If you’ve booked a wine tour, you’re in for a wonderful day. But packing smart can make it even better! Knowing what to bring on a wine tour helps you stay comfortable, enjoy the tastings, and make the most of every stop. Between the sun, the walking, and the pace of the day, a few thoughtful choices can go a long way.
Whether you’re joining a guided tour or exploring on your own, it’s worth taking a moment to prepare. The right essentials will help you relax, focus on the experience, and avoid the small inconveniences that can interrupt a perfect glass of wine.
What to Bring on a Wine Tour
A little preparation goes a long way. The right essentials can make it easier to enjoy every stop of your wine tour without small distractions. Think of this as your simple, no-fuss checklist for comfort, convenience, and a better overall experience regarding what to bring on a wine tour.
1. Comfortable Shoes
You’ll spend a good part of the day walking, sometimes over gravel paths or uneven ground. Choose shoes that are supportive and easy to move in, like flats, loafers, or low wedges. Skip the super high heels; they’ll only slow you down and make vineyard strolls less enjoyable.
2. Weather-Ready Layers
Wine regions often experience shifting temperatures. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cool tasting rooms or breezy patios. If the forecast calls for sunshine, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are smart additions. You’ll stay comfortable and look the part without overpacking.
3. A Small, Hands-Free Bag
A crossbody bag or small backpack keeps essentials within reach while letting you move freely. You’ll want space for sunscreen, your phone, a small water bottle, and maybe a snack or two for the ride between stops.
4. A Way to Remember Your Favorites
It’s easy to lose track of which wines stood out after several tastings. Bring a small notebook, or use your phone’s notes app, to jot down names, tasting notes, and wineries you’d like to revisit. It’s a simple way to make the experience more personal.
5. Water
It’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need. Sipping throughout the day helps you stay hydrated and enjoy the flavors of each pour more fully. A refillable bottle is both practical and eco-friendly.
Nice-to-Haves That Make the Day Even Better
Once you’ve packed the essentials, there are a few extras that can make your wine tour even more enjoyable. None of these are must-haves for what to bring on a wine tour, but they can add a little convenience, comfort, or fun to the experience.
1. A Camera or Good Smartphone
Vineyards are some of the most photogenic places you’ll ever visit. Rolling hills, sunlit vines, rustic barrels… It’s worth capturing a few moments. Bring a camera or make sure your phone is fully charged and ready for photos. Just remember to take time to enjoy the view in real life, too.
2. Portable Charger
Between photos, navigation, and note-taking, your battery can drain faster than you expect. A small power bank can save you from the mid-day scramble for an outlet.
3. Reusable Shopping Bag
If you fall in love with a bottle or two (and you probably will), a reusable tote makes it easy to carry your finds safely back to the car or bus. Some wineries offer boxes, but it’s always nice to have your own just in case.
4. Light Snacks
Most tours include food pairings or stops for lunch, but a few small snacks, like nuts or crackers, can help balance your palate between tastings. It’s a simple way to stay energized without interrupting the flow of the day.
5. An Extra Layer or Blanket
If you’re touring in cooler months or plan to sit outside in the evening, a light blanket or wrap can make those late tastings more comfortable. It’s also perfect for a quick picnic if your itinerary allows it.
The One Thing You Really Shouldn’t Forget
A Great Attitude
Your mindset is the most important thing you can bring on a wine tour. A positive, curious attitude turns a good day into a memorable one. Every winery has its own story: how the grapes are grown, how the wine is made, what makes that region special. Being open to those stories and asking questions adds depth to the experience.
Wine tasting isn’t a competition or a test of knowledge. You don’t have to know the difference between oak-aged and stainless steel to appreciate a glass. Let your senses guide you. Notice what you enjoy, even if it surprises you. The best part of a wine tour is discovering something new: sometimes in the glass, sometimes in conversation.
And remember, wine is meant to be savored, not rushed. Take your time, sip slowly, and enjoy the setting. Whether you’re with friends, a partner, or part of a group, being present and engaged is the one thing that guarantees you’ll remember the day for all the right reasons.
How eXtraordinary Tour Services Makes It Effortless
By now, you’ve probably realized there’s a bit more to planning a wine tour than just showing up. Between deciding what to bring on a wine tour, which wineries to visit, and how to get from one stop to the next, the details can add up quickly. That’s exactly why so many California wine country travelers choose eXtraordinary Tour Services (ETS): we take care of every little thing so you don’t have to.
From the moment we pick you up at your doorstep to the time we bring you safely home, ETS handles it all. We plan your itinerary, schedule tastings at three distinctive wineries, and even include a California-style catered picnic that feels straight out of a postcard. You can count on professional chauffeurs, comfortable transportation, and a day that flows effortlessly from one beautiful stop to the next.
And if you’d rather tailor the experience, ETS makes it easy. Maybe you’d like to visit smaller family-owned wineries, adjust the timing of your day, or add in a few scenic photo stops along the way. Our team is known for crafting personalized, all-inclusive tours that fit your pace and preferences.
In short, we think of the details you might forget, so you can focus on enjoying the view, the company, and the wine. It’s the easiest way to make the most of your day in Napa, Sonoma, or Livermore Valley, without worrying about a single thing.
Ready to Plan Your Wine Tour?
Now that you know what to bring on a wine tour, the only thing left is to decide where to go and who will make it effortless. With eXtraordinary Tour Services, every detail is handled for you, from pickup to drop-off, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
Start customizing your tour today or call (925) 788-5666 to talk with the ETS team. Your perfect wine country day is waiting: let us handle the details so you can simply enjoy the pour.