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.

Previous
Previous

People Are Good: The Heartwarming Side of Thrifting