So you’re planning a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea? You’ve heard how Carmel is a charming California seaside town, that feels like a European fairytale with its storybook architecture, gourmet farm-to-table food, luxury shopping and fine wine.
And with Carmel’s close proximity to the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, do you plan to visit the local wineries that grow grapes in the SLH but have tasting rooms in Carmel? With over 14 tasting rooms in the downtown area on the Carmel Wine Walk there are plenty of options for you to go wine tasting. But what should you wear?
Before you decide on an outfit, take these style tips from a local… the two most important things to consider are the location of the tasting rooms and the weather!
When you go wine tasting in Carmel, you won’t be visiting expansive vineyard estates like in Napa. For wine tasting in Carmel, you’ll be visiting tasting rooms with an elegant wine bar vibe.
In downtown Carmel, the wine tasting rooms you’ll be visiting are cozy. Mostly with an expansive bar area where you will stand and table seating near the bar. (If you’re visiting Carmel Valley on the other hand, the weather is warmer and the tasting rooms are bigger.)
If you are looking for larger estates where you can see the vines, pack a picnic and even see the wine making equipment, you’ll want to head over to the River Road Wine Trail.
When you visit Carmel, you’ll probably want to leave your oversized sun hat at home and instead following these tips for what to wear to look like a local with these cute Carmel outfits. Full disclosure this post contains affiliate links where I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Dress Casually but Elegant
Carmel may be a beach town, and while people tend to dress casually during the daytime, you won’t want to wearing your swimwear cover-up wine tasting! First of all you will be really cold any time of year! This isn’t Southern California, and it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings no matter what time of year it is.
While, the wine tasting rooms don’t have strict dress code, except requiring shoes and a shirt, you’ll want to looking put together or you’ll stand out as a toursit!
Think nice shoes, a nice purse and casual but put-together clothing and you’ll fit right in. Since the fog may roll in during the afternoon, you will want to consider this temperature change when planning your outfit. Bring a warmer layer and you’ll be fine, or if you’re worried about “looking cute” leave it in the car or in your bag just in case.
When I go wine tasting in the summer, I usually wear a dress, heeled sandals, or espadrilles and bring a sweater, especially if I plan to stay out for dinner.
In the winter on the other hand, I wear a sweater, jeans and boots and bring a light jacket with me just in case.
Bring Layers
With its coastal location, the weather in Carmel can change quickly. The average temperature throughout the year in Carmel is the mid 40s to the high 60s.
Despite the annual averages, it can be warm and sunny during the summer months, especially in August and September. Be warned that even on sunny summer days, it can get chilly in the evening if the fog rolls in.
I recommend packing a light jacket or a sweater. If you do get cold and don’t have enough layers, there are plenty of boutiques in Carmel to buy a sweater, or you can get a souvenir sweatshirt at one of the tourist traps.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Downtown Carmel is small and the tasting rooms are all within walking distance. However, the downtown area is located on a hill that slopes towards the beach and the sidewalks can be uneven.
I recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes you will most likely be walking between locations.
Many of the wine tasting rooms offer seating but depending on how crowded the location is you may be standing at the bar for the duration of your visit. I recommend stylish flats, sneakers or wedges if you are looking for some height. If your heart is set on heels, go for a block heel over a stiletto.
Side note and popular trivia fact, the municipal code of Carmel technically bans wearing heels over 2 inches without a permit.
While I have never seen this rule enforced, and I’ve seen plenty of people wearing heels over 2 inches in the years I’ve lived here, it is part of the municipal code.
Should you wish to comply, you can visit City Hall during business hours to obtain a free high heel permit. I have mine!
Think Twice Before Wearing Scented Products
Wine tasting is a sensory experience and scent is an important factor in fully enjoying wine. If you wear perfume or scented lotion, it will affect your perception of the nose and the flavor of a wine.
I recommend skipping the perfume and any flavored lip products during wine tasting. Also please be considerate of other guests in the tasting room when making perfume or cologne decisions.
Most Importantly, Wear What Makes You Feel Good!
Wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable is the most important tip I can give you. And if you need something you can always pop into Carmel Plaza or the boutiques to pick up something. Check out my guide to shopping local! Or pop into Carmel Bakery for some hot coffee to warm you up.
Now have fun wine tasting!
Planning a Trip to Carmel?
Check out my Carmel wine tasting guides: Carmel Wine Guide: Best Places For Wine Tasting In Carmel-by-the-Sea and 7 Things to Know Before Wine Tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea (Summer 2022 Update).
Also download the free Carmel Wine Walk mobile guide to Carmel’s tasting rooms.
