What to Wear to a Winery: Complete Style Guide 2026

There's something magical about wine tasting—rolling vineyards, swirling glasses of ruby reds and golden whites, the sophistication of it all. But standing in your closet before a winery visit, you might find yourself wondering: what to wear to a winery?

The winery dress code sits in a unique fashion territory. It's not casual like a backyard barbecue, but it's also not formal like a gala. You want to look polished for photos among the vines while staying practical enough to walk on gravel paths and stand at tasting bars for hours.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about winery attire for every season, occasion, and personal style. Let's uncork the perfect outfit.

Understanding Winery Dress Codes

Before planning what to wear to a winery, it helps to understand the different atmospheres you might encounter:

Casual Winery Vibes

Many smaller, family-owned wineries and rural tasting rooms have relaxed atmospheres. Think jeans-friendly, come-as-you-are energy. These spots focus on the wine experience over formality.

Upscale Tasting Rooms

Napa Valley estates, European chateau wineries, and urban wine bars often skew more sophisticated. Some even have dress codes prohibiting athletic wear or flip-flops. When in doubt, check the winery's website or call ahead.

Winery Events

Wine dinners, harvest festivals, and special events may call for elevated attire. Usually, the invitation will specify if formal dress is expected.

Essential Winery Outfit Rules

Regardless of the specific venue, these guidelines will serve you well when deciding what to wear to a winery:

Prioritize Comfortable Shoes

This cannot be overstated. Wineries often involve walking on uneven terrain—gravel paths, grass, stone patios, barrel room floors. Stilettos are a recipe for disaster (and a twisted ankle). Opt for:

• Block heels or wedges
• Comfortable flats or loafers
• Stylish ankle boots
• Elevated sandals with straps
• Clean, stylish sneakers (for casual spots)

Be Careful with White

Red wine spills happen—even to careful sippers. While cream, ivory, and white can look stunning, consider whether you're willing to risk stains. Alternatively, bring a cardigan or jacket you can drape strategically.

Layer Thoughtfully

Wine caves and barrel rooms are cool. Outdoor patios can be warm. Indoor tasting rooms vary. Layers let you adapt to temperature changes throughout your visit.

Consider the Photo Opportunities

Let's be honest—vineyard photos are half the fun. Solid colors and interesting textures photograph better than busy patterns against vineyard backgrounds.

Spring Winery Outfits

Spring wine country is all about mild weather, blooming mustard flowers between vine rows, and the promise of warmer days ahead.

The Classic Spring Look

A flowing midi dress in a soft floral print paired with a denim jacket and comfortable wedges. This combination is feminine, practical, and photographs beautifully against spring vineyard backdrops.

Elevated Casual

High-waisted wide-leg trousers in a neutral tone, a tucked-in silk blouse, and a blazer you can remove as temperatures rise. Add loafers and gold jewelry for a polished finish.

The Effortless Option

A jumpsuit is a spring winery secret weapon. One piece, instantly put-together, comfortable for long tastings. Choose one in terracotta, sage, or dusty rose for spring.

Spring Accessories

• Light scarf for cooler moments
• Crossbody bag (hands-free for wine glasses)
• Sunglasses for outdoor tastings

Summer Winery Outfits

Summer wine tasting means sunshine, warmth, and the need to stay cool while looking chic. When considering what to wear to a winery in summer, breathability is key.

The Sundress Solution

A linen or cotton sundress in a midi length is summer winery perfection. Choose solid colors like terracotta, olive, butter yellow, or classic white (if you're brave). Add espadrille wedges and a straw bag.

Breezy Separates

Linen wide-leg pants or a flowy maxi skirt paired with a simple tank or off-shoulder top. These pieces allow airflow while looking pulled-together.

The Romper Route

A sophisticated romper (think tailored, not beach-casual) in a neutral or muted color works beautifully for summer wineries. Ensure it's an appropriate length for bending and moving.

Summer Must-Haves

• Wide-brimmed hat or chic fedora
• Quality sunglasses
• Light cardigan for air-conditioned tasting rooms
• Sandals with actual support (not flimsy flip-flops)

Fall Winery Outfits

Fall is peak wine country season—harvest time, gorgeous colors, crisp air, and cozy vibes. It's arguably the most stylish season to answer the question of what to wear to a winery.

The Quintessential Fall Look

Straight-leg jeans in a rich wash, a cozy sweater in burgundy or forest green, a camel or tan leather jacket, and ankle boots. This combination is warm, stylish, and perfectly seasonal.

Elevated Fall Style

A sweater dress in a fall color (think rust, deep plum, or chocolate brown) with knee-high boots and a structured bag. Add a blanket scarf for cooler tastings.

Layered Sophistication

Wide-leg trousers, a silk blouse, a fitted vest or blazer, and comfortable loafers. This look works for more upscale tasting rooms while keeping you warm.

Fall Accessories

• Structured leather or suede bag
• Layered gold jewelry
• Cozy scarf that doubles as a wrap
• Leather or suede boots

Winter Winery Outfits

Winter wine country is quieter, cozier, and often means more intimate tasting experiences. Dressing for warmth while maintaining style is the winter goal.

The Cozy Chic Look

Dark jeans or leather-look leggings, an oversized cashmere sweater, a beautiful wool coat, and knee-high boots. This combination is warm, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.

Sophisticated Winter

Wool trousers, a silk turtleneck, a long structured coat in camel or black, and heeled ankle boots. Perfect for more upscale winter tasting experiences.

The Knit Dress Option

A ribbed knit midi dress with tights, tall boots, and a leather jacket or structured coat. Comfortable, warm, and put-together.

Winter Essentials

• Quality coat you're proud to wear all day
• Cashmere or wool layers
• Boots with good traction
• Elegant scarf

What to Wear to a Winery: Special Occasions

Bachelorette Wine Tour

Coordinate with your group! A color palette (all wearing earth tones, or everyone in their favorite shade of pink) photographs beautifully. Comfortable shoes are essential when you're visiting multiple venues.

Date Night at a Winery

Elevate your look slightly—this is the time for that beautiful dress or those dressy trousers. A romantic blouse, nice jewelry, and your favorite heels (block heels for safety) set the mood.

Wine Dinner or Special Event

Check the invitation for dress code specifics. When in doubt, err on the side of dressy casual to smart casual. A cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuit usually hits the right note.

Casual Tasting with Friends

Jeans are absolutely appropriate for casual wineries. Elevate them with a nice top, stylish jacket, and quality accessories. You want to look put-together without looking like you're trying too hard.

Winery Outfits by Body Type

Finding what to wear to a winery that flatters your figure makes the experience even better.

Petite Frames

High-waisted bottoms and tucked-in tops elongate your silhouette. Avoid overwhelming proportions—fitted pieces with subtle volume work better than oversized everything. Monochromatic dressing adds height.

Curvy Bodies

Wrap dresses and tops are universally flattering. A-line skirts that skim the hips, well-fitted jeans that don't gap at the waist, and V-necklines all work beautifully. Belt dresses at your natural waist to define your shape.

Tall Women

You can rock those wide-leg pants and maxi dresses that sometimes overwhelm shorter frames. Play with proportions and don't be afraid of heels if you love them—own your height!

Athletic Builds

Create curves with ruffles, peplum details, and interesting necklines. Wrap styles add dimension, and A-line silhouettes below the waist balance broader shoulders.

What NOT to Wear to a Winery

Equally important to knowing what to wear to a winery is knowing what to avoid:

• Stiletto heels: Gravel paths will destroy them (and your ankles)
• Athletic wear: Unless it's a very casual spot, save the yoga pants for elsewhere
• Heavy perfume: It interferes with wine aromas
• Overly revealing clothing: Wineries skew conservative
• Uncomfortable anything: You'll be on your feet for hours
• High-maintenance fabrics: Wine stains are real risks

Finding Winery Outfit Inspiration

If you're still unsure about what to wear to a winery, fashion apps like Looqs are incredibly helpful. You can search specifically for winery outfits and see how real women style them—not models in staged shoots, but actual people wearing actual outfits to real vineyards. It takes the guesswork out of outfit planning.

The Winery Outfit Packing List

Planning a wine country trip? Here's what to pack:

Versatile Basics

• 2-3 pairs of versatile bottoms (jeans, trousers, skirts)
• 4-5 tops that mix and match
• 1-2 dresses for easy outfit options
• 2 jackets/layers (denim, leather, blazer, or cardigan)

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes for casual days
• One pair of elevated but still comfortable shoes
• Boots if visiting in fall/winter

Accessories

• Crossbody bag (hands-free is essential)
• Sunglasses
• Versatile jewelry
• Hat for sunny days
• Scarf that can serve multiple purposes

Final Thoughts on Winery Style

The best answer to "what to wear to a winery" is this: wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable while respecting the venue. Wineries are about enjoying beautiful surroundings, wonderful wine, and good company—your outfit should enhance that experience, not detract from it.

Choose practical footwear, layer for temperature changes, consider the photo ops, and don't stress too much. Wine tasting is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable. When you feel good in what you're wearing, you'll enjoy the experience even more.

Now go forth, sip confidently, and look absolutely stunning doing it. Cheers!

Looking for more occasion-specific outfit inspiration? Apps like Looqs make it easy to find exactly what to wear for any event—from winery visits to weddings and everything in between.