Inside Francis Ford Coppola's Family-Friendly Sonoma Winery

Photo: Amanda Marsalis

YahooTravel|Oct. 2, 2015 11:57 am EST

If you've been to one winery, you've been to them all, right?

There are acres of grapes, clinking glasses, and enough wine to cater a Real Housewives reunion.

But in Sonoma County, nestled in the rolling hills and endless skies, lies one winery whose style is unlike any other.

Clearly, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery has the benefit of having a famous name attached to it. Coppola is the director and screenwriter behind famous films like The Godfather, and Apocalypse Now, and for many that's enough to inspire a visit. After all, the property does have memorabilia from his movies on display in the movie gallery (think Don Corleone's desk from The Godfather).

But even with its touch of Hollywood glamour, that's not what necessarily brings in thousands of visitors to the winery every year.

No, what makes this vineyard special, is the fact that while you're sampling the Directors Cut Cabernet Sauvignon, your child can partake in a kid's smoothie tasting.

That's right, on Saturday's and Sundays, kids can learn how to identify different flavors and aromas in their smoothies, similar to how adults sniff and sip different variables in wine tasting rooms.

See, unlike other vineyards in the area that cater solely to couples and girl's trips, the Francis Ford Coppola vineyard considers itself a destination for families. As Coppola himself says, it's "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life."

After walking through the vineyards majestic gates, the vibe is relaxed and welcoming — kind of like walking into a friend's backyard party.

The pool (yes, there's a pool!) is 3,600 square feet of entertainment, filled with children and families splashing away on a sizzling hot day. For those expecting a quiet pool to lay out and reflect, this probably isn't the best option. But if the occasional splash from a kid doing a cannonball doesn't stress you out, then it's the perfect place to rent a chair, slap on the SPF, and sip on Sofia white wine in a can.