What to Bring on a Long Day of Wine Tasting

With nearly 400 wineries in Napa Valley alone, maximizing your visit to include as many wine tastings as possible can be a fun challenge. But before you begin making the winery rounds, make sure to pack necessary provisions to support you on your day out. Here are packing essentials to help you stay hydrated, nourished, and protected from the elements during your wine country excursion.

Wine Tote

You may pick up a few bottles of wine during your day out. Some wineries even waive the tasting fee when a bottle is purchased, so you need to be prepared to securely transport your new acquisitions. Make sure your bottles stay insulated and protected by taking along a wine carrier tote on your Napa Valley visit. For a cheaper option, visit a local wine store and ask for an empty wine box. A Styrofoam wine carrier from a shipping store is also a great storage option if you are traveling from afar or hope to ship bottles elsewhere. Just remember, these less expensive options will not protect wine from a hot car, so make sure to keep your wine at room temperature.

Pack a Picnic

Staying hydrated and nourished during a long day of wine drinking is the fuel you need to succeed! Bring along an insulated water bottle that will keep your water cold during the summer months. Pack a picnic with fare that pairs well with wine to snack on throughout the day and to avoid high Napa Valley food costs. A variety of cheeses are always a must-have and pair with almost all wines. Pack an aged cheddar or gouda, or a soft brie, chevre, or boursin cheese. Pre-slice a baguette or pita bread to top with cheese and a sweet fruit compote or jam. Fresh seasonal fruit and nuts, savory nicoise and kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a variety of prosciutto, salami, and capicola are also excellent accompaniments.

Splurge on a picnic basket that includes kitchenware like plates, wine glasses, a corkscrew, and cutlery. Throw in a cutting board, cheese knife, and napkins and you’re good to go. 

Clothing Essentials

During the summer months, days are long here in Napa. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a lightweight straw hat can protect you from harmful UV rays if you are out touring a vineyard or wine tasting on an outside patio. Dressing up for a day of Napa Valley wine tasting is a fun thing to do, but a change of casual, comfortable shoes is crucial in case traipsing through a muddy vineyard or between wineries is inevitable. Lastly, the days in the valley begin and end chilly, so a lightweight jacket is a great article to bring along.

Phone Charger

A long day of wine tasting and vineyard hopping may have you opening your GPS app, taking a multitude of photos, and visiting wine websites frequently throughout the day. You do not want to forget your phone charger in the hotel room. You could use a car charger between wineries or simply ask a sommelier if they have an outlet you could plug into during your visit.

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Ready to take on a full day of wine tasting in Napa Valley? Book your stay with the Napa Winery Inn and indulge in a complimentary wine country breakfast before you head out for a day in wine country.