Wine country may be known for sprawling vineyards and seemingly endless glasses of wine, but a fall getaway is also an excuse to get dressed. And for Black women, that doesn’t have to mean adopting the predictable beige-and-neutral “quiet luxury” uniform often associated with vineyard escapes. On a recent trip through Northern California wine country, I experienced everything from tastings and a paint-and-sip to a Golden State Valkyries watch party. Which meant my suitcase needed to be equal parts stylish and practical.
One highlight was visiting J Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma County. The tasting room is worth adding to your itinerary for lunch and, of course, a flight of J wines. My personal favorite was the Pinot Gris, a crisp white that made an afternoon in wine country feel even better.
The experience extended beyond the tasting room. We were introduced to LOVE WINE Second Edition by Blanca Molina & GRANTLOVE, a limited-edition California Brut Cuvée featuring artwork by Blanca Molina. Born in Mexico and raised in Sonoma County, Molina brings both her heritage and California upbringing into her work, making the collaboration feel especially rooted in place and culture. We tapped into that same creative spirit during a paint-and-sip, designing bottles of our own. It was a reminder that wine culture can be colorful, expressive, and far less stuffy than its reputation suggests.
The celebration of women continued in San Francisco with a Golden State Valkyries watch party at Rikki’s, a woman-owned sports bar. J’s partnership with the team made it a fitting stop on a trip centered on women, community, and creating more room for women in spaces where we haven’t always been centered.
So, what should you actually pack for a fall wine-country getaway? Start with the shoes. Vineyard days can mean plenty of walking, so comfort matters, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. My black Tabi-style shoes were comfortable enough for the day while still making a statement, and black made them easy to pair with almost everything I packed.
For the winery, consider a pop of color. I paired tan pants with a sunny yellow top, then kept a cardigan nearby for cooler evening temperatures. A great pair of sunglasses from 12PM Studios finished the look.
Dinner calls for an easy classic: a little black dress with a blazer draped over the shoulders and a bold red shoe for a hint of personality.
For something casual, like a Valkyries watch party, a team tee, black jeans, and comfortable shoes get the job done. And for the flight home? A matching tracksuit topped with a structured blazer is an easy formula for looking pulled together without sacrificing comfort.
The takeaway: wine-country style doesn’t have to be predictable. Bring the color, bring the statement shoe, and most importantly, bring your own point of view.