What to Pack for a Sonoma Wine Vacation (and What to Thrift!)
Here’s the best-kept secret no influencer will admit: half the “wine country chic” wardrobe you see on Instagram could easily come from Sonoma thrift stores — and honestly, it should. Sonoma County has some of the best secondhand fashion in California thanks to stylish locals, high turnover, and consignment shops overflowing with gently loved gems. If you want to look effortlessly elevated without dropping vineyard-level cash… this is your moment.
1. Vineyard-Ready Dresses
Light, flowy, feminine dresses show up constantly at Sonoma thrift stores, especially in Petaluma and Sonoma proper. Think midi dresses, linen blends, wrap silhouettes, anything floral — basically the pieces that make you look like you should be holding a glass of Viognier at golden hour.
And yes, you’ll often find Anthropologie, Free People, and sometimes even Reformation pieces hiding in the racks.
2. Designer (or Designer-Adjacent) Bags
Sonoma moms are generous, stylish, and not attached to last season’s bag. HOBO, Coach, Kate Spade, Madewell, and Quilted Vera Bradley all show up regularly.
Pro tip: check the “boutique” or “curated” sections — that’s where the good leather bags live.
3. Layering Pieces for Cooler Evenings
Wine country cools off fast, and thrift stores here are loaded with the cutest layers:
Linen cardigans
Oversized denim jackets
Chunky-knit sweaters
Light shawls
You’ll wear these more than you think — especially if you’re hopping between indoor tastings and breezy patios.
4. Picnic + Vineyard Essentials
Want to build your own chic picnic setup without spending $200 at a boutique? Sonoma thrift stores are elite for:
Rattan picnic baskets
Cheese boards
Stemless wine glasses
Pretty ceramic plates
Cozy throw blankets
They thrift beautifully, travel easily, and instantly elevate your tasting-day aesthetic.
5. Jewelry & Accessories That Make Every Outfit Pop
Local thrifters donate the cutest pieces — vintage gold chains, dainty earrings, statement cuffs, scarves, and sun hats. These accessories are perfect for tying together your vineyard outfit without looking overdone.
Bonus: scarves and hats also double as emergency sun protection when you've had a little too much rosé.
6. Shoes You Don’t Mind Walking In (But Still Look Stylish)
You’ll do more walking than you expect. Luckily, thrift stores here practically overflow with comfy-but-cute footwear:
Low heels
Leather sandals
Woven mules
Chic white sneakers
Skip stilettos — trust me. You’re walking through gravel, grass, and winery parking lots.
7. “Wine Country Chic” Basics for Photos
For Instagram? For memories? For thirst traps you’ll send your girlfriends? Doesn’t matter — these thrift pieces photograph beautifully:
White button-down shirts
Flowy skirts
Earth-toned tops
Woven totes
Linen pants
Basically anything neutral, effortless, and soft.
8. Unique Vintage Finds You Can’t Buy at a Boutique
Sonoma County is full of retirees, artists, and well-traveled collectors — which means the vintage here is unmatched. You’ll spot:
Silk blouses
Retro skirts
60s and 70s sunglasses
Handmade jewelry
One-of-a-kind jackets
If you want to stand out in the tasting room, go vintage.
Moral of the story:
You can thrift half your wine weekend wardrobe and your picnic setup — and look ten times more stylish than if you bought everything new. Sonoma locals have incredible taste, and their donations are your visual glow-up.