The most important question of any vacation: what am I going to wear?

Packing for a trip is hard. In theory, you know the weather forecast and how many outfits to plan, but what about the vibe? The ‘fits that will grace your trip recap Instagram post need to pop as much as your first Napa Valley glass of bubbly will. But with so many distinct towns and such a wide array of things to do, the prospect of packing for a wine country adventure can be intimidating.

Thankfully, Napa Valley is where you leave your troubles behind, and we’re here to make sure that happens before you even arrive. So, once you’ve booked your Napa Valley escape, you can rest easy knowing that even packing will be a cinch. Check out our tips on what to pack for the perfect wine country winter adventure.

A Wine Country Winter Wonderland

What they say about California winters is true — at least, to a degree. We’re graced with mild, green winters with quite a bit of sunshine, and in Napa Valley especially, the weather is nearly perfect almost year-round. Even when things get a little chilly, you’ll have no problem bundling up a bit extra to stay warm while you explore. 

On average, winter in Napa Valley means lows of 35-40℉ and highs of 55-60℉, with plenty of sunshine to help things along. It can get rainy, but that just means you have the opportunity to see how cloudy weather brings its own kind of quiet beauty to this stunning region. The southern part of the Valley tends to stay cooler than the northern part, so bear that in mind when planning your trip.

Napa Valley Fashion and Packing Tips

  • Layer, layer, layer: Throughout the winter, you’ll find the temperature can change from hour to hour. You might be perfectly comfortable in a thick sweater early in the morning, but you could be sweating by noon if the sun decides to make an appearance. Wine cellars and tasting rooms can often be cool, as well, due to necessary temperature regulation to protect the wine. Grab a jacket that’s not too bulky, but not too thin, either, to make sure you’ll be comfortable no matter where you are.
     

  • Don’t let your parade get rained on: Rain can be sporadic, so be sure you’re prepared for a downpour if one should appear out of nowhere. Shoes that can withstand the damp and an umbrella are both a good call, even if you don’t end up needing them. Better safe than sorry!
     

  • Sunscreen — yes, even in the winter: Just because it’s cloudy and cold doesn’t mean prolonged sun exposure won’t result in a sunburn. Be sure to grab some SPF in case you find yourself enjoying a sunny al fresco tasting. A sun hat and sunglasses aren’t a bad idea, either.
     

  • Don’t cloud the room: Serious oenophiles will tell you that a large part of wine tasting has to do with smell. Because of this, wearing strongly scented perfumes or lotions can actually muddle your wine tasting experience and change the taste of the wines, which is the last thing you want. Refrain from wearing scents to wine tasting rooms so you — and those around you — can fully enjoy the experience.

  • Skip those stilettos: While it’s true that it is difficult to arrive in Napa Valley overdressed, we do recommend leaving the heels at home. Opt instead for a pair of cute boots or flats that you can walk in without any trouble. Many wine tasting experiences include a tour of the winery, and you don’t want to be caught wearing uncomfortable shoes as you’re trying to soak in the scenery. Plus, many of the Valley’s individual towns have highly walkable downtown areas, so you can expect to do quite a bit of walking.  

Wine Country Casual

Let’s address what most of you are wondering. So, can you wear jeans?

Short answer? Of course. 

The longer answer is that here in Napa Valley, we practice what we call wine country casual. Jeans are absolutely acceptable year-round, and for many Napa Valley locals, they’re essential for a multitude of activities. Some wineries and tasting rooms might lean more upscale, but even at those, a darker wash of denim is all you need. 

Essentially, wine country casual is a stylish blend of sophistication and laid-back elegance, no matter the occasion or the season. Whether you're heading out for wine tasting, a concert, dinner, or a hike through the hills, wine country casual is effortlessly chic. What this looks like is up to your own interpretation — for the winter, you might reach for nicer sweaters and blouses, cute boots, elegant loafers, long-sleeved button-ups, and more. (Hint: if you’re unsure, you can always check out Visit Napa Valley’s own Pinterest page, where we’ve got inspiration aplenty for your wine country getaway.)

A Visit to Napa Valley is Always in Style

At the end of the day, the best thing to wear in Napa Valley is simply whatever it is you feel most comfortable and confident in. If you’ve been waiting for an occasion for that dress, or those shoes, or that scarf, let this be your sign: Napa Valley is the place to wear it! With dozens of world-class wineries, Michelin-starred cuisine, and one-of-a-kind shopping all available to you, California’s wine country is the perfect chance to strut your stuff in your best threads. Plan your stay today — we can’t wait to see how you redefine Napa Valley winter chic.