It’s just about summertime here in Napa Valley, and the living certainly is easy. The sun is shining, a perpetual cool breeze wafts in from the river, and ice in your sauvignon blanc doesn’t feel quite as sacrilegious as it normally might. There’s truly no better time to plan a visit to California’s wine country, when the vineyard hills are perpetually sun-drenched and the sky is the kind of blue you normally see only in Instagram filters. 

But before you’re able to sit back and sip sauv blanc in the sunshine, you’ll need to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip. Summer in Napa Valley is the most laid-back time of year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to pack carefully. So what should you bring with you on your Napa Valley getaway?
 

Summertime Sips

Summer in Napa Valley is the perfect time to embrace everything wine country has to offer, and that includes the unbeatable weather. Throughout the months of May through September, you can expect clear, sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 80s-90s. Not to worry — you’ll find that most tasting rooms and vineyards are temperature-controlled, so most places you visit will have AC, and you can always cool off with a quick dip if you’re staying on a property with a pool. (And, here’s an insider tip: with Resort Pass, you can book a day pass for pools and spas around the valley, even if you aren’t staying on-property at the establishment.) 

What to Pack & Wear on Your Summer Trip to Napa Valley

  • Layer, Baby, Layer: Layers are key any time of year in Napa Valley. Although you won’t be freezing at any point in the summer, the nights tend to hover in the mid-50s, meaning it won’t hurt to have a light sweater on hand. As we mentioned above, most places around the valley will have their AC on high, so it’s a good idea to keep a cardigan or shawl handy during the day, too.
  • Sneakers Are In: Comfortable shoes are a must. No matter where you spend your visit, it’s more likely than not that you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, even if it’s only through the vineyards. In general, sandals and flats are great choices, but don’t feel self-conscious about wearing sneakers. They work with most summer outfits, and they’re a much, much better alternative than the mile-high heels.
  • Sip in the Sunshine, but Wear Sunscreen: No one likes a sunburn, and the ones you earn on vacation are especially ill-timed. Even if you don’t think you’ll be spending time in the sun, it’s best to wear a layer of sunscreen each day, as al fresco dining and outdoor winery tours might have you soaking in more rays than you realize.
  • Don’t Forget that Swimsuit: While we wouldn’t recommend diving headfirst into the Napa River, there are still plenty of opportunities where a swimsuit will come in handy. Whether you’re drifting down the river on a paddleboarding adventure, soaking in your hotel’s hot tub, or enjoying a post-treatment dip in the spa pool, you’ll be glad you thought to bring your bikini.
  • Skip the Scents: Trust us, the smell of wildflower blooms and mouthwateringly enticing eats will be enough to occupy your nose on their own. Plus, as any wine enthusiast will tell you, scent is a vital part of wine tasting. Wearing strong perfumes, cologne, or even scented lotion can muddle the experience, for you and everyone you’re with. Leave your signature scents at home for this trip!

Wine Country Casual, Defined

Let’s address what most of you are probably 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 wardrobe staples. 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 spring, you might reach for sundresses, patterned button-ups, strappy sandals, lacy cardigans, and pastel colors. (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.)

Where to Shop in Napa Valley

To get the best sense of wine country casual, you need only look to Napa Valley’s wide array of chic boutiques, each offering a unique take on the region’s signature style. In particular, First Street in Downtown Napa is perfect for window shopping and snagging some souvenirs, and you’ll find many recognizable brands such as Free People, Anthropologie, Lululemon, and more. For a more laid-back, small-town feel, explore Calistoga’s charming main street for locally owned shops and artisan finds, or stroll through St. Helena for a mix of upscale boutiques, specialty food stores, and designer labels that capture the essence of Napa Valley style.

A Visit to Napa Valley is Always in Style

You can search for all the fashion advice you want, but in the end, there are no hard and fast rules regarding what you should wear in Napa Valley. It’s simply whatever you are most comfortable in! We love when visitors treat their vacation as an excuse to wear those pieces of their wardrobe that may not get as much mileage — so bring that dress that you love but worry is “too much.” As long as you’re confident in your look, you’ll fit right in. Plan your escape today and discover what springtime delights might be waiting for you right here in wine country.