PACKING SECRETS: What to pack and what to leave at home when wine tasting in Napa!
PACKING ESSENTIALS for wine tasting in Napa Valley in Northern California plus FREE packing checklist!
We go to Napa about once a year, so I’m sharing my packing secrets with you! Layering is very important as mornings and evenings tend to be cooler in Northern California no matter what season it is! Here are year-round suggestions for what to pack for Napa!
Related Post: How to Spend a Weekend in Napa - Complete Itinerary
Download our FREE Napa packing list!
Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Napa does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!
Want a FREE printable/downloadable pretty travel checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
Click the image to shop Great Dress Options for Napa that Won’t break the bank!
CLOTHING TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND IN NAPA
Dresses - I love wearing short dresses around the wineries and to maxi dresses to dinner. During Winter, I pack cute sweaters for the day and maybe a dress for a fancy dinner.
Stay Warm - For mornings and cooler nights bring a sweater or three. During Winter, it can get to 50 degrees during the day and even cooler at night; so I’d pack a cute coat!
Workout Clothes - If you need to sweat it out! Some great scenery to run around Napa or hit the hotel gym.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings.
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch
Bubble wrap or a travel wine bag - If you think you will be purchasing some wine, bring some bubble wrap or something to put wine in and then pack the wine in the middle of your suitcase on your way home with your clothes protecting the bottles. You’ll have to check the bag if you’re flying with wine. Pro TIp: If you sign up for a wine club at the winery, you can add your favorite wines you sampled that day and have them ship with your first order.
What not to pack: DON’T OVERPACK! Plan your outfits ahead of time and see what you can mix and match or get away with packing just 1 extra pair of shoes! Everything should fit in a carry-on. Don’t pack a wine opener with a small blade for the foil - I speak from experience.
WINE TASTING DAY ESSENTIALS
Comfortable Footwear - Summer is warm with a breeze, Fall and Spring can go either way, Winter can be cold and rainy. No matter when you go, cute and comfortable shoes are always a great idea.
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Camera - Napa Valley is picturesque, take it all in and take a photo!
Compact Travel Umbrella - Northern California is often rainy! Check the weather in Napa before you go!
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the car, in the room, or just to enjoy with some wine!
Cute tote or purse - You’ll need something to hold the above. If you have a designated driver, bring a small purse, and leave some things in the car!
What not to pack: Don’t bring your make-up bag, tons of lotions, or heavy things in your bag. Your day will typically consist of walking around or standing, don’t put too many things in your purse.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
TOILETRIES FOR NAPA
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant - Might be considered a basic, but something you really don’t want to forget!
Sunblock - We like to walk the vineyards or sit on a patio, protect your skin!
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case (so much wine)!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - Never know when the wind will pick up and no one likes hair in their wine.
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Get Instagram ready!
Feminine Products
ELECTRONICS FOR NAPA
GoPro - Get those driving shots with a camera mount on your car!
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine.
Headphones - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices
External battery - keep your electronics charged!
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables
See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane
Want a FREE printable/downloadable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION
Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!
Travelpro Crew 11 - Softside Expandable Rollaboard Upright Luggage, Black, Carry-On 22-Inch
Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials Checklist for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
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Packing Essentials for Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California