Packing for Wine Country – What’s in Your Carry On?

Each time I pack for a personal or business trip to wine country, I’m often perplexed. What’s the weather forecast in a region of which I’m unfamiliar? Will there be opportunities to dress up or will the trip be casual at best? Will I be walking through vineyards or spending most of the time in master classes or tasting rooms?

Frankly, I tend to pack many of the same outfits with few variations, but I’m ready for a jump-start on my wine country wardrobe. To that end, I recently contacted the lovely and quite stylish Genevieve Neal who writes a beautifully photographed lifestyle blog, Bees and Bubbles (click here to check it out). Bees and Bubbles provides inspiration and flair in all things related to the good life. Of course, that includes wine! I asked Genevieve to suggest a few ensembles that would be perfect for a jaunt in wine country since I’ve got a few trips on the horizon. She willingly agreed with suggestions that will update any wardrobe with panache. Enjoy!

I am thrilled to be Cindy’s guest today, as she invited me to collaborate on this post with her. I am planning a trip to Paris in September and part of our time in France, mostly in Épernay, will be spent touring the Champagne region located about an hour from Paris by train (you can read about our last trip here.) 

Packing for a trip to Champagne is similar for most any wine tourism destination including wine country regions in the United States (which I have yet to explore, but would dearly love to visit). An outfit should be dressy enough to be respectful of the more formal wine houses, yet comfortable enough for walking around all day (shoes!). It should be able to transition from trampling around in the grass under the sun touring the vineyards (hats!) to the cool, damp cellars (layers!). Since I am also always a proponent for “carry-on only,” I like to be strategic about what occupies my valuable luggage real estate. Here’s what I am packing for a few outfit options… I can almost taste the bubbles now.

What I’m Packing for Wine Country

Tops: White linen shirt that’s easy, very breathable, yet covered-up, blue striped cotton shirt, denim jacket that’s heavy enough to stay warm during a cellar tour yet light enough to just drape over your shoulders when I’m outside

SHOP THE LOOK!

 

Bottoms: Medium-wash high-waist denim that goes with anything and no holes to maintain a dressier look, white denim that’s perfect for dressy evenings that may be a bit chilly, gray striped linen midi dress in a durable, breathable fabric, black sheath midi dress that’s really easy to dress up or down and navy tee dress

SHOP THE LOOK!

 

Shoes: Black espadrille wedges considered dressy enough to elevate a simple, neutral outfit, yet practical for walking on uneven terrain and tan suede lace-up low-heeled sandals that are cute AND comfortable

SHOP THE LOOK!

 

Extras: Tote bag that’s big enough for day trip necessities and for toting bottles back home, woven crossbody bag for hands-free sipping, my Veuve Clicquot silk scarf that’s a chic way to ward off cellar chill or to tie to my bag when I’m on a terrace sipping Champagne, pale blue pashmina, Panama hat, tan crushable woven sun hat, tortoiseshell sunglasses, dressy belt and gold jewelry

SHOP THE LOOK!

 

Thank you, Genevieve! Bon Voyage! ~ Cindy