The very first weekend I lived in California, I went wine tasting in Sonoma County. This was before I had a place to live, when my car was loaded down with everything I owned and I had no wine tasting outfits close at hand. But I had friends in the area who had a favorite tasting room, and you better believe I jumped on the chance to explore a new wine region. Since that day, visiting wineries has become a hobby. I’ve done wine-tasting events in Napa Valley and Washington. I’ve planned vacations around wine regions like Italy and Portugal. I’ve even discovered fine wines in lesser-known places like Mexico, Croatia, and Greece. Across all these visits, I’ve come up with a personal style that works for a day of wine tasting anywhere in the world. Read on for the perfect wine tasting outfit inspiration for any season!
The Basics of a Winery Outfit
When you plan your outfit for a wine tour, think of it as a casual upscale vibe. A good analogy is to think about what you would wear to a girls lunch, a casual date, or church. Wineries are not formal spaces, but you do want to dress up some. I’ve never been to a winery with a specific dress code, but I have always felt comfortable going a little nicer than a typical day in jeans and a tshirt.
My winery style tends toward dresses, regardless of the time of year. If it really gets cold, I opt for jeans with a blouse, blazer, or a light sweater to keep it classy but practical. Keep reading for plenty of tips on what to wear wine tasting in any season.
If you’re heading to take in vineyard views with a wine-loving friend, don’t miss our roundup of the best gifts for wine lovers.
Can You Wear Jeans Wine Tasting?
Absolutely, if done right. Wine tasting is the perfect opportunity to dress up your jeans, so pair them with a nice top or a blazer and a cute pair of shoes. The name of the game is to look put together – you don’t want ripped jeans or a super casual style but you can put together a chic wine tasting outfit that includes jeans with the right accessories.
Wine Tasting Outfits by Season
Wine tasting is always fun, no matter what time of year. There’s an easy way to stay comfortable, look great, and dress for the weather regardless of when you go. Here are tips for how to dress in each season.
Spring Wine Tasting Outfits
The name of the game in spring when wine tasting is layers. The weather is changeable, even within the same day, so it’s a good idea to have lots of flexible options. Spring can be a lovely time to visit the vineyards, with green buds popping on the vines and the chance for a warm day. Whether you choose pants, a skirt, or a dress, you’re going to want to cover those legs. One good hack is to wear a short dress with tights and boots, and take off the tights partway through the day if it warms up. Pop them in your purse and keep going!
Summer Wine Tasting Outfits
Summer at the winery is spectacular – grapes are heavy on the vine and sunny days heat things up. Though you may be tempted to opt for mini dresses to match the temperatures, appropriate attire still calls for being a little more buttoned up. If summer dresses are your style, go for a midi-length or maxi flowy sundress and lighter fabrics.
hat | dress | sunglasses | gold slides | brown sandals | bag
I also adore a good wide-brimmed hat (this is my current favorite because its cut-out in the back lets you have a low ponytail or bun). A hat is the perfect accessory and screams “wine country casual.”
If you don’t love dresses, opt for lightweight, flowy pants like these and a blouse or tank. If you want to wear shorts, make sure they are tailored, formal shorts — my favorite are these wrinkle-resistant ones from Wayre — and pair them with a fitted tank or a blouse. Pair them with a nice pair of flat sandals or low heels to up the wow factor, and you’ll have a classic look that is big on comfort too.
Top left | top right | bottom right | middle | bottom left
Fall Wine Tasting Outfits
Fall is harvest, which makes for an amazing experience visiting a winery. There’s a flurry of activity, and the vines themselves are turning beautiful shades of yellow and red before dying off for the winter. You can still wear a gorgeous maxi dress, but make sure to bring a leather jacket, cardigan, or denim jacket to layer on top in these cooler months. Fall days vary between sandal weather and boot weather, so a pair of ankle boots is a great option for these colder months.
If you opt for a short dress, slip on some tall boots and tights to keep you warm, and consider an extra layer in case the wind picks up.
Of course, fall is a great time for a tailored pant and blouse, or a pair of dressy jeans and an oversized blazer.
Winter Wine Tasting Outfits
The winter months are definitely the quietest time to go wine tasting, and wine lovers will enjoy the unhurried atmosphere you get on a winter winery visit. Practical outfit options are essential in winter, when you need to think more about the weather than looking cute. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to look great and stay warm.
Dress lovers can opt for a long sleeved midi-length dress and a pair of tall boots, paired with a practical outer layer. I have a few fun coats that are the perfect accessory to a more pared-back look, so consider keeping your outfit in a neutral color and letting your outerwear do the talking. I think a fun coat is the equivalent to the sun hat in summer – the perfect addition that you might not wear on a normal day, but look perfect in the upscale environment of a winery.
Plus Size Winery Outfits
I have enjoyed wine tasting at every size, and there are cute outfits for wine tasting regardless of size. In my plus size days, I went for flowy dresses, particularly maxi dresses. I loved to pair these with statement earrings, a jean jacket for warmth, and a pair of fancy sandals in summer.
If you’re not comfortable in dresses, go for flowy bottoms like linen pants. If you don’t like the look of linen, I am loving the wide leg athleisure pants from Athleta and Loft. Their stretchy waistband is super forgiving and the fabric drapes nicely without being too lightweight.
Best Shoes for Wine Tasting
Wine tasting involves a surprising amount of standing. Many tasting rooms have a stand-up bar where you are poured a taste from several different bottles. Those with seating are often limited to bar-top tables with stools rather than a proper table and chairs. Combine the logistics with the fact that a tasting typically takes at least 45 minutes, and you’re looking long periods of time on your feet.
Comfortable shoes are a great choice when wine tasting. I opt for cute, flat sandals in summer (I have these in multiple colors) or flat boots or ballet flats colder months. You want to go more upscale, so skip the flip flops and choose leather sandals instead. If you hate flat shoes, look for wedges or platforms as opposed to high heels. If you are doing a winery tour or visiting the actual vineyards, you will want shoes that can cover uneven ground. If you need even more convincing, think of this – the last thing you want to do is lose your balance after you’ve had a glass or two of wine and fall off your shoes.
If you can’t get the perfect look without heels, go for block heels over stilettos. You are aiming for comfort and stability in addition to style.
Men should also go upscale in their footwear – think dress shoes or stylish sneakers over flip flops or old gym shoes.
Here are some of my favorite summer shoe options for a vineyard visit.
Wine Tasting Outfits for Men
Similar to women’s options, men should opt for somewhat more formal attire for wine tasting. A button-up shirt, sweater, or even a blazer won’t be out of place. In the summer, a polo shirt and tailored shorts or slacks in breathable fabrics make for the perfect outfit. Linen shirts are good options for a summer look that is both casual and pulled together. Boat shoes in summer pair nicely with a casual chic look, and loafers or dress shoes in fall and winter. You can definitely get away with nice sneakers, but they need to be a statement piece (and definitely do not do this if you’re wine tasting in Europe, where they are much more formal than in the US).
Practical Tips for Wine Tasting
Pick the Right Bag
You’ll be holding a wine glass for much of the day, so you want to be hands-free as much as possible. Pick a shoulder or crossbody bag so your belongings stay secure but your hands are free. Because you’ll be moving around a lot, pick a small handbag that won’t get in your way or weigh you down.
What should you bring with you? I always carry these things with me when wine tasting:
- Z Biotics – These prebiotics help you break down alcohol and minimize the effects the next day. I always take one at the start of drinking, and they are critical for a wine tasting day!
- Hand sanitizer – You’ll be in a lot of public spaces!
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
Choose the Right Lipwear
Choose lip stain instead of lipstick. You’ll be marking up a lot of wine glasses if you wear traditional lipstick, so aim for smudge-proof lip stain or skip it altogether. If you do wear color, dark colors are your best bet because that red wine can leave stains on your lips and teeth.
Stay Classy
Wineries are “old money” types of places, where you want a timeless look. Stay away from outfits that show a lot of skin, including super short dresses or skirts, form-fitting outfits, and crop tops. You can get away with showing midriff in a classy set, but it’s generally better to leave those outfits at home.
Cheers!
Whether you’re prepping for your first trip to a winery or just your next wine tasting experience at a favorite vineyard, these outfits will keep you looking great, feeling comfortable, and ready to raise a glass of wine, whether for a special occasion or just for surviving the week. I hope you enjoy your day and feel great in your perfect winery outfit!
