What to Wear Wine Tasting: Summer & Winter Outfit Ideas

Last Updated: September 24, 2020

After you have your wine country weekend getaway on the calendar and an itinerary in the works, you’ve probably moved on to the “what should I wear” phase. We could pretend that it hadn’t crossed our minds, but we almost watched Sideways again to see what they were wearing before we visited Oregon wine country this summer. So what do you wear to a winery? While there isn’t a “dress code” for most wineries, you’ll want to look classy, but not too dressy. Depending on the weather if it’s summer or fall, give the following a try. Here’s what to wear wine tasting…

What to Wear Wine Tasting: Summer/Spring

When you’re wine tasting in 80-100 degree weather, you’ll want to be as cool as possible. Try something breezy like a sundress, cuffed shorts or linen pants and a dressy tank, and sandals. Wearing brighter colors will make your vineyard pictures pop. But remember the last thing you’ll want to be trudging through gravel and dirt in is heels, so if you want to go with a little height stick to a wedge heel. Strappy and gladiator-style sandals are always a sexier option. If you’re one of those people that needs accessories, now’s your chance to show off that massive bag you own. While you won’t want to lug it all over on a vineyard tour, it’s a great way to bring your picnic or snack foods along for eating outside at wineries that allow picnics. Otherwise, a clutch is a simple option to sling around your wrist.

Outfit: Aviators, Junior Drake Nora crossbody, sandals, Hype sundress, Gilt

What to Wear to a Winery: Fall/Winter

When temperatures start dropping, it’s a great time to show off boots and skinny jeans. For fall wine tasting, think classic and understated like skinny jeans, and boots with a slouchy sweater or cardigan, or a simple shirt dress with leggings. A scarf is always a good addition. Fall is also a good time to let your accessories carry the color — think a bright bag or shoes. “Oh look, I’m so cute and going to wine country…”

Outfit: J.Crew blouse, Gap jeans, J.Crew scarf, Steve Madden Foreway boots, Hobo International clutch

Packing Tips:

• Remember, you can obviously wear whatever you want, but if you dress somewhere between casual and formal you’ll probably feel more comfortable and confident at the wineries.
• White is probably not the best idea. Even if you don’t spill pinot on yourself, someone else might! It’s like a magnet.
• For summer, you’ll want sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a hat.
• Bring a mini cooler bag for snacks. Perfect for cheese, fruit, and snacks for an impromptu picnic. Just be sure to check with the winery first that they allow outside food on their grounds.

We’re huge fans of traveling light. Whether we’re packing for a big trip or just a weekend adventure to Oregon wine country, we try to pack accordingly. So if you’re going on a weekend trip you really only need a giant purse. Seriously. Make that purse double as luggage, ladies. I hope this has given you some ideas on what to wear wine tasting. Cheers!

What are your ideas on what to wear to a winery?

Originally written November 2011. Updated August 2016.