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 variations, but I’m more than ready for a jump-start on my wine country wardrobe. To that end, I recently contacted the lovely and uber-stylish Genevieve Neal who writes a beautifully photographed lifestyle blog, Bees and Bubbles (click here to check it out). Bees & Bubbles provides inspiration and flair in all things related to the good life and of course, that includes wine! I asked Genevieve to suggest a few ensembles that would be perfect for a jaunt in wine country especially since I’ve got a few trips on the horizon. She willingly agreed to share suggestions that will update any wardrobe. Enjoy the read!
Genevieve Neal, Lifestyle Blogger at Bees and Bubbles
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 and breathable, yet covered-up, blue striped cotton shirt, and a denim jacket that will help me stay warm during a cellar tour and remain cool outside as I drape it over my shoulders.
Shop the look!
Karen Walker Sunglasses, Diamond Necklace (similar here), Gold Earrings (similar here), Madewell Jean Jacket (similar here), Blue Striped Shirt (similar here), White Jeans (similar here), Sam Edelman Sandals (similar here), Woven Purse
Bottoms: Medium-wash high-waist denim that’s guaranteed to go with anything (avoid holes to keep the look on the dressier side), white denim that’s perfect for dressy yet chilly evenings, gray striped linen midi dress in a durable, breathable fabric, black sheath midi dress that’s really easy to dress up or down and a navy tee dress.
Shop the look!
Julie Vos Earrings, Woven Hat (similar here), Madewell Jean Jacket (similar here), Reformation Dress, Sam Edelman Sandals (similar here), Woven Purse
Shoes: Black espadrille wedges that are 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!
Karen Walker Sunglasses, Panama Hat, Madewell Jean Jacket (similar here), Black Midi Dress (similar here), Vintage Concho Belt (similar here), Gold Shell Necklace (similar here), Castañer Espadrilles, Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Tote
Extras: Tote bag that’s big enough for day trip necessities and for toting bottles back home, a woven crossbody bag for hands-free sipping, my Veuve Clicquot silk scarf that’s a chic way to ward off cellar chill and 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!
Vintage Veuve Clicquot Scarf (similar here, here, here and here), Linen Top (similar here), Mother Ankle Fray Denim, Karen Walker Sunglasses, Panama Hat, Gold Cuff (similar here), Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Tote, Castañer Espadrilles
Thank you, Genevieve! Bon Voyage! ~ Cindy
