the family gets something out of it. While a wine tasting might sound like a grown-up activity, South Africa’s Garden Route has a wonderfully relaxed approach to wine tourism. Here, visiting a vineyard does not have to mean keeping the children entertained with a colouring book while adults quickly finish their tasting. Instead, it can become a memorable family outing filled with beautiful scenery, good food, fresh air and time to slow down.
Over the years, I have discovered that the smaller coastal wineries between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay offer something quite special. They are not about rushing from one tasting counter to the next, but about enjoying the atmosphere: sitting under shady trees, looking out over vineyards, sharing a leisurely lunch and watching children explore the wide-open spaces that are such a defining part of the Garden Route landscape.
For families travelling by car, these wine farms make wonderful stops along the way. Those parents who are not driving can sample local wines – from cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnay to Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines – while children can enjoy farm surroundings, play areas, gardens, animals, outdoor spaces or nearby attractions. Many of these estates have adapted their offering specifically for families, with casual menus, pizzas, picnics and activities that make younger visitors feel just as welcome as their parents.
Contact Destination Garden Route for tailor-made, guided tours, so all parents can participate in the wine tastings 😉.
What I particularly love about the Garden Route wine experience is that it feels authentic and unpretentious. These are often family-run farms where hospitality comes naturally. A wine tasting can easily turn into a two-hour lunch, a spontaneous photo stop or a relaxed afternoon enjoying the views. It is this combination of excellent wines, beautiful settings and genuine warmth that makes these wineries such worthwhile additions to a family Garden Route itinerary. From Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, here are some of my favourite child-friendly wineries where parents can indulge in the flavours of the region while children enjoy their own Garden Route adventure.
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar – a family favourite near Mossel Bay
Located just outside Mossel Bay, Jakkalsvlei has become one of the Garden Route’s most popular wine destinations. The setting alone makes it worth a visit: vineyards stretch towards the mountains, creating a relaxed farm atmosphere that feels worlds away from the coastal towns nearby.
For families, the appeal is that Jakkalsvlei is not just about wine tasting. Parents can enjoy a relaxed tasting while children can enjoy the open farm environment. The venue offers family-friendly dining options including pizzas, cheese platters and gourmet food-and-wine pairings, making it easy to turn a wine stop into a leisurely lunch.
Why children enjoy Jakkalsvlei:
- Plenty of open outdoor space
- Relaxed farm atmosphere
- Family-friendly restaurant setting
- Pizza and casual dining options
- A good stop between Mossel Bay and the Outeniqua region
Best for: Families wanting an easy, informal introduction to Garden Route wine.
More info on Jakkalsvlei:
| Opening hours: | Daily: 10:00 – 16:00 Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)44 333 0222 |
| Website: | Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar |
Boplaas Tasting Room at Redberry Farm – combine wine tasting with a farm outing
Although Boplaas is historically associated with Calitzdorp and the Klein Karoo region of the Garden Route, families travelling the coastal region of the Garden Route can experience their wines at the Boplaas tasting room at Redberry Farm near George.
This is one of the easiest winery visits for families because the wine tasting is only part of a much bigger day out. Redberry Farm is already a well-known family attraction, with berry picking, playground facilities and farm activities, meaning children have plenty to enjoy while parents sample wines, whisky, chocolate pairings or cheese platters.
Why children enjoy Boplaas (or Redberry Farm, for that matter):
- Located at a dedicated family attraction
- Child-friendly property
- Farm atmosphere
- Plenty of activities nearby
- Easy combination with a George sightseeing day
Best for: Families with younger children who need more than just a wine tasting.
More info on Boplaas at Redberry Farm:
| Opening hours: | Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00 Closed Sundays and Christmas Day |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)44 870 7123 |
| Website: | Boplaas Family Vineyards |
Bramon Wine Estate – vineyards, views and space to explore
Situated in The Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay, Bramon was the pioneer of the Plett wine region and remains one of the most recognisable wine estates on the Garden Route. The estate is famous for its Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines as well as its relaxed vineyard restaurant.
Bramon is particularly suitable for families because it combines wine tasting with a spacious outdoor environment. Children can enjoy the picnic-style setting while parents relax with a glass of wine and views across the vineyards towards the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The estate describes itself as family and dog friendly, with children regularly enjoying the outdoor surroundings.
Why children enjoy Bramon:
- Large outdoor areas
- Family-friendly picnic atmosphere
- Restaurant serving tapas-style dishes suitable for sharing
- Beautiful mountain views
- Easy combination with attractions in The Crags (Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and wildlife sanctuaries)
Best for: Families spending a full day around Plettenberg Bay and The Crags.
More info on Bramon Wine Estate:
| Opening hours: | Tasting room: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30 – 17:00; Restaurant: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 – 17:00. Kitchen closes at 16:00. |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)44 011 5031 |
| Website: | Bramon Wine Estate |
Kay and Monty Vineyards – boutique wine with a family feel
Hidden among the rolling hills of The Crags, Kay & Monty is one of the most charming boutique vineyards on the Plett Wine Route. This small family-owned wine farm focuses on handcrafted wines, relaxed lunches and enjoying the countryside at a slower pace.
Unlike some traditional wine estates, Kay & Monty has a very welcoming family atmosphere. The restaurant offers a dedicated kids menu, while parents can enjoy wine tastings, cheese boards and long lunches overlooking the countryside.
Why children enjoy Kay and Monty:
- Kids menu available
- Spacious countryside setting
- Family-friendly restaurant atmosphere
- Opportunity to see farm life and open landscapes
- Ideal for multi-generational travel groups
Best for: Families who enjoy good food, boutique experiences and a relaxed pace.
More info on Kay and Monty:
| Opening hours: | Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00 |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)79 965 9779 |
| Website: | Kay and Monty Vineyards |
Plettenvale Wines – a small-scale Plett wine experience
Plettenvale is another boutique winery in the Plettenberg Bay area and one of the pioneers of the local wine scene. Its smaller scale makes it a more personal experience, where visitors can learn about wine production in a relaxed environment.
For families, the attraction is the informal farm setting rather than a large list of activities. It works well as a short stop combined with other Plettenberg Bay highlights.
Why children enjoy Plettenvale:
- Relaxed boutique farm atmosphere
- Outdoor surroundings
- Personal hospitality
- Easy addition to a Plett itinerary
Best for: Families looking for a quieter, more authentic wine farm visit.
More info on Plettenvale Wines:
| Opening hours: | Opening times vary seasonally; check directly before visiting. |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)82 413 0784 |
| Website: | Plettenvale Wines |
Bonus: Luka Vineyards – boutique wines, gourmet picnics and a dedicated play area
Strictly speaking, Luka Vineyards is not a vineyard in the traditional sense where visitors can simply arrive for a wine tasting before strolling through the vines. Wine tastings are available by appointment only, making Luka less of a classic cellar-door experience and more of a delightful destination for a relaxed breakfast, lunch or picnic accompanied by an excellent selection of locally produced wines.
Located in Harkerville, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Luka has quickly become a favourite stop for families exploring the Garden Route. The peaceful setting, overlooking vineyards and rolling countryside, creates the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal, while the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures the menu is just as memorable as the scenery.
What makes Luka particularly deserving of a place on this list is its genuine focus on families. Children have their own dedicated outdoor play area where they can climb, explore and burn off some energy while parents unwind over lunch with a glass of wine. The café also offers a specially created Kids Picnic Box, making younger guests feel just as welcome as the adults. Add to that the spacious lawns, picnic areas and relaxed atmosphere, and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
Although wine tastings require advance booking, the carefully curated wine list offers plenty of opportunities to discover wines from the Garden Route and beyond while enjoying breakfast, lunch or one of Luka’s gourmet picnic baskets. For many visitors, that’s the perfect combination: excellent food, great wines and a place where children can simply be children.
Why children enjoy Luka Vineyards:
- Dedicated outdoor play area
- Special Kids Picnic Box
- Spacious lawns for running and playing
- Family-friendly café and restaurant
- Beautiful picnic spots overlooking the vineyards
- Relaxed atmosphere where children are genuinely welcome
Best for: Families looking to combine a leisurely brunch or picnic with excellent boutique wines while the children enjoy one of the best play areas found at any Garden Route vineyard.
More info on Luka Vineyards:
| Opening hours: | Monday: Closed Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00 Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00 |
| Wine tastings: | By appointment only |
| Phone number: | +27 (0)76 575 4768 |
| Website: | Luka Vineyards |
Tips for visiting wineries with children on the Garden Route
Choose lunch over a quick tasting
The best family winery experiences are usually those where you can stay longer. A vineyard lunch allows children time to explore while adults enjoy the setting.
Combine wine with nearby attractions
Several wineries are close to other family highlights:
- Mossel Bay: beaches, the Point area and adventure activities
- George: Redberry Farm, Outeniqua Transport Museum and forest walks
- The Crags / Plettenberg Bay: wildlife sanctuaries, adventure activities and beaches
Visit outside peak lunch times
While this may seem contradictory to the first tip to choose lunch over a quick tasting, keep in mind during December and January, popular wine farms can become busy. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for restaurants.
Wine tasting does not have to mean leaving the children behind
One of the wonderful things about the Garden Route is its relaxed approach to travel. Here, a winery visit is not necessarily a formal adult-only experience. Instead, it can be a family afternoon filled with good food, beautiful scenery, fresh air and memorable moments.
For families exploring the Garden Route by self-drive, adding one or two child-friendly wineries creates a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and the region’s growing food and wine culture.
Recommended family wine stops along the Garden Route
- 🥇 Best with younger children: Boplaas at Redberry Farm
- 🥇 Best Mossel Bay stop: Jakkalsvlei
- 🥇 Best Plettenberg Bay family lunch: Bramon
- 🥇 Best boutique experience: Kay & Monty
- 🥇 Best kiddies lunch with optional (adult only) wine tasting: Luka Vineyards
(Opening hours can change seasonally; always confirm before travelling.)
