What to wear to a wine farm, in summer and winter
What to wear for wine tasting in the Cape Winelands: the weather in each season, shoes for gravel and lawns, what to bring for cellars and picnics, and the one thing to leave off.
Introduction
Wear what you'd wear for a long lunch outdoors. Tasting rooms in the Cape Winelands are relaxed, and nobody expects you to dress up; what matters more is the weather, which runs from about 28°C on a summer afternoon to 16°C and rain in winter, and comfortable shoes for gravel paths and lawns.
The temperatures below are averages for Stellenbosch from climate-data.org; the seasonal guide has every month.
The short answer
| Season | Typical day | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Summer, November to February | Highs of 23 to 28°C, little rain | Light, breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen |
| Autumn, March to May | Highs falling from 26 to 19°C | Layers: a light jumper for the late afternoon |
| Winter, June to August | Highs about 16°C, nights about 7°C, the wettest months | A warm jacket that keeps out rain, closed shoes |
| Spring, September and October | Highs of 18 to 21°C, rain easing | Layers and a light rain jacket |
Shoes
Many tasting rooms are reached over gravel, cobbles or lawn, and some estates have vineyard walks. Flat shoes, trainers or sandals with a sole work everywhere; heels sink into lawns and catch on gravel. In winter, choose shoes that can take a wet path.
In summer
Summer afternoons are hot, and many tastings are outside, on a terrace or under trees. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and drink water between tastings. Light colours keep you cooler, and a small spill of red wine on a white shirt is part of the day.
If you're planning a picnic on an estate, add something to sit on in case the lawn is damp in the morning.
In winter
Winter days are cool and often wet, and tasting rooms are quieter. A warm, rainproof jacket matters more than anything else. Some tasting rooms have a fireplace: these estates have one, according to their own websites.
Cellar tours
Cellars are kept cool for the wine, so take a layer on a cellar tour, even in summer. Wear shoes you're happy to walk in: some tours cross the winery floor and the vineyards.
With children
Estates with play areas often have lawns and sandpits, so dress children for playing outside, and pack a change of clothes.
The one thing to leave off
Skip strong perfume or aftershave. Most of what we taste in a wine is its smell, and a strong scent gets in the way, for you and for the people tasting beside you.
Going on to a restaurant
Estate restaurants are mostly relaxed in the daytime. Some of the more formal ones, especially in the evening, are smarter: if you're booking dinner, it's worth asking.
