If you’re gearing up for a Niagara wine tasting adventure, you might be wondering what to wear on a wine tour. Don’t worry—we’ve got you sorted! In this blog post, we’ll cover the essential dos and don’ts for wine-tasting attire and offer practical tips on selecting the perfect outfit for your upcoming wine tour.
When deciding on your wine-tasting ensemble, aim for a blend of comfort and style that suits both the season and your planned activities.
Timeless Rules for Wine Country Fashion
Regardless of when you visit wine country, certain fashion guidelines should always be observed to ensure a pleasant and stylish wine-tasting experience.
Avoid Strong Fragrances
Wearing perfumes or fragrances during a wine tasting is akin to wearing beachwear to a formal event—it's distracting and poor etiquette. Wine tasting is all about the olfactory experience, meaning that our sense of smell significantly influences how we perceive wine’s aromas and flavours. So while we're not saying you should skip deodorant, you should avoid using perfumes, aftershave, scented body lotion or any other strongly scented product that could interfere with the tasting experience for you and those around you.
Be Cautious with White Clothing
White outfits can look effortlessly chic amidst the vineyard backdrop, but they come with risks. A splash of red wine from an enthusiastic swirl or mud from a wet vineyard road can ruin your look in an instant. Unless you’re prepared with a stain remover, it’s wise to be cautious with white clothing at wine tastings and opt for darker tones.
Don't Overdress or Underdress
When uncertain about what to wear to a wine tour, aim to dress slightly up. Wine tasting is often seen as a special and somewhat luxurious experience, so it’s best to dress accordingly. While sweatpants are a no-go, you don’t need to opt for formal attire. You can leave the suit jackets and cocktail dresses at home and go for a smart-casual approach, such as a sundress or jeans and a stylish top or sweater, is usually perfect.
Skip the High Heels
High heels (especially stilettos) and wine country don’t mix well. You might find yourself walking through muddy vineyard rows, exploring wine cellars with grated stairs, or navigating through barrel-filled caves. Stick to comfortable flats, sandals, sneakers, loafers, or boots that you don't mind walking in and that provide you with support and stability.
Choose Smudge-Free Lipstick
If you wear lipstick, opt for a smudge-resistant formula. This will save you from frequent reapplications and the need to constantly check your reflection. A long-lasting lipstick ensures you can enjoy your wine without worrying about touch-ups. If you're worried about needing to constantly reapply, it might be best to skip the lipstick altogether when wine tasting.
Apply Sunscreen and Consider a Hat
Enjoying the outdoor views in wine country is tempting, so make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen - especially if you're on our Wine & Charcuterie With Lunch Tour that has you exploring downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Even on cloudy days, SPF is essential. Be mindful of any strong scents from your sunscreen, as they might clash with the wine experience. A hat is also a good idea for added sun protection and shade.
Opt for a Crossbody Bag
During a wine tasting, your hands will be occupied with swirling, sniffing, and sipping. Therefore, it's best to avoid clutches or handheld purses that can be cumbersome. A small-to-medium-sized crossbody bag is ideal. It can stay comfortably across your shoulder or hang from a hook under the wine bar, keeping your hands free for tasting. You're also less likely to forget a bag that's attached to you!
Layer Up
Even if it's warm outside, much of your day wine tasting will be spent indoors and wineries tend to run on the cooler side. This is especially true of any type of cellar or production area that must be kept at a cooler temperature to protect the wine. All of our Winery Guys Tours wine tasting experiences include a full wine-making facility tour, so even during the summer you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket.
Dress Comfortably
The most important rule of all is to dress in something you're comfortable in—you won't enjoy your experience as much if you aren't feeling comfortable and confident in your attire. Plus, wine tours often involve walking, sitting or standing for longer periods of time so you want to make sure your clothes are comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods.
Now that you know what to wear on a wine tour in Niagara, it’s time to experience all the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region has to offer! Book your wine tasting tour today and immerse yourself in exquisite wines and stunning vineyard views. From guided tastings to charming wine cellars, our tours offer a memorable adventure. Don’t miss out—secure your spot now and start your journey into the world of fine wines!