What to Wear on the Wine Train

Rolling through Napa Valley in a historic rail car with sun-drenched vineyards as your view and a glass of Cabernet in hand, does it get much better than that? As you plan for your unforgettable journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, you may find yourself wondering what to wear—a common question we’re happy to answer. After all, it’s a beautiful and memorable experience, and you want to look and feel your best! 

While the most important thing to pack is your desire to make lasting memories, we’re here to help you craft a thoughtfully chosen outfit that’s as comfortable as it is polished—and ready to snap some pics. 

Understanding the Atmosphere

Stepping on board the Wine Train will transport you to a new world. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind with refined details, unhurried leisure, and the perfect mix of classic charm and modern elegance. During your journey, we want you to slow down, take it all in, and fully immerse yourself in the Wine Train experience. 

Aboard the Wine Train, the goal is for you to enjoy yourself and be completely comfortable. You’ll enjoy your gourmet meal from the comfort of your seat, but you’ll likely want to wander the platforms to explore the rail cars and find the best spots for photo ops. Whether you’re with us for the Legacy Experience, an Afternoon Tea, enjoying a Vista Dome Lunch, or one of our other experiences, the Wine Train offers a unique way to explore Napa Valley in style. The key to the perfect outfit is a look that you’ll feel confident in while fully embracing every part of the experience.

Seasonal Considerations

While Napa Valley has beautiful weather year-round, it may get a bit warmer or colder than you’d expect. Our best piece of advice is to dress in polished, comfortable layers. They’re easy to add on or peel off as the temperature changes. 

Spring and fall share a similar feel. As the vines are flourishing with life in the spring, and in the fall they become ready for harvest, you’ll find that light, breathable fabrics are best. Consider a flowy dress or a blouse paired with your favorite trousers. Be sure to have a light cardigan or jacket for those cooler evenings. You’ll thank yourself as the sun dips below the hills. 

During the summer, the valley can get quite hot. A chic sundress, a polo shirt with tailored shorts, or a breezy jumpsuit will all be your best friend. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are another fashion staple to consider—practical and effortlessly cool. The Wine Train is a place where style and practicality go hand in hand. 

Winter in Napa Valley, although still beautiful, will become slightly colder. You’ll want to be warm and cozy, but still elegant and tasteful. Dresses paired with boots and stylish knits, or slacks with sports jackets are some staples for dressing for your winter journey. These looks are comfortable, yet sophisticated. Perfect for a chilly evening ride while sipping on a glass of red. 

Day Journeys vs. Dinner Journeys 

While the vibe of the Wine Train is consistent, and the seasonal aspect of your outfit will keep you comfortable, the time of your journey sets a unique tone for your outfit. From daytime journeys and leisurely wear, there’s a transition to dinner journeys and elegant wear. 

If you’re joining us for a daytime experience, the mood is bright, breezy, and relaxed. If we had to pick a dress code, we’d align best with smart casual, where we imagine your outfit stylish with an effortless feel—perfect for a day in Wine Country. If your journey makes any stops along the way, ensure you’re wearing comfortable shoes, as the tastings and tours can take you throughout the vineyards. Trust us, nobody wants to be wobbling through the vines in uncomfortable heels. 

On the dinner train, as you’re watching the sun dip below the horizon, the onboard atmosphere shifts slightly, attire included. We recommend elevated casual attire, the perfect complement to a romantic and elevated evening. Semi-formal dresses, sophisticated jumpsuits, and suit jackets are all perfect choices. It’s not black-tie, but it’s undoubtedly the night to lean into sophistication.

What to Wear During Each Experience

Legacy Experience

The Legacy Experience calls for timeless elegance. The railcar is moody and luxurious, featuring warm woods and velvet seating with a classic but modern touch. You’ll want to blend a polished feel with comfort in mind for the six-hour journey, which includes two winery stops. Dresses, tailored trousers, and modern silhouettes are all guaranteed to fit the vibe. Pair your outfit with chic accessories and block heels or loafers for those vineyard strolls, and you’ll be perfectly styled for your Legacy Experience.

Discover our Legacy Experience and indulge from beginning to end. 

Grgich Hills Estate Tasting

For this experience, you’ll be on board a railcar with warm woods and beautiful, bright windows with the best Napa Valley vineyard views. And since your journey includes a wine tasting at Grgich Hills Estate, you’ll want a balance of style and practicality. Flowy dresses with earthy tones or florals are probably what comes to mind when you think of a Napa Valley winery visit, and you’re so right! Pair your look with block-heeled or platform shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to keep you comfortable outside. 

Explore the Grgich Hills Estate Tasting for an immersive experience on board and a one-hour seated tasting at Grgich Hills Estate.

Vista Dome

Surrounded by glass domes and an open, airy feel, and bright red seating, the Vista Dome is one of the most chic and stylish cars. Modern and sleek looks, such as blazers and slacks or trousers, paired with black and white coloring, feel right at home here. Delicate jewelry and stylish hats, glasses, or scarves will leave you looking and feeling polished. 

Explore the Vista Dome lunch for a breathtaking day in Wine Country and the Vista Dome Dinner for an intimate dinner beneath the stars. 

Gourmet Express

As soon as you board the Gourmet Express, you’ll notice a relaxed and elevated vibe, characterized by mahogany paneling, etched glass partitions, and natural wood tones. Smart casual attire is a good approach for this experience. Think buttons, collars, belts, and warm classic pieces to pair with the charming setting. 

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon during a Gourmet Express Lunch, or a romantic evening aboard the Gourmet Express Dinner. 

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea on the Wine Train is all about refined leisure and old-world charm, with a vibrant, colorful interior full of orange florals and playful details. Make your outfit just as enchanting with a flowy dress, bright florals, or lace details. Pearls and fun jewelry pieces, headbands, and delicate clutches or handbags will give your look a romantic feel, perfect for an afternoon tea. 

Join us for a spot of tea and a splash of bubbles during an Afternoon Tea Experience. 

Tasting on the Rails

This one’s for you, foodies and wine aficionados. Tasting on the Rails is a beautiful journey with seven tasting courses paired with wine. The backdrop this time features rich burgundys, reds, and deep wood tones, setting the perfect moody ambiance. Dress for the occasion in matching sets, dresses, jumpsuits, and classic pieces in elegant jeweled tones. 

Treat yourself to a Gourmet Express lunch or dinner. 

Accessories & Practicalities

The perfect outfit isn’t complete without accessories! A few thoughtful additions can help ensure you’re well-prepared for your Wine Train experience. 

Your shoes are a big decision when it comes to boarding the Wine Train. While we offer an elegant experience, and you’ll be seated comfortably for much of your voyage, you’ll also be walking between railcars and platforms, and potentially venturing through vineyards. Block heels, classic flats, or trendy loafers are all great choices. That way, you stay comfortable, and your stiletto heels won’t be digging into the vineyard grounds or navigating the train’s classic design.

When considering what bag to bring with you, keep in mind that space is limited on the Wine Train. Your party will have your table to yourselves, but when exploring the trains, you’ll want to be able to move freely and easily. So, think chic and compact rather than big and bulky.

Other items you may want to accessorize with are, of course, jewelry and watches; feel free to choose whatever complements your look. As we mentioned earlier, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are recommended for summer daytime journeys, and light jackets or shawls are a smart addition to bring during any evening journey, providing practical protection against cool weather. 

A Journey Well Dressed 

Refined, comfortable, and a little indulgent. That’s what we’re all about. Dress to feel confident, relaxed, and ready to savor your journey aboard the Wine Train. 

If you want your Wine Country experience to linger a little longer, treat yourself to a Napa Valley vacation with an overnight stay at one of our preferred hotel partners. Along with gorgeous accommodations, you’ll enjoy tickets to certain experiences like Vista Dome or Gourmet Express with each package.

Whether you join us for a daytime tasting or an evening journey, you’ll find that the right outfit makes the experience even more memorable. Ready to step aboard? Book your journey today.