What to Wear to a Winery: Stylish Fall & Winter Winery Outfit Ideas
/If you’re planning a vineyard visit and wondering what to wear, the key is finding the balance between style, comfort, and practicality. A great winery outfit should feel effortless but still polished—something you can walk in, relax in, and take photos in.
This guide to fall and winter winery outfits will help you build the perfect look for wine tasting, whether you’re heading to a casual afternoon tasting or a more elevated winery experience.
What to Wear to a Winery (Quick Guide)
Before we get into outfit ideas, here are the essentials of a great winery outfit:
Comfortable shoes (gravel paths are common)
Layers for changing temperatures
Elevated casual style (not too formal)
Seasonal colors and textures
Pieces you can move around in easily
The goal is to look put-together without feeling overdressed.
1. Lipstick
When it comes to lipstick, it is best to avoid wearing heavy lipstick when wine tasting. This can stain the glasses. Instead, focus on choosing a light lip color or colorless balm. Lip gloss, lip stains, and light lipsticks are all good options. Darker lip colors may affect the color of the wine, so it is best to avoid them. Lipstick will also come off on the glass, so it is important to keep a tissue handy to quickly wipe it off. By following these tips, you can ensure that you look and feel great while enjoying your wine-tasting experience. Heavy dark lipstick also may smug and smear on your lips so it's just easier to go lighter today knowing you will be drinking out of wine glasses and possibly eating.
2. Take a Small Handbag
When deciding what to wear to a winery in the fall and winter months, a small handbag is a must-have accessory. Not only is it practical for carrying your essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and keys, but it also keeps your hands free so you can fully enjoy your wine-tasting experience. Small handbags are both comfortable and stylish, so you won’t have to worry about compromising on either. When selecting a handbag, choose a neutral color such as black, brown, or gray, which will probably go with any outfit you take on your trip. For added convenience, opt for a handbag with a crossbody strap that you can easily wear all day. It also will help if you don't have room to set it down if you are doing a standing tasting or a tour where you need your hands to hold your wine when walking. A small handbag is the perfect accessory for a winery visit, so be sure to pick one up before your next outing.
3. Skip your Perfume
When wine tasting it’s best to skip the perfumes to avoid overwhelming the smell of the wine. It also could compromise your sense of smell when picking up notes of flavor, as well as those around you. If you can't help but wear some opt for only a squirt or two.
4. Wearing Jeans
Denim jeans are a classic look that won’t show too much dirt if you are walking through the vineyards. They also look great with almost any top and can be dressed up or down for chich or casual winery outfits. A statement coat is a great way to make an entrance and can really dress up an outfit with a pair of flattering jeans. Wine tasting is a whole experience and you want to dress a little more like a business lunch than as you would for an afternoon hike. Although you will see people wearing all sorts of things, I tend to dress up a bit for the part and enjoy the fun in it! If you opt for denim jeans I say dress up the top and shoes to give a beautiful look.
5. Dresses
If you’re looking to dress up or if you are like me and personally feel more comfortable in dresses, an elevated dress can be the perfect look. If you’re looking for something more comfortable if it's cold, a sweatshirt dress is a cozy option perfect for lounging at the winery. Boots are a must for a winery outing. Whether you prefer ankle boots or knee-highs, you’ll look stylish and be comfortable pairing them with a dress. Fall in California in the regions of Paso Robles & Napa doesn't get too chilly, so a light dress with sleeves is usually enough for the day of wine tasting. I would still recommend bringing a sweater or coat to add over top. In Winter months it does get a bit colder, so you will need leggings or tights for a dress option and a coat that you can add if it gets even colder.
6. Shoes
When it comes to shoes, boots are a great choice for a winery visit in the cooler months. Choose a pair that you can walk comfortably in for several hours if you plan on exploring the grounds. For example, ankle boots or riding boots are a great option that can be dressed up or down. If it’s especially cold, you can even opt for lined boots for extra warmth. Some may say no high heels but it depends on the type of wine tasting you are doing. In most wineries, you sit in one spot and you are fine with any kind of shoe. If you are planning a tour inside of the barrel rooms or out in the fields you will most likely need a closed-toed shoe. I typically opt for a thicker high heel if I am going to wear them that way if I need to walk on dirt or rocks I am more stable. If it's winter months I opt for a closed-toe bootie with a small chunky heel that you will see in photos.
7. Accessories
To keep you extra warm and on-trend, a wide-brimmed hat is a great option. A leather jacket is also a stylish way to add some edge to your outfit and a great layering piece to be ready for all weather. If it’s really cold out, tights are a great way to keep your legs warm and stylish in dresses or with long knit sweaters. A cozy scarf is the perfect way to add a bit of warmth and style. If you are looking for something simple to elevate your look fun earrings are always a great idea! They are also a really cool way to get creative and add a touch of sparkle to your outfit. Lastly, don't forget your sunglasses. Many wineries have outside seating and usually have beautiful sunny skies. You will want to be able to have sunglasses to stylishly enjoy the rolling heels of the winery without squinting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for a winery?
Most wineries follow an elevated casual dress code. Think stylish but comfortable—similar to a nice brunch outfit.
Can you wear jeans to a winery?
Yes. Jeans are one of the most common and appropriate choices, especially when styled with boots or a nice top.
What should I wear to a winery in the winter?
Layering is key. A sweater, coat, and boots will keep you warm while still looking polished.
Are heels okay at a winery?
Block heels can work, but stilettos are not recommended due to uneven terrain.
Is it necessary to wear a heavy coat to a winery during winter?
Visiting a winery during the colder months of fall and winter can be a great way to enjoy a different kind of outdoor adventure. However, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions so you can fully enjoy the experience. A heavy coat is not always necessary, depending on the winery’s location and the weather conditions. A light jacket or sweater may do the trick. If you are visiting a winery in an area with colder temperatures, it’s a good idea to pack a warm coat or jacket to wear outside. Layering is always a good option for fall and winter winery visits. Wear your light jacket or sweater and add a heavier coat when the temperature drops. Consider bringing a blanket or scarf to wrap up in if you find yourself in a particularly cold spot. Don’t forget to bring along some comfortable shoes or boots for exploring the winery grounds. In areas like Paso Robles, it gets very windy and cold at night, making for great wine, but also as a reason you will need a coat more at night than during the day.
Suitable clothing color schemes for a winery visit in fall and winter
Fall and winter are great times to visit a winery, and what you wear should reflect the season. For fall, the changing leaves provide an array of colors to work with. Earthy tones like burgundy, brown, deep greens and shades of gray are perfect for this time of year. To create a more sophisticated look, you can add texture by layering pieces such as a blazer, scarf, or cardigan. Accessories like hats, scarves, and boots will also help to keep you warm and stylish.
When it comes to winter, it's easy to stick with neutrals such as shades of black, white, and beige. This creates a more elegant look that will keep you warm without sacrificing style. If you want to add a pop of color, choose one color and stick with it for a monochromatic look. Cool shades of light pink or deep romantic tones are a great look as well. Layering a jacket that matches the same color as your top always gives an elevated look and helps when knowing what to wear to a winery in fall and winter. A capsule wardrobe always comes in handy here and is a really great way to pack for trips in general.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for a winery doesn’t have to be complicated. The best outfits strike a balance between effortless style and real-world comfort, so you can enjoy the experience without overthinking what to wear.
Whether you’re planning a casual tasting or a full day exploring vineyards, having the right outfit makes the entire experience feel more intentional—and a little more memorable.
If you’re planning a winery trip or looking for more wine-inspired ideas, you might also enjoy these related posts:
Other Wine-Related Blog Posts
Paso Robles City Guide
The Bloggers Guide to Merlot
Uncork the Perfect Evening: Discover the Optimal Three-Course Meal to Pair with J. Lohr
Planning the Perfect Romantic Picnic with J. Lohr Wines
The Perfect Match: Grilled Steak & Blue Cheese Salad with Grilled Corn paired with J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks
The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine
These posts are perfect for planning a full wine country experience—from what to wear, to what to sip, to what to serve alongside it.
You can also see on my Instagram highlight under "Paso Robles" or "J. Lohr Trip" additional looks I have worn over the years wine tasting and some of my favorite places.
