Is Casual Dress Allowed during Napa Wine Tour Package?

Especially if it’s your first time going on a Napa Wine tour package, you may wonder or be unsure if there’s a dress code when visiting wineries. The following article provides the answers you seek.

Since Napa Valley is an agricultural area, comfort is a top consideration even when visiting the vineyards and wineries. Although there is no specific dress code when visiting Napa, dressing there is generally “casual” and “business casual.”

Locals tend to dress casually, but visitors may want to dress up a bit more. For those who worry that they may be dressed to kill or under-dressed, it is best to strike a balance between casual and formal. For instance — a pretty laced blouse for the top, jeans for the bottom, and a pair of wedges or flats for shoes. This style will not only look effortlessly good on you, but at the same time, it will also go great whether you’re walking around the vineyard or dining at a restaurant (Michelin-starred or not).

Or try to find your own style. If you’re really feeling the country vibe in Napa but at the same feeling fashionably flirtatious, you can go for a lovely dress, a denim jacket, and cowboy boots. This style could look great from the vineyards to tasting rooms with only stand-up counters.

Also consider the time, weather, and area as a basis for dressing up in Napa. For example, if the forecast says it’s going to be sunny all day and you’re going to tour around the vineyards or spend a great deal of time on the patio (most wineries have patios that offer dramatic views of the valley), do not forget to wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Sunscreen is also essential. If the weather is breezy and cool, have layers for your outfit, or bring a jacket with you if you get chilly.

As said before, comfort is a top consideration. Since you’re going to move a lot in Napa, especially going to the vineyards, wear what’s appropriate and comfortable. Women will want to have their hair tied up so that it won’t need any maintenance, choose a small, hands-free bag, and wear flats.

But if you’re going to restaurants and wineries with parking lots, paved walkways, and seated tasting rooms, it’s ok to go a bit more formal and classy and wear high heels. If you ride on the wine train, you may also need to be dressier.

Are you the type of person who can’t normally leave the house or hotel without wearing makeup or perfume? When you’re touring wineries, you may want to forego them for a while. When visiting Napa, it’s not only the sights that matter, but also smell and taste — these three senses factor into a well-balanced wine experience. Cosmetics and perfume will mask the subtle aromas and flavors of the wine. If you feel your lips are always dry, wear Chapstick or a light lip balm instead of lipstick.

The change in temperature will also be a factor if you choose to take a hot air balloon ride. At first, it can be quite too hot because you’re standing under the flames, but the moment you ascend, things will be cool and even cooler as you descend. What you will need to wear depends on the time of the day or season. Since hot air balloon flights in Napa mostly take place during sunrise, the temperature could be different during or towards the end of your flight than before the flight. Knowing how the temperatures could fluctuate at this time of the day, it is best to wear layers. You may remove them if you get too hot.

Not just the temperature will factor in your hot air balloon attire. Safety and comfort are also a consideration. You don’t want to wear a long dress, a skirt, or a dress with ruffles of flowing lace. These dresses make getting in and out of the basket awkward and can also be hazardous. Instead, wear casual and comfortable clothing such as your usual shirts. Wear stretch pants or something sporty to make getting in and out of the basket easy.

At Balloons Above the Valley, we do everything we can to make your moments enjoyable, as memorable as possible, and safe. But unless you wear suitable clothing, you won’t be able to enjoy your hot air balloon ride with us as much as you want and should. That’s why you should dress appropriately for the occasion so that you will be able to enjoy the hot air balloon flights as well as the champagne brunch after the flight during your Napa wine tour package.