Who says wine tasting is only for adults? At Retzlaff Vineyards in Livermore, California, you’ll find a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes both wine lovers and little ones.
With lovely picnic grounds, live music, tasty food trucks, and organic award-winning wines, it’s an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a weekend afternoon together.
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 recommended to guarantee a spot, though the staff will try to accommodate small walk-ins when space allows. During our visit we were able to join without a reservation and were seated promptly.
Wine Tasting at Retzlaff
We chose a one-hour tasting and sampled five thoughtfully selected wines.
Tasting options include:
- A traditional mixed flight
- An all-white wine flight
- An all-red wine flight
Tastings are typically held outdoors so you can enjoy fresh air and vineyard views; on poor-weather days they move indoors to a cozy space. Either setting provides a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Tip: Tastings fill up quickly—book ahead when possible.
What Makes Retzlaff So Special?
Retzlaff Vineyards occupies a scenic 14-acre estate planted with Certified Organic grapevines and shaded picnic areas. The team avoids pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, producing wines made with respect for the land and the people who enjoy them.
Their award-winning wines are crafted using traditional methods that highlight depth and complexity. At Retzlaff, the focus on vineyard care shows up clearly in every bottle.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Although it’s a working winery, Retzlaff is surprisingly welcoming for families. Highlights include:
- Open, shaded grounds with plenty of picnic tables and Adirondack chairs where children can play nearby.
- Encouragement for families to bring small table games and quiet entertainment for kids.
- Fun, spontaneous touches—during our visit a bubble machine kept the children delighted while adults relaxed and chatted.
- Live music on many weekends creates a festive vibe that gets everyone smiling and sometimes dancing. The band during our visit played upbeat 80s and 90s pop and R&B that appealed to all ages.
- Rotating food trucks offer convenient, fresh meal options. We enjoyed a delicious Mexican food truck on site during our visit.
Important: The atmosphere is relaxed but parents should keep children close to their tables and supervise them at all times.
Wine Club Perks
If you enjoy Retzlaff’s wines, their Wine Club offers useful benefits:
- Discounts on all wine purchases
- Free quarterly tastings
- No picnic fees for groups up to six people
- Early access to special offers and events
Membership is a convenient way to make Retzlaff a regular weekend destination.
Pets Are Welcome
Well-behaved, leashed dogs (up to two per group) are allowed. Bring water and a bowl for your pet and remember to clean up after them.
Why We Loved It
From the scenic vineyard views to the excellent wines, friendly staff, and inclusive atmosphere, Retzlaff Vineyards charmed us. The crowd included families, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions, creating a warm, relaxed energy throughout the grounds.
It’s intentionally casual, and that simplicity is part of its appeal. If you want a laid-back place to sip fine wine, let kids play nearby, and enjoy an easygoing afternoon outdoors, Retzlaff Vineyards is well worth a visit.
