Later this week, we will be making our first trip to Napa. Since we will be eating at some of the more upscale restaurants we were wondering what the mode of dress will be.

We wrote to one of the restaurants and the reply was "Wine Country Casual". Can any one translate that for us?

Generally, "Friday casual" would work--dockers, polos, Hawaiian shirts for guys (even nice jeans). Capris for women. Not shorts and, certainly, never socks with sandals!

Hahaha - I had a good laugh with this one. Dontcha just love all the dress code variations we have these days? You would think that the restaurants could be more detailed with their response - after all, how is someone who hasn't been to the wine country supposed to know what "wine country casual" actually is?

French Laundry used to insist (that was a couple of years ago) on a jacket in the evening, which, because of the heat, we promptly took off and draped over the back of the chair. Ties were not required.

From what I saw, it's tank tops with shorts and flip-flops. Seriously, capris or summer dress will do. If the air conditioner is on full blast, a light sweater may be needed.

Thanks for the input. I'll probably bring a jacket, but just in case it cools down at night.

The weather is beautiful right now - relatively warm and comfortable, not hot. At night it always chills down, so a sweater or light jacket is advisable. Casual here means nice casual, not the clothes you do yardwork in. Basically, wwear what is comfortable. You don't have to dress up. We see it all: shorts, sandals, capris, casual dresses.

Thanks Elnap. I'm very much looking forward to the trip.