Not Your Sunday’s Best: What to Wear Wine Tasting in the Yakima Valley

Winemaker Matt: Wine Tasting Trend
Setter / Nordstrom Catalog Edition

Does the term “work boot” make you uncomfortable?
Are your wine country daydreams of black limos and white linen pants?
Did a designer fray your jeans?

When I ask myself these questions, the answers are, respectively:
“Maybe once,”
“All the time,” and
“No, I did.”

…which is to say, ‘Wine Country Casual’ has its own meaning when preceded by ‘Washington.’

Wine is an agricultural industry, and when you’re out tasting, your outfit can reflect that. If you’re heading out to Zillah wine country, where suggested dress code is ‘Not Your Sunday’s Best’, here are some suggestions:

 

1.     When it comes to style and comfort, wear something you might, say, roll around in. For the most part, close by wineries are fully functional facilities – which means that dusty vineyard, wet cellar floor, and muddy wine dog are all likely possibilities. 



Or, as in gentleman's case, you might be put to work

2.     Sip, Swirl... Stain: Science will lead you to believe that this is an inevitable chain of events. (You’re not clumsy! It’s the alcohol impairing your coordination…) Underestimate the size of a sip, swirl too aggressively, or stand next to someone who does it for you… whatever the scenario, wear something you know you can get wine on.
 

3.     “We know you’re from the city if….”  you aren't wearing shoes that are sturdy—none of this flirty, open toe business. Dirt, grass, gravel, mud, horse trails, vineyard soil… all part of the experience. This guy’s got it down:
 

"Winemaker for a Day" Chic

4.     The key word here is casual. Wear something you can have fun in. Whether you’re biking, celebrating, exploring, kicking back, or hanging out… do it comfortably.

 

Or simultaneously biking and celebrating.

Well said from wine tasters like yourselves: 
Dressy casual at many places with comfortable shoes and hats.
It’s fine that folks wear whatever they please!
A nice but casual top, khakis, and comfortable sandals.
If you can, avoid stuff you care about.

Other solid suggestions:
- Just like any desert climate, when the sun goes down, so does the thermostat. Bring a sweater—not only for night time, but for the cavernous winery or temperature controlled barrel room—or wear layers.
- Avoid wearing cologne or perfume—it can be distracting.
- This sun shines bright, so wear sunscreen, a hat, or glasses.

In summation, there is no dress code. Wear whatever you damn well like! :)