Ladies, now that Dry January is behind us, it might be time to reassess your 2025 wine wardrobe.
What’s that you say? Wine wardrobe? Is that what you wear when you drink wine?
I’ve only come across the concept once but once was enough. When I started out, I needed to get smart about wine quickly, so that I could do my job with more confidence.
I read everything I could get my hands on, but it wasn’t until I found a copy of Wine for Women by Leslie Sbrocco that the proverbial lightbulb went off. I was hooked.
Her secret ingredient? She paired each of the grape varietals she highlighted with an item from a woman’s wardrobe.
Immediately, I knew what a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc should taste like when Leslie likened it to a crisp, white shirt. Close your eyes for a minute and imagine that shirt worn with linen pants, strappy sandals, and sunglasses.
It’s like drinking summer sunshine. That baseline lets you know what it should taste like and how it should make you feel. From there, you can experiment and see which style of Sauvignon Blanc (or Sancerre) is right for you.
One of my favorite red “pairings” is Zinfandel. Leslie equates a good glass of Zinfandel with leather pants.
Again, I’m transported. I know how it should make me feel. It’s going to be a walk on the wild side with brazen decadence, big, bold peppery fruit and lots of alcohol.
Unfortunately, given her book’s vintage, it’s hard to find at retail, but you can order a signed copy from her website. Leslie is an award-winning writer, speaker, and wine consultant.
She’s a regular contributor to the Today Show. I encourage you to buy a copy of her book and start sampling.
Your capsule wardrobe can include everything from basic black and spring dresses to well-worn denim, seductive satin and sleek Italian heels, to name just a few of the pairings she shares. Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day and invite your favorite female friends to bring a bottle representing their favorite pairing? Cheers!

