There is no better season than summer for a wine picnic. Gather your friends, pick out the best snacks, throw on the perfect summer outfit, and get going—oh, and don’t forget the wine.
Wine picnics are going to be big this summer, and they are a great way to enjoy the season with your loved ones surrounding you and a crisp, refreshing glass of wine in hand.
Read on to get tips on finding the perfect picnic spot, everything that should be in your wine picnic basket, and what bottles we recommend.
Table of Contents
Finding a Picnic Spot
Location is everything for a picnic. A couple of options include:
- Parks. Parks are great because they often have tables or seating areas where you can properly set up your spread away from wet spots or bugs in the grass.
- Wineries. Wineries are perfect places to have a picnic—you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and can even sip local wines to accompany the scenery. Plus, you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing you can drink alcohol without breaking any regulations.
- A beach. A beach day with a glass of wine is a great way to enjoy the sunny summer days. Whether you live by the coast or by a lake, a picnic by the water is everyone’s favorite.
- A nature preserve. Although a little more challenging, taking a hike and finding a clearing or a good space to set up in nature is rewarding and tranquil, making it a good option to picnic.
Keep in mind where you’ll be comfiest and where it makes sense to have a group of people gathering to drink and eat. Try to pick a place that is picturesque and has scenery to enjoy while picnicking.
Stuck on how to find a good location? A quick internet search will show you some good spots in your area, or ask around and see what everyone’s favorite picnic spot is. A beach or a park are timeless options, but a winery might offer more in terms of wine selection. Keep in mind that not all spaces, like parks, allow public consumption of alcohol on the premises.
Packing a Wine Picnic Basket
You got the picnic blanket ready to go, but what about the picnic basket? Choose a basket that you can easily carry and that will fit all of your picnic supplies. Apart from the wine and the snacks, you need cutlery and the necessary items to have a successful picnic, including:
- Wine glasses or cups. We recommend avoiding glassware since you’ll be transporting the glasses back and forth and packing them in with other objects.
- A corkscrew. Any corkscrew to open a bottle of wine will do.
- Plates, napkins, and utensils.
- Water. Because wine is alcohol, it can dehydrate you; being outdoors is also dehydrating. Bring a gallon of water to make sure everyone stays as hydrated as they can be.
- Sunscreen. During the summer, the UV index is typically higher. Keep your skin safe and pack some sunscreen for you and your picnic pals.
- A speaker. This one is optional, but setting the scene with a little music adds the perfect touch to your picnic. You can even create a collaborative playlist that your pals can add to so that the jams are catered to everyone.
When it comes to picnics, many people opt for generic, plastic picnic accessories—like forks and cups—but it’s a good idea to focus on sustainability when you are picnicking. Opt for compostable utensils, or bring reusable plastic ice packs and cups. Don’t just stop there, though. Shop sustainable wine to make your picnic the most enjoyable, and eco-friendly it can be.
Keeping Your Picnic Wine Cool
Keeping wine cool is always something to think about since most wines should be served chilled. That can be tricky when you’re going on a picnic and there are no refrigeration options. However, there are many ways to keep your picnic wine cool on the go, including:
- Insulated bottle bags
- Ice packs
- Thermos
- Frozen water bottles
Selecting The Best Wine For Your Picnic
Now comes the best part: the wine. Choosing your wine for the picnic is a totally different process for each, and depends on what your preferences are, what others will enjoy, and the kind of food you’ll bring to the picnic. Bring different bottles of wine for different tastes, or choose a favorite type of wine and choose your food and snacks around the flavor.
Here are some of our favorite picnic wines:
The Gooseberry Bush
A vibrant, South African white wine, this bottle is citrus-forward and refreshing, with hints of grapefruit, guava, and lime—a perfect drink for enjoying the outdoors in the summer.
The Red Sedan
This Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Australia and contains notes of red berries and spice. It’s a great option to pair with a picnic charcuterie board.
PS Pétillant Rosé
Crafted with grapes from Provence, this rosé wine offers bright strawberry notes and a hint of lemon, making it decadent yet refreshing. The best part? It has a crown cap, making it super friendly for a picnic—no corkscrew needed.
Choosing Food For Your Wine Picnic
Last but not least, choosing the food for your picnic is the final step to having a successful picnic.
The best types of foods for a picnic are finger foods or anything you can eat with your hands. Think sandwiches, fruit, cookies, crackers, and nuts. The best picnic food doesn’t have to be fancy, just tasty. Of course, make sure that the wine you choose and the food you want to bring pair well. Other picnic foods that pair well with wine include:
- A mix of soft and hard cheeses
- Cured meats like prosciutto and salami
- Olives
- Berries and grapes
And don’t forget about dessert. Try chocolate truffles, macarons, brownie squares, lemon bars, or a fruit salad with whipped cream.
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