Women's Wine Country Packing List
Style Meets Wine Country
I absolutely love wine tasting. Even as someone who is sober curious and gluten-free, I find the ambience of wineries unbeatable. Whether you drink wine, opt for a non-alcoholic alternative, or simply enjoy the gorgeous settings, wine tasting is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
From the Santa Cruz Mountains to Lodi, Healdsburg, Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles, I’ve experienced some of the most breathtaking wineries right here in Northern California.
If you’re looking for wine tasting guides, I’ve written about my romantic couples weekend in Lodi, a guide to Lodi wineries, and where to eat in Lodi restaurants.
Now, let’s talk about what to wear and what to pack to look cute, stay comfortable, and feel prepared in wine country.
Flowy Sundresses & Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses and flowy sundresses are my go-to for wine tasting. They’re comfortable for long afternoons, great for photos, and offer full coverage if you’re sitting outside. Pack dresses you feel confident in, and remember: breathable fabrics are key.
Wine Country Dress Essentials:
A flowy floral maxi dress
A casual linen sundress
A tiered boho-style midi dress
A ruffle wrap dress that flatters all body types
Pair each dress with sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and your choice of jacket depending on the weather.
Light Jackets & Layers
Wine country mornings can be chilly, and afternoons warm. Layering is essential! Bring at least one jacket and one cardigan you can mix and match.
Perfect Layering Pieces:
A classic cropped denim jacket
A light cashmere cardigan
A neutral oversized blazer
A longline kimono for a boho touch
Comfortable, Stylish Shoes
You’ll walk through vineyards, lawns, and gravel when wine tasting, so avoid heels.
Go-To Wine Tasting Shoes:
White sneakers
Gladiator sandals
Stylish espadrille wedges
Chunky flat-form slides
Pro tip: break them in before your trip.
Sun Protection Essentials
Some tastings happen completely outdoors. Pack accordingly.
Sun-Savvy Must-Haves:
A cute baseball cap
SPF lip balm
Mineral sunscreen spray
Statement sunglasses
Keep an extra pair of sunglasses in your car just in case!
Poolside Ready
Some wineries (like Francis Ford Coppola Winery) have pools, and many wine country accommodations do too.
Poolside Items:
A flattering one-piece swimsuit
A long, elegant cover-up that doubles as a dress
Flip-flops or waterproof slides
A wide-brim hat with SPF fabric
Wine Tasting Purse Essentials
A medium-to-large bag works best. Some people even bring a small cooler.
Must-Haves in Your Wine Tasting Bag:
Refillable water bottle
Electrolyte drink mix packets
Touch-up makeup (blotting sheets, powder, lip crayon)
Wine drops or allergy relief if you're sensitive to wine
Jewelry & Accessories
I love layering necklaces and wearing cute earrings. Keep your pieces organized.
Jewelry + Organizer Picks:
Layered gold necklaces
Statement earrings
Simple gold hoops
Mini jewelry travel case
Evening Outfit Option
Wine country has Michelin-star dining and elevated evening events.
Outfit Ideas for Dinner:
Long satin skirt or satin slip dress
Dressy jumpsuit or romper
Two-piece matching set
Elevated sandals or low block heels
Lounge & Athleisure
Pack comfy clothes for mornings, workouts, or the car ride.
Comfy Add-Ons:
Two-piece sweatsuit
Black leggings and a long tunic
Cute walking sneakers
Light hoodie or half-zip sweatshirt
Pajamas & Self-Care
Wine tasting can take it out of you. Recover in style.
Relax & Recover Items:
Soft matching pajama set
24k gold under-eye masks
Overnight lip mask
Pre-bed hangover supplement
Sober Curious? There’s a Place for You at the Table
As someone who’s been gluten-free for years and is exploring sober curiosity, I’ve felt the pressure around wine tasting. But more and more wineries are now offering non-alcoholic wine and mocktails. Whether you're the DD, taking a break from alcohol, or just not into drinking, you are totally welcome in wine country.
Non-alcoholic options have evolved! From sparkling tea drinks to zero-proof wines and botanical elixirs with health benefits, you can still enjoy the ambience, social connection, and flavors of wine tasting without the alcohol.
Some wineries even offer non-alcoholic flights—call ahead and ask!
Final Thoughts
No matter where your wine country adventure takes you—Healdsburg, Lodi, Paso Robles, The Santa Cruz Mountains, Sonoma, or Napa —being prepared means you can focus on having fun, feeling good, and soaking in the beauty. Save this list to refer back to before your next trip.
