Not only is wine tasting a great way to put your palate to the test, but it’s also a place that invites you to be creative with your outfit. If you’re not sure what to wear wine tasting, we’ve created a handy guide to walk you through different outfits, so you can pick a winery wardrobe that pairs perfectly with a barrel-aged red or steel-cask aged white.
Rothy’s flats make a great winery companion. Constructed for all-day comfort, these durable shoes are the perfect combination of fashion and function. Plus, if you happen to drop some wine on them? Toss them in the washer on delicate, let them air dry, and they’re as good as new. Comfortable and beautiful, each style of Rothy’s will carry you through every winery event and season with verve.
Before we get started, we’ve gathered some basic tips to help guide you with your overall look. Keep reading for a full overview of outfits or skip directly to the section relevant to you.
Wine Tasting Outfit Tips
Let’s start with some of our favorite tips for planning your winery wardrobe.
Opt for washable whites.
Even if you plan on being a dainty wine taster and taking care to ensure each drop of wine is accounted for—accidents happen. While wearing a flowing white dress might be wine country chic attire in magazines, you’ll be happier in an outfit you don’t have to worry about all day. You may want to skip the white clothing all together, or opt for machine washable shoes for a pop of white.
Dress comfortably from head to toe.
When you’re shopping for cute wine tasting outfits, it’s not the time to look for black tie evening gowns. While you want to look stylish, comfort is key. Going to a winery and taking a tour is sometimes an all-day affair, with hours spent walking the vineyards, winery, and barrel rooms. Bottom line: It’s helpful to dress with comfort in mind.
Stylish, comfortable flats are preferred to high heels that can dig into soft grass or cause discomfort after hours of wear. At the other end of the spectrum, don’t go too casual, either. Aim for that Goldilocks spot; the middle-point between fancy and casual that can easily transition from day to night with a few thoughtful accessories.
Remember sun protection.
Even in the winter, wineries tend to be located in agricultural regions with intense sunlight, so layer on the sunscreen and accessorize with sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. This is the fashion moment you’ve been waiting for—just don’t forget to make sure those accessories are practical, too.
Skip the lipstick and perfume.
Lipstick leaves a ring on the glass. Instead of bold red lipstick, try sticking to a more neutral tinted lip balm instead. Or, if you’re set on a lipstick, opt for one with a matte formula that won’t rub off while you’re eating and drinking. Stay away from perfumes and scented body lotions as well. Most wine tasting heavily involves your sense of smell which influences your perception of taste.
Now that you have some basic tips in mind, let’s dive into wine tasting outfits as sophisticated as that Sauvignon Blanc you’ll be imbibing.
Seasonal Winery Outfits
Another facet of your wine-tasting experience you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan? The season during which you’ll be tasting wines. You don’t want to underdress and be chilly during the winter and likewise, it’s in your best interest to stay away from heavy wool during the warmer months. Below are some winery outfit ideas based on the seasons.
Spring Wine Tasting
There’s a reason why florals come back year after year for spring. They’re the symbol of the season. If you don’t want to go with a traditional pastel palate with a large floral print, mix things up in an unexpected way.
Feeling confident? Try mixing smaller floral prints with a larger print or play with different pastel patterns. Just make sure you harmonize your look somewhere with a solid color. Or, stick to neutrals but add fun textures like ruffles.
For shoes, we love The Loafer to balance out all of those florals and patterns. They provide structure to an otherwise feminine outfit.
Outfit ideas:
- Floral blue romper
- Fedora or wide-brimmed hat
- Patterned neck scarf
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- The Loafer in Navy
Summer Wine Tasting
When the dog days of summer roll around, you’ll want to stick to light, airy fabrics like linen. This isn’t the right season to see if you can pull off a formal pantsuit. We recommend shorts, a linen off-the-shoulder top, and bright-colored flats to match your sunny disposition after a glass or two of your favorite wine with friends.
Outfit ideas:
- Cuffed jean shorts
- Pastel-colored blouse or off-the-shoulder top
- Wide-brimmed hat or fedora
- Aviators
- The Point in Flame
Fall Wine Tasting
The temperatures are milder and getting colder but afternoons at a winery can still be on the warmer side. This season is all about layers. Balance your layers properly by choosing colors that mesh well together. Stick to all grey palate or white-and-black if you’re feeling minimalist.
Think about the textures of your outfit as well when you’re planning your look: soft fabrics like wool and cashmere, textured textiles like corduroy, and metal accents to complement everything.
Outfit ideas:
- Knitted scarf
- Cable-knit Sweater
- Corduroy pants
- Woolen band
- The Sneaker in Black Solid
Winter Wine Tasting
If you’re trying to decide what to wear to a vineyard during the winter, don’t lose sight of style under a mountain of insulated jackets and knitted beanies. Slim down a bulkier jacket with skinny jeans or go for an all-denim look with cuffed, dark wash jeans, a zip-up hoodie and a faded jean jacket on top for that urban chic look.
Outfit Ideas:
- Knitted beanie
- Cashmere scarf
- Dark-wash cuffed skinny jeans
- Cable-knit sweater
- Insulated jacket
- The Chelsea in Graphite Melange
Special Occasion Winery Outfits
Going to a winery for a special occasion? Dress up your outfit with a pair of Rothy’s to complement any event from bachelorette parties to birthdays. If you’re wondering what to wear to a wine tasting party, we’ve picked a few of our favorite outfit ideas for different events.
Bachelorette Party
Celebrate your friend’s special celebration with cute party favors like wine jewelry customized with all the bridesmaid’s initials. When deciding on the right winery outfit, remember that being comfortable is key. A bachelorette party calls for a slightly more fancy outfit such as a mini dress—with maybe even a few sparkles here and there. Alternatively, you can wear something a little more cool like a funky jumpsuit that lengthens your body. Either look calls for a pop of pattern and color in the form of a stylish pair of Rothy’s.
Outfit ideas:
- Sparkly mini-dress or black jumpsuit
- Structured blazer
- The Point in Wildcat
Birthday Party
Throwing a surprise party at a winery for a friend? Dress casually to avoid suspicion. Opt for ripped jeans, a loose tee, and a cardigan, but keep your look polished with a pair of patterned flats. A wine tasting is the perfect gift for a close friend. Get ready to bond over your wine-tasting techniques and sniff, swirl, and sip your way through delicious wines.
Outfit ideas:
- Ripped jeans
- Loose, unstructured t-shirt or blouse
- Long-line cardigan
- The Loafer in Mocha Spot
Wedding
If you’re attending a friend’s nuptials at a winery, opt for slightly fancier garb. Whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors, give a nod to the setting with beautiful purple flats. A maxi-dress or a matching set of coordinates is always a great choice. Go for a beautiful jewel tone like teal or deep pink.
Outfit ideas:
- Strapless maxi-dress or matching coordinates
- Neutral-colored shawl
- The Point in Chili Red
The key to any successful wine tasting outfit is elegant comfort. You’ll want to wear an outfit that allows you to be comfortable for an entire day of walking, tasting and eating. As you develop your palate and bond over trying to identify tasting notes like “dark plum” and “roasted mulberry”, a pair of Rothy’s is here to ensure you don’t spend your day distracted from anything but that pinot noir in front of you.
