You’ve been planning your wine country getaway for weeks, and now it’s almost time to go. You can hardly wait to explore the vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and take part in unique experiences such as pairings or private wine tastings. But before you hit the road, you need to make sure you have all of the necessary items packed for a truly unforgettable trip.
In this blog, we’re covering the most important items to bring with you on your next wine trip. To make sure you’re ready to venture through lush vineyards, tour boutique tasting rooms, and loll about the countryside in style, here’s your comprehensive list of what to pack for a wine vacation.
1. A Suitable Suitcase
You’ll need to put your wine tour clothes and associated items somewhere, so a suitable suitcase is essential for your wine vacation. And a wine travel suitcase should be high on your list of must-have items for your wine-tasting trip. Look for something water-resistant, lightweight, and can be easily maneuvered. A specially designed wine travel suitcase not only protects your newly acquired purchases, but it should also have space for all the other items you’ll need for your wine-tasting journey.
The VinGardeValise Piccolo is a unique and stylish solution for transporting your wine home. With its proprietary high-density foam interior and smart design, the Piccolo offers superior protection for up to 5 bottles of wine. Not only that, the suitcase’s corner guards offer increased protection against scuffing and scratching. Fitted with a convenient, TSA-compliant integrated lock, this is the perfect solution for any serious wine traveler.
2. Comfortable Shoes For Walking Around Vineyards
When it comes to exploring a vineyard, comfort is key. You want to be able to spend hours walking around the vast expanse of vines without discomfort, which makes selecting the right pair of shoes especially important. Good shoes will provide adequate cushioning, enough traction to traverse dirt pathways, and breathability on hot summer days. Additionally, proper arch support can prevent aches and pains in your feet after a long day of vineyard touring.
The perfect accessory for your wine-tasting wardrobe, a pair of Reebok Classics can take you effortlessly from a spontaneous wine-tasting excursion to an intimate dinner with friends. These versatile trainers provide you with elevated details and a minimalist design that won’t disappoint. Oh, and the fact that they’re 100% vegan means you can wear them with a clear conscience.
3. Layers
Whether it’s a wine vacation to upstate New York or the world-famous Willamette Valley, you should always be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. It’s important to have clothing that can adapt to various temperatures, as the sun will no doubt be warming things up during the day, whereas wine cellars or evening tours can get quite chilly. The perfect outfit would consist of lightweight layers such as shirts or dresses with some warm jumpers for later on and a thin waterproof just in case! You’ll want to choose clothing that won’t take up lots of inevitable suitcase space either. With these practical fashion tips under your belt, you’ll be ready to tour the vineyards in style!
Looking for the ideal t-shirt to let fellow travelers know you mean business when it comes to wine? Check out this chic, microfiber-knit tee from This Day in Wine History. The lightweight material is perfect for layering, and the classic design will make you look like a true connoisseur.
4. Power Bank
Planning a wine vacation is thrilling and the potential to document your incredible experiences on social media has never been higher. But with all the posts, photos, research, and keeping your friends and family posted back home, the battery life of your smartphone can easily be drained in no time. A power bank can come in handy if you don’t have access to charging points during your trip.
We recommend the Cygnett Chargeup Pro. With its powerful and reliable 20000mAh battery, this amazing device can power up to 3 devices simultaneously. Specifically designed to charge your devices quickly and efficiently, the Chargeup Pro will let you stay connected however off the beaten path your next wine destination is!
5. Water Bottle
No wine vacation would be complete without a trusty water bottle. Not only can it help keep you hydrated during those long days of touring, but it can also save you money that would have been spent buying bottled water. Wine vacations are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the finest wine, but don’t forget that you need to look after yourself while you’re away too! To ensure your optimal level of hydration throughout the tour, invest in a good quality, refillable steel water bottle. Keeping it topped up regularly is essential for avoiding post-holiday hangover headaches and for looking after the environment. So, as much as you all be tempted to fill your cup exclusively with pinot noir, try to keep that refillable water bottle topped up too – it’ll make all the difference!
To make sure you’re hydrated, stylish, and protected during your next wine vacation, why not check out the Contigo Cortland Chill Stainless Steel Water Bottle? This sleek and stylish bottle has been designed with temperature control in mind. Its double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel design is perfect for keeping your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 6 hours.
6. A Good Book
Nothing beats the opportunity to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And with so much time spent on your feet, exploring the vineyard, and tasting wine, having a good book to keep you entertained is always a great idea. And what better way to make the most of your wine vacation than by settling down with a great book that celebrates the art and culture of winemaking?
If you’ve ever wanted to feel confident navigating the world of wine but are not sure where to start, then this book is your answer! Award-winning sommelier Grant Reynolds and acclaimed writer Chris Stang have come together to bring you How to Drink Wine – an informative, relatable, and entertaining guide. You’ll get acquainted with all kinds of wine terminology, find out which wines are the most important ones to know, learn all about production facts related to wine and champagne, and even discover how to pair wines with exactly what suits your lifestyle best. Perfect if you’re new or already well versed in this area – it’s a must-have book for any budding oenophile who wants to boost their existing knowledge or find their confidence when it comes to drinking wine.
7. Wine Skins
Exploring the vineyard can be a great adventure, with plenty of opportunities to capture moments and memories, not to mention score a bottle of your new favorite drop! But as any savvy wine lover knows, wine can be fragile, so it’s important to take proper precautions when transporting your bottles. We recommend investing in a good quality wine skin – like the WineSkin Bottle Protector. This reusable, leak-proof bag is perfect for safely transporting wine bottles, while it’s durable construction and double seal will ensure your bottles survive the trip, no matter how bumpy the journey. So make sure you don’t leave home without a trusty WineSkin Bottle Protector.
8. Drop it Wine Drops
If you love wine but hate the tartness of tannins or the sulfites that can leave you with a headache, Drop It is here to help! This incredible product is the only all-natural solution on the market that reduces both tannins and sulfites and stops the dreaded wine headache in its tracks! Plus, Drop It is portable, so you can take it anywhere – just add a few drops to your favorite bottle or glass of wine for an improved, more enjoyable wine-tasting experience. What’s more, it won’t even change the taste of your favorite drop – no matter what kind or varietal it is! With its FDA-approved ingredients, Drop It is designed to make every glass of wine as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for your next epic wine adventure? Make sure you have the gear we’ve listed above and you’ll be fully prepared for whatever your vacation throws at you. So pour a glass and start packing! Oh, and don’t forget your summer essentials: a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun while you explore the vineyard, a sun hat to keep you cool, and breezy summer dresses and flip-flops so you can feel free while exploring all that wine country has to offer! With all these must-haves for your next outing, you’ll be ready to mix, mingle, sip, savor, and explore with ease. Get out there and show off your style this summer!
And now that you have your wine tour survival kit, get ready for a Willamette Valley wine vacation that you won’t soon forget! Embark on a one-of-a-kind private tour with Wine History Tours and learn about the history, culture, diversity, and winemaking process of the region’s world-class wineries.
You’ll listen to stories and anecdotes told by an experienced guide that will engage diehard wine lovers and casual sippers alike. With each tour being tailored specifically to your interests and needs, no two wine tours are ever alike. Not only will you learn extensive information about wine production and the role it has played in world history, but you will also get to take in stunning landscapes along the way – truly making this wine tour an experience like no other!
Ready to explore all that the Willamette Valley has to offer? Book a private tour today and start planning your perfect wine vacation!
Want to read more? Try these books!
