👗 What should you wear wine tasting?


Hi Reader,

For something that’s basically just drinking wine, getting dressed for a wine tasting can feel surprisingly complicated.

Somewhere between “cute wine country outfit” and “practical for a walk in the vineyard,” things can spiral quickly.

Suddenly it turns into this:

…pull an outfit out of the closet
…try it on
…decide it’s too dressy
…change outfits three more times
…wonder if sneakers are acceptable
…question every shoe choice you own
…give up and put the first outfit back on
…leave behind a giant pile of clothes

I’ve been there, Reader. 😅

After a lot of wine tasting trips, I can confidently say: there’s no strict dress code at wineries.

But there are a few things that can make your day a lot more comfortable (and a lot more fun).

Here’s what to wear, what to avoid, and what actually works for a day in wine country.


👗 Dress for the Day

Wine tasting isn’t just sitting and sipping.

You may be walking in a hot vineyard, standing in AC at tasting bars, touring a chilly wine cellar, or all of the above.

So instead of planning an outfit around how it looks, think about what your day actually involves. The more your outfit matches the plan, the better the day feels.


👟 Shoes Matter

If you take away one thing, let it be this. Comfortable shoes will make or break your day.

Wineries often have uneven ground, gravel paths, stairs, and a lot more standing than you might expect.

Go for:

  • Stylish sneakers
  • Flats
  • Low, block heels

Skip the stilettos or anything brand new that hasn’t been broken in. Your feet will thank you!


👜 Helpful Extras

A few things I always end up being glad I brought:

  • A light jacket or sweater
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • A crossbody bag (hands free = easier)
  • Lip balm and sunscreen

🍷 What to Avoid

Here's what can make the day harder than it needs to be:

  • White clothing (one splash of red and it’s over)
  • Perfume or cologne
  • Anything too casual or revealing
  • Shoes you’re not 100% comfortable in

To make this even easier, I put everything into a quick cheat sheet you can use while packing.

At the end of the day, you don’t need the perfect outfit.

You just want something comfortable enough so that you can focus on the wine instead of what you're wearing.

Cheers,

Laura

👜

Gear I'm Packing

My go-to bag for hands-free tasting

👒

Finds I'm Loving

This travel-friendly foldable sun hat

🧳

Travel Tools I'm Using

Packing cubes for staying organized

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

P.O. Box 44, Pinehurst, MA 01866
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Wine Travelista

Hi! I'm Laura, your go-to source for all things wine and wanderlust. Whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you experience the same joy and education that wine country travel has brought me. From wine travel basics to wine region guides to done-for-you itineraries, I make planning a wine tasting trip simple…and fun!

Read more from Wine Travelista

Hi Reader, Confession: I have an absurd number of vineyard photos on my phone. 🫣 I'd love to tell you they're all carefully composed. But a solid chunk are the same hillside shot eleven times. Because I refused to accept that my phone wasn't capturing what my eyes were seeing. 🤩 Some places just don't fit in a photo. You have to go stand in them. Here are five that are worth putting on your calendar, not just your camera roll. 🌊 Pelješac Peninsula, CroatiaTwo hours up the coast from...

Hi Reader, Is it just me, or is there an app for everything these days? Trip planning. Maps. Packing. Weather. Currency. Translation. Finding bathrooms. (Okay, maybe that last one isn't a bad idea. 😂) I've tried a lot of apps over the years. Some lasted exactly one trip before I forgot they existed. But the ones below have survived years of wine trips because they actually save me time, help me stay organized, and make planning a whole lot easier. ✈️ Finding Flights I've found Google Flights...

Hi Reader, I just got back from a travel creators conference in Virginia, and besides getting to see so many online friends IRL, one of my favorite parts was exploring a few places I'd never been before. I got to spend an afternoon at Jolene Family Winery in New Kent, just outside of Richmond. It’s a family-run winery right on a small lake with a huge patio and adorable glamping tents you can rent. If you're a fan of dry wines, I loved their Family White, a Chardonnay-based blend. And the...