What to Wear to a Winery in Fall: Leather Jacket Outfit Ideas

A day of tastings is relaxed, but it still deserves a little thought. Figuring out what to wear to a winery in fall means dressing smart casual, planning for cool mornings and warm afternoons, and choosing shoes that can handle gravel paths and grassy rows.

What is the dress code at a winery?

Most wineries don't have a formal dress code. Smart casual is the norm: think of what you'd wear to a nice weekend lunch. Dark jeans, chinos, simple dresses, knits and a good jacket all fit right in, while gym wear and beachwear feel out of place.

A private tasting, a winemaker dinner or a harvest party can lean a little dressier, so check the event details if you've booked something special. For an ordinary tasting, comfort comes first.

Will you be outdoors or in the tasting room?

Often both. A typical visit might include a patio tasting in the sun, a walk through the vines and a stop in a cellar or barrel room, which wineries keep cool to protect the wine. Fall weather in many wine regions also swings from crisp mornings to warm afternoons.

That's why a jacket you can take off and carry works so well. Wear a light layer underneath, put the jacket on for the cellar and the drive home, and drape it over your chair on the patio.

What shoes should you wear to a winery?

Expect gravel paths, lawns, uneven steps and sometimes dusty or muddy vineyard rows. Stilettos sink into grass and wobble on gravel, so leave them at home. Better options include:

• Ankle boots with a block heel or flat sole
• Loafers or smart flats
• Clean leather sneakers
• Wedges, if you want some height
• Suede chukkas or desert boots on dry days

Pristine white shoes are a gamble, since dust and grass stains show quickly.

Why should you skip perfume or cologne at a tasting?

Smell plays a huge part in how we taste, so a strong fragrance can mask a wine's aromas for you and for everyone standing nearby. The same goes for heavily scented lotion, aftershave and hairspray. Go unscented or very light on tasting days, and let any products dry fully before you put on your jacket.

What colors should you wear?

Darker and mid-tone colors are your friend, because they hide the odd splash of red wine. Navy, olive, burgundy, charcoal, rust and every shade of brown suit the season and the setting. Small patterns also disguise marks well. If you love light colors, keep them to pieces near your waist and below rather than a white top right where drips land.

Brown leather and suede look at home among the vines. These three pieces fit the setting:

Women's Distressed Brown Leather Jacket with Draped CollarMen's Distressed Brown Lambskin Safari JacketWomen's Brown Suede Utility Jacket

For more ideas built around brown, see our guide to brown leather jacket outfits for women, and our leather safari jacket guide for the men's style.

What to wear to a winery: outfits for women, men and couples

For women

• Classic tasting: a brown leather jacket with a draped collar, a cream knit, dark straight jeans, block-heel ankle boots and a crossbody bag.
• Dress day: a brown suede utility jacket over a dark floral midi dress, flat ankle boots and a brimmed hat.
• Easy and polished: olive wide-leg trousers, a fitted black tee, a brown leather jacket and loafers.

For men

• Smart casual: a brown lambskin safari jacket, a light blue oxford shirt, navy chinos and suede chukkas.
• Relaxed weekend: a brown leather jacket, a navy merino crewneck, dark jeans and clean leather sneakers.
• Warm afternoon: an olive henley, stone chinos and loafers, with the safari jacket ready for the cooler evening.

For couples

Coordinate rather than match. Pick a shared palette, such as browns, navy and cream, and let each outfit use it differently: his safari jacket with navy chinos, her suede jacket with a cream dress. For more tips on dressing together, see our ideas for a date night leather jacket.

What if wine spills on your leather or suede jacket?

Act quickly and stay gentle. For smooth leather:

1. Blot the spill right away with a clean napkin or cloth. Don't rub, which pushes the wine deeper and spreads it.
2. If a mark remains, blot with a cloth barely dampened with plain water, working from the outside of the spot inward.
3. Let the jacket air-dry at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun.
4. Once it's dry, apply a little conditioner, spot-testing first.

Avoid household cleaners and harsh solvents, and take red wine on light leather to a specialist if it doesn't fade. Our guide to removing stains from a leather jacket has more detail.

Suede needs an even lighter touch. Blot with a dry cloth, skip the water, let it dry naturally and then brush the nap gently with a suede brush. Set-in stains are best left to a professional. See our guide on how to clean a suede jacket for the full routine.

What should you wear for a vineyard tour or harvest event?

Tours that take you into the vines or through the winery's working areas call for a more practical outfit. Floors around tanks and presses can be wet and sticky, especially during harvest, so closed-toe shoes with grip are the sensible choice. Wear trousers or jeans you don't mind getting a little dusty, and bring a layer that can handle a splash of juice.

Outdoor harvest parties often run from a warm afternoon into a chilly evening. A distressed leather jacket suits the setting, hides the odd mark and keeps you warm once the sun goes down. Save suede for dry evenings.

What bags and hats work best?

A crossbody bag or small backpack keeps your hands free for a glass and a tasting sheet. Leave big totes in the car. On sunny patios, a brimmed hat and sunglasses make a long afternoon more comfortable, and a light scarf helps when the evening cools.

FAQ

Can I wear jeans to a winery?

Yes. Dark, well-fitting jeans are a winery staple. Pair them with a knit or a crisp shirt and a jacket to keep the look smart casual.

Can I wear heels to a winery?

Choose block heels or wedges instead of stilettos, which sink into grass and catch on gravel.

Should I wear white to a winery?

It's risky if you're tasting reds. If you love white, wear it on your lower half or bring a darker layer to throw on when the reds come out.

Is a leather jacket too warm for a fall winery visit?

Not if you treat it as a layer. Wear it for cool mornings, cellars and evenings, and take it off on a sunny patio.

Knowing what to wear to a winery comes down to smart-casual layers, sensible shoes and colors that forgive a spill. Find your next tasting-day layer in our women's leather jackets and men's leather jackets.