Stylish Sipping: The Ultimate Guide To a Fashionable Winery Wardrobe in Fall & Winter
/When it comes to enjoying the transcendent flavors of high-quality vino, the venue often matters just as much as the vintage, and there's no more engaging and peaceful of a setting than an actual winery. However, as the golden hues of autumn turn to the chilly blank canvas of winter, the question of what to wear to such an exquisite location often pops up. In this blog post discussing what to wear to a winery in fall and winter, we'll settle your sartorial concerns, guiding you on outfit choices that marry elegance and comfort for your winery visits, whether in the heart of fall or in the depths of winter. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and get ready to strut in style at the vineyard.
If you’re looking for the perfect outfit to wear to a winery this fall or winter, you’ll want to choose something that is comfortable, stylish and still appropriate for the season. Layers are key to never getting too cold or too hot in the colder months, so try to incorporate sweaters, blazers, and boots to your look. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing white. Spills can happen, and it’s much easier to clean darker clothing. Additionally, you should consider bringing a light jacket as temperatures may fluctuate inside the winery. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in and avoid wearing strong perfumes, as they may interfere with the winery's tasting experience. Below I go over each of these more and why I picked my outfits. You'll also see my husband in some photos to help give you ideas on winery outfits for guys. For the most part, he goes with button-downs and jeans during winter months and polos in summer.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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.
No matter what season you’re visiting a beautiful winery in, you can look stylish and stay comfortably warm. Choose colors and textures that work with the season, and accessorize to add the perfect finishing touches. With the right outfit, you’ll be ready to enjoy a beautiful day at the winery!
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
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.
