What to Wear to a Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara: Complete Seasonal Guide
Your easily arranged itinerary for wine country, including the best vineyards to visit and transportation to get there, is all planned out in your head. Then, the dreaded question arises: What do you wear to go wine tasting in Santa Barbara?
It isn’t as simple as “dress well,” because there is a certain wine country dress code that lands somewhere between practical, comfortable, and stylish.
The wine region in Southern California includes Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Paso Robles and runs from coastal valleys to hilltop estates, offering different microclimates and terrains throughout.
What you wear needs to work as you sip wine overlooking the vineyard on a sunny patio or while walking down a row of dusty vineyards, or even when you walk into a climate-controlled tasting room.
If your outfit is on point, you will be concentrating on wine instead of your uncomfortable shoes or the jacket you may have been carrying around.
Understanding Santa Barbara’s Style
Santa Barbara showcases the combination of seaside beauty and vineyards. The area’s Mediterranean climate is responsible for mild winters and the majority of the year warm sunny days. The interplay of sunshine and sea wind has established its conductive fashion tone: casual sophistication.
Imagine practical outfits that are still very chic and photogenic for a day among vineyards and ocean views.
When coming up with wine tour outfit ideas, one should aim to be at ease yet still appear dressed up. Lightweight, breathable fabrics and neutral colors are the best choice all year round. The comfort and the fashion element should be balanced with each other, especially if your day is going to be filled with walking, sitting outside, and even visiting several wineries.
Spring Wine Tasting Attire (March-May)
Spring brings unpredictable weather to Santa Barbara wine country. Mornings can be crisp, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly again. Your what to wear wine tasting in Santa Barbara strategy during spring revolves around adaptable layers.
Women should consider these options:
- Lightweight jeans or casual pants
- A fitted long-sleeve top or blouse that breathes well
- A cardigan or denim jacket for temperature changes
- Closed-toe flats or low wedges with good traction
- A crossbody bag or small backpack for hands-free convenience on one of our small-group Santa Barbara wine tours.
Men have similar requirements:
- Chinos or dark jeans
- A button-down shirt or polo that can be layered
- A light sweater or casual blazer for cooler moments
- Leather sneakers or loafers with rubber soles
- Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
This is the time of year when wildflowers peak throughout the Wine Country, which will offer photo opportunities. Your outfit should look good and function for walking through muddy areas after spring rains.
Summer Wine Country Style (June-August)
Summer temperatures in inland wine regions can often climb into the high 80s and low 90s. Staying cool is important, so we recommend wearing breathable outfits that fit your winery’s dress code.
While heat management is of utmost concern, you still wish to remain looking polished, especially since many wineries have suggested dress codes that discourage super casual, beach-style clothing.
In terms of your summer wardrobe, breathable materials are your best option. Light linen, cotton, and light blends of moisture-wicking materials will keep you cool without looking sloppy, while any synthetic clothing can also trap warmth for an uncomfortably long afternoon.
Women’s summer wardrobe considerations:
- A midi dress or breathable skirt
- Linen pants and a sleeveless blouse
- Comfortable sandals (ankle support, closed toe)
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Lightweight sunglasses that fit securely
Men’s summer wardrobe considerations:
- Lightweight, breathable chinos or breathable cotton pants in neutral colors
- Short-sleeve button-down or a well-made polo
- Loafers or canvas sneakers for warm weather
- A baseball cap or a Panama hat for outdoor tastings
- UV-protected sunglasses
Sun exposure can add up and exhaust you quickly while moving between tasting rooms and outdoor seating areas. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, but additional protection can be had with protective clothing while outdoors in the sun.
Fall Vineyard Fashion (September-November)
Fall is the height of harvest time for Santa Barbara wine country. The local vineyards are thriving with activity, and the landscape transitions to a brilliant and warm-colored palette. Fall is more stable than spring, but the weather still requires diligent planning.
With temperatures in the comfortable 70s and mostly sunny days, fall provides the most flexibility with outfit ideas for wine tours. You can layer outfits with varying textures without fear of excessive heat or cold.
Fall outfit components have a versatility to them:
- Medium-weight, comfortable denim or corduroy styled pants
- Long-sleeved tops with earthy tones that help you blend into the surroundings
- A light jacket or vest for early morning and evening
- Ankle boots or closed-toe shoes with a good grip
- A scarf that provides style and function by adding warmth
Fall colors are harmonious color elements for consideration in wine country. Burgundy, olive, rust, and cream colors look amazing in photos against vineyard backdrops and feel seasonally appropriate.
Winter Wine Tasting Wardrobe (December-February)
When you take part in a winter wine tasting tour in Santa Barbara, you are going to need to wear more substantial clothing than you are used to wearing. While temperatures typically do not dip below freezing, the dampness and wind can create a chill that penetrates. You are kept warm in the indoor tasting rooms, but you will find yourself outdoors walking from one venue to the next.
During the winter months, layering is very important in Santa Barbara. You will want clothing you can add or remove as you come from heated venues into the outside cold. For your base layer, you will want garments that will keep you warm without bulk.
The main winter essentials are:
- Warm pants or jeans without rips or holes
- Thermal or merino wool base layer
- Sweater or fleece mid-layer
- A water-resistant outer jacket
- Closed-toe boots that are weatherproof
- Gloves and a beanie for exceptionally cold days
Winter months will also see a higher frequency of rain. Make sure to check the weather ahead of time and pack appropriately. Having waterproof shoes will maximize your comfort and keep your feet dry from damp vineyard soil.
Footwear Fundamentals for Wine Country
Shoes make or break your wine tasting experience. Beautiful wineries often feature gravel paths, uneven terrain, and outdoor spaces that challenge impractical footwear. Heels sink into soft ground, flip-flops provide no support, and brand-new shoes cause blisters.
Your footwear should meet these criteria:
- Closed or mostly closed toes for protection
- Low heels or flat soles for stability
- Good arch support for extended standing and walking
- Durable materials that resist scuffing
- Rubber or textured soles that grip various surfaces
Break in new shoes before your wine tour. Nothing ruins a day faster than painful feet. If you’re choosing between style and comfort, comfort wins every time in wine country.
Our private wine tour guides always recommend breaking in shoes a week ahead.
Accessories That Enhance Your Experience
Accessories with a purpose add both functionality and style for wine tastings. A crossbody handbag frees your hands up for holding glasses or for taking photographs. Sunglasses protect your eyes and enable you to easily see the wine color in bright light.
Some practical accessory options to think about
- A small all-purpose bag that does not require your attention
- Good-quality sunglasses that manage glare without distorting color
- A hat that stays put in the wind
- Light scarf for temperature management
- Very little jewelry, which would not interfere with tasting
Expensive jewelry and watches should be left at home. Wine country is very casual and expensive items may get lost or damaged. Simple jewelry and accessories go with the wine country style more than flashy items.
Color Choices for Wine Country
Even the most prepared and careful individual will spill wine. Always dress in darker colors or patterns that would camouflage any spills. Better yet, do not wear fresh white unless you are confident in your technique of tasting.
Earth tones and jewel tones photograph well with the vineyard backgrounds. These colors are still a good color scheme that allows the natural elements to take the forefront and will not compete with the landscape. Colors like burgundy, forest green, navy, and taupe work especially well in a wine country setting.
What Not to Wear Wine Tasting
Certain clothing items consistently cause problems during wine tours. Strong perfumes or colognes interfere with wine aromas and disturb other tasters. Save your signature scent for another occasion.
Avoid these items:
- High heels or stilettos that sink into the ground
- Flip-flops or sandals without back straps
- Overly revealing clothing that feels inappropriate
- Athletic wear like yoga pants or gym shorts
- Anything uncomfortable that requires constant adjustment
Tank tops and shorts are acceptable during hot summer months, but they should look intentional rather than like you’re heading to the gym or beach.
Ready to Experience Santa Barbara Wine Country the Right Way?
After figuring out the exact outfits, it is now time to organize your wine tasting trip. All the details are being handled by Sustainable Wine Tours, so you can just focus on having fun.
We come and get you right at your hotel, take you to the best wineries in Santa Barbara, and ensure that you have a fantastic day without the hassle of giving directions and driving.
We operate in small, intimate groups, so you get more focus and a better experience as compared to those large bus tours. Also, we are concerned about the planet and work with wineries that share the same concern.
If you are a first-time visitor or a local looking for a fun day, we will take you to the real Santa Barbara wine country. Make your booking with us today, and allow us to take care of everything while you unwind, enjoy great wines, and create unforgettable memories memories.