Is there anything more magical than sitting in the sun next to a vineyard with a glass of wine in your hand? In this moment the world seems to melts away. Possibly for the first time in a very long time you are fully present in the moment. We live in a world where we are constantly inundated with information and noise. Which is why a winery where cell service is often spotty to nonexistent may be the only time we may be able to feel truly present in the world.
Now, the question is “What do you wear when you are want to be totally in the moment?” After many years of visiting wine country for pleasure, as well as for professional studies, I have my winery outfits down to an art. Listen, the last thing you want is to be trying to relax while being given a tour of a vineyard or cellar and be uncomfortable in your clothes.
Dressing for Wine Tasting
Rule #1: No heels…….with one exception.
Just don’t. First off, it greatly limits your ability to explore the land and the cellar if you are wearing heels. I know of wineries that will not allow you to go on tours if you are wearing heels for liability reasons. Also, after a few glasses of wine teetering on heels is not a whole lot of fun. Wear a kitten heel to dinner later in the day if you want, but leave them in the room for day time activities.
Rule #2: Dress “chic casual”
What is “chic casual” you ask? It’s an outfit that is styled, but you do not feel overly polished. When you are wearing “casual chic” you can sit back and relax in without adjusting yourself. Avoiding tight clothing and fabrics that need a lot of attention. I think matching sets are perfect for travel. They allow you to get dressed easily and change your accessories for the day time and evening.
Rule #3: Be ready for extreme temperature changes
Areas where wine grows have a large diuranal change throughout the day. Which means the temperature change from morning to afternoon to evening time can be quite extreme. The name of the game is layers. Plus, when you touring a cellar you should be prepared to be in an environment of 55 degrees and cooler for an extended period of time.
Rule #4: Be comfortable
If you do not feel you can walk around in it, eat and drink in it, or sit comfortably in it then don’t bother with the outfit or dressing for wine tasting. Here is my rule of thumb; imagine I am visiting someone’s house for Thanksgiving and I want to look nice, but also wear an outfit made for sitting back and relaxing.
