What to pack for your trip to Napa Valley

The Mediterranean climate of the Napa Valley provides near perfect weather year round; although the southern part of the valley is much cooler than the northern part and there are wide swings of temperatures from day to night. So pack accordingly.

lightweight shoes for hiking. Pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

All-weather gear. Even in the Mediterranean it rains sometimes, so be prepared for the occasional rainy and windy conditions. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too — handy for when the weather clears up again. Tuck a good (but compact) umbrella, like Repel's Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating, into your bag, in case of a real downpour.

Power adapter and charger. In the USA the power sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100-127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. A type B power adapter is included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

The Lonely Planet's Northern California guide provides a great overview of the wider region and the Wine Trails – USA & Canada is more for foodies. When there, also check out the Napa Valley Welcome Center in downtown Napa and pick up free maps and brochures.