Wine Tasting Attire: What to Wear in Wine Country

  • General
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on AUGUST 16, 2024
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General

Wine Tasting Attire: What to Wear in Wine Country

By WineCountry Collective August 16, 2024

Heels or flats? Dress shirt or t-shirt? Sundress or jeans? White pants—well, that’s a bold move! Heading out for a day of wine tasting and not quite sure what to wear? We get it. Navigating the fashion waters of Wine Country can be as tricky as picking the perfect Pinot. With phrases like “Wine Country Casual” and “Napa Valley Chic” floating around, it’s easy to feel a little lost in the vineyard.

While the dress codes in Wine Country are more suggestions than rules, we’ve got the lowdown on how to sip in style. Whether you’re strolling through vineyards, savoring farm-to-table delights, or just soaking in those vineyard views, we’ve got some practical tips to ensure you’re dressed to impress, no matter the season.

Stocksy
Photo courtesy of Stocksy

What to Wear: Top Tips

  1. Layer Up

    Layers are essential for a day of wine tasting, no matter the forecast. Temperatures can swing from warm sun to chilly barrel rooms, so pack a light sweater or jacket.

  2. Be Sun Smart

    If you’re tasting wine, there’s a good chance you’re in a sunny place (grapes need sunshine, after all). Don’t forget the essentials: a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

  3. Pick the Right Footwear

    Heels or wedges might be cute, but comfy shoes are key for navigating grassy wineries, uneven paths, and the occasional grape stain.

  4. Skip the Scents

    Remember, wine tasting is all about the senses. Skip the strong perfumes and colognes so you—and everyone around you—can fully enjoy those delicate wine aromas.

  5. Choose Colors Wisely

    Wine tasting can get a little messy, so dark colors are your friend—they can hide those inevitable spills and splashes. But hey, if you’re feeling bold and want to rock white or light colors, go for it! A little wine stain just adds character to your day, right?

What is ‘WINE COUNTRY CASUAL’?

Hop Kiln Estate
Playing Bocce Ball with Friends. Photo courtesy of Landmark Vineyards' Hop Kiln Estate located in Healdsburg, CA,

“Wine Country Casual” is a bit of a flexible term, but think of it as a blend between resort casual and business casual. For women, sundresses, blouses, skirts, and even nice jeans fit the bill. Men can opt for short-sleeved dress shirts, golf shirts, and khakis or nicer jeans. The key is to keep it relaxed but polished.

What is ‘WINE COUNTRY CHIC’?

Photos courtesy of Gloria Ferrer

“Wine Country Chic” or “Napa Valley Chic” is essentially “Wine Country Casual” with a fashionable twist—perfect for all those vacation photos. Women might choose a dress or dress slacks with heels or stylish flats, while men can go for slacks with a nice polo or button down shirt, sans tie. Think refined and elegant, but in a laid-back, non flashy way.

Packing for the Seasons

Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate is a winemaker’s dream, offering ideal conditions for grape growing and nearly perfect weather year-round. That said, things can cool off quite a bit in the winter and spring seasons, so plan accordingly. The southern part of the Valley is generally cooler than the north, and temperature swings from day to night are common. The same goes for Sonoma County—coastal and river areas are cooler, while the northern and inland regions tend to be warmer.

Learn more about Napa Valley’s weather and Sonoma County’s weather here, and be sure to check out our seasonal guide to visiting Napa and the best times to explore Sonoma.

Ready to book your trip? We’ve got you covered with the best ways to travel to Napa and Sonoma.