Yes, children can visit San Juanito and join the tour. We enjoy welcoming the whole family: parents, children, grandparents, and anyone who wants to spend an afternoon in the countryside together. Adults can enjoy the food and wine, while children have room to play, explore, and discover where the things we produce come from.
As a father and winemaker, I believe a vineyard visit can spark some fascinating conversations with children. Seeing a plant bearing fruit, discovering the machinery in the winery, or learning what yeast does gives them plenty to ask about.
They might also prefer the swings. And that is perfectly fine.
Can children join the vineyard and winery tour?
Yes. What varies is how each child experiences it, depending on their age, personality, and curiosity.
Some are interested in the land: how grapes grow, what a plant needs to bear fruit, or why the vineyard looks different from one season to the next. Others stop to look at the winery equipment and want to understand what it does.
Young children tend to pay attention in short bursts. I would not expect a very young child to follow the entire explanation with the same interest as an adult wine enthusiast. My advice is to give them a chance to take part, listen to their questions, and recognize when they need a change of activity.
Joining the tour does not include tasting wine
At San Juanito, we do not offer wine tastings to anyone under 18.
When grapes are in season and available, we may offer children grapes or grape juice that has not yet fermented. It is an experience they really enjoy, but it depends on the time of year: ripe fruit and freshly pressed juice are not available on every visit.
Children under 12 can take the tour free of charge. There is a fee for visitors aged 12 to 17, without wine tasting. Please check the current price when planning your visit.
What a child can discover at a vineyard
For those of us who live in a city, it is easy to lose the connection between a product and its origins. We see what reaches the table, but rarely get to know the land and work behind it.
This happens to adults too. I sometimes joke that people seem to imagine a tree with bottles ready to pick. Once they see the process, they begin to discover how much happens between the grape and the wine.
For children, that connection can open up a conversation about nature, agriculture, and biology.
From fruit to transformation
Seeing how a grape grows is interesting in its own right. Then comes another part that often surprises people: discovering that microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, also play a role in transforming the juice.
Each family can take the conversation as far as their children's curiosity leads. A young child might simply understand that the juice comes from the fruit they are looking at. An older child may want to know what fermentation is or what the tanks are used for.
There is no need to turn the afternoon into a lesson. Just leave room to observe and ask questions.
The joy of tasting something where it comes from
I have seen it with my own children and with others who visit us: when the grapes are ready, tasting them straight from the bunch brings a very particular kind of happiness. The same happens when they can try the juice before it ferments.
Something so simple lets them connect the plant, the fruit, and its flavor. For me, that connection with the countryside is one of the best things they can take away from a visit.
What if children do not want to take the tour?
They can enjoy San Juanito without joining it. A family visit can revolve around a meal, some playtime, and time outdoors.
We have a small children's play area with swings, a mini climbing wall, and a trampoline. For some children, that will be the highlight of the afternoon. Others will enjoy walking through the countryside with an adult or exploring another part of the property.
Some children love seeing the horses in the stables. There may be other animals too, although their presence varies.
The idea is for everyone in the family to find something they enjoy. Not everyone needs to do exactly the same thing throughout the visit; adults can take turns accompanying younger children while others join the tour.
Horseback riding as another option
You can also ask about half-hour or one-hour horseback rides. It is an activity many children thoroughly enjoy.
Before adding it to your plans, check availability and the participation requirements for your children's ages.
Visiting San Juanito with babies and young children
A trip to the countryside with a baby takes a little practical planning. At San Juanito, we have a changing table in the restroom and high chairs for young children at mealtimes.
When you arrive, I recommend choosing a table in the shade of the mesquite trees. It is a lovely place to spend time as a family and let younger children rest between activities.
Can you bring a stroller?
Yes, although how easy it is to get around depends on the stroller and the part of the property you want to visit.
There is dirt and gravel. Strollers with large wheels suited to outdoor terrain are easier to maneuver. Some stretches can be uncomfortable with a basic stroller with small wheels.
It is worth keeping this in mind when deciding what to bring and how to plan your visit.
What to bring for a vineyard visit with children
My first recommendation is to come prepared to spend time outdoors:
- A cap or hat and sun protection.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the countryside.
- Shoes that work well on dirt and gravel.
- A stroller suited to that terrain, if you need one.
There is no need to pack for an expedition or necessarily bring boots. The aim is to be able to walk, play, and enjoy yourselves without worrying too much about getting dirty.
Once you are here, choosing a table near the play area can make the afternoon easier if your children are old enough to use it. Accompany them as they explore, and check with our team before approaching the animals or entering a working area.
Above all, keep your plans flexible. Your children might want to see the winery, ask lots of questions about the grapes, or spend much of their time playing. Any of those experiences can be part of a good family afternoon.
A vineyard visit to share across generations
This is how we like to picture San Juanito: a table where grandparents, parents, and children can come together, with time to eat, talk, and enjoy the countryside.
Children may leave with the memory of a walk, a freshly tasted grape, or a question they will keep asking on the way home. Adults can enjoy having shared an afternoon that had room for them too.
If you are looking for a vineyard in Querétaro to visit with children, explore our guided tours at San Juanito and plan the day around your family's ages and interests.
You can also read why wine lovers should visit a vineyard in person for ideas on making the most of the experience and conversations with the people who make the wine.
