Picnic season is upon us, and it’s time to pick a date and invite some friends. There’s nothing better than a day spent outside enjoying the gorgeous weather while eating great food and sipping wine with family and friends, and it’s simpler than you might think to craft an event everyone will remember.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday with girlfriends, planning a romantic outing for two, or just want to spend time in the sunshine, a wine picnic will whisk you out of everyday life and transport you to a world away.
For packing tips, planning strategies, the perfect wine pairings and more, read on to learn everything you need to know for your upcoming wine picnic.
Planning the Elevated Wine Picnic
if you have good weather, good company, and good wine, what else do you really need?
There are some small touches that can help elevate your experience. Here are some of our top suggestions to keep in mind as you begin planning:
Occasions for a Wine Picnic
Wine picnics are the perfect way to celebrate life’s special moments, from birthdays to promotions to anniversaries and beyond. But they’re also an opportunity to slow down and spend time with friends and family if for no other reason than to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and unwind.
The Best Time of Year for Wine Picnics
As we begin tackling logistics, first things first: when are you planning to host your picnic?
Depending on where you live, picnic season could last anywhere from all year round to just a few months. The season will affect everything from the dress code to the wine selections.
Generally speaking, spring is the prime season to host a wine picnic thanks to the beautiful weather and comfortable temperatures. Summer is also a wonderful time to hold an evening picnic once the sun begins to go down and the day starts to cool.
Where to Host a Picnic
Our top suggestion when choosing a perfect spot for a wine picnic is simply to go somewhere that feels like an escape. Maybe it’s a beautiful nearby park that’s quiet in the afternoons. Maybe you live close to the shore and want to host your picnic at one of your favorite spots by the ocean, or are a quick drive away from an overlook in the mountains. A place with a picnic table might be ideal, or you might opt to bring a nice blanket and/or small portable surfaces to raise things up. Just make sure to check for any alcohol restrictions before you arrive.
If you don’t have a nearby nature spot that you love or can’t easily escape to the countryside, host a backyard picnic – the privacy is priceless.
Setting Up Your Wine Picnic
You aren’t just bringing a blanket and sandwiches – you’re creating a unique experience. Read on for our go-to list of things to bring for your upcoming wine picnic.
What to Pack in your Picnic Basket – Essentials
When prepping for your picnic, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the basics you need to keep things running smoothly. Here are a few things that we make sure to have on hand at every wine picnic:
THE BASICS:
- Picnic blanket
- Serving boards
UTENSILS:
- Wine opener
- Wine glasses
- Plates, cloth napkins, and cutlery
- Cheese knives
- Serving tools
STORAGE AND CLEANUP:
- An ice cooler and ice packs
- Hand sanitizer
- Cloth napkins
- Eco-friendly, compostable trash bags
Things to Bring to Style Your Picnic – Extra but Worth It
Once you’ve packed your essentials, bringing along a few finishing touches will make your wine picnic one to remember.
- The perfect picnic basket
- Cushions or pillows
- Fresh flowers
- Decorative throws
The Best Food for a Wine Picnic
Picnics are the perfect time to splurge on all of the best delicacies. We love putting together picnic charcuterie boards, and made sure to include options on our list to help you build a board filled with your favorites. Below are some delicious food ideas to pack in your picnic basket this season.
- Baguettes, Croissants, and Assorted Crackers – simple picnic staples that serve as great palate cleansers and a base for cheeses and spreads.
- Spreads – stock up on butter, pâté, honey, jam, and hummus for options everyone will love.
- Cheese – we like to bring three types of cheeses: aged cheese (gouda is our go-to), firm cheese (you can’t go wrong with provolone), and soft cheese (we love brie).
- Salads – try with arugula salad and parmesan, or pasta salad with a light vinagrette to not overpower the wines you might be serving.
- Fruit – berries, sliced apples, grapes, and cherries are perfect for the season and pair well with wine.
- Charcuterie – build a board of all of your favorites. We like to bring several types of meat, such as prosciutto, salami, and ham, along with olives, pickles, roasted red peppers, and nuts.
- Sweets – what’s a picnic without dessert? French pastries and dark chocolate are the perfect finishing touch to any picnic.
Picnic-Perfect Wines
There’s really no wrong selection when choosing wine for your picnic. But if you’re looking for a few suggestions, we’ve hand-selected several picnic wines that we love.
Bordeaux Blanc
For a spring or summer picnic, the Bordeaux Blanc is always one of our favorite choices. With vibrant mineral and citrus notes and a supple, toasty oak complexity, it pairs beautifully with food.
Rosé
Another popular choice for spring or summer picnics, rosé is a fresh wine with a crisp acidity that’s often a go-to for girl’s night. Pair with fruit and charcuterie for a light and delicious picnic that you and your guests will love.
Sparkling Wine
Every picnic feels brighter with a touch of bubbly. Sparkling wine sets an upbeat and fun tone for your picnic, and pairs so well with traditional picnic fare, helping to tie the event together effortlessly.
Pinot Noir
A light red wine like Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice for your upcoming picnic. This chillable wine is acidic, fruity, and dry. We love pairing Pinot Noir with a charcuterie board, which is why it’s one of our favorite wines to bring along on a picnic.
FAQs
Here are a few of the questions we hear the most frequently.
Can I bring wine or other alcoholic beverages on a picnic?
Yes, but check ahead of time to make sure that any picnic areas you consider don’t have restrictions on alcoholic beverages or glass wine bottles.
What is the best wine to bring on a picnic?
When selecting a good picnic wine, we like to stick to seasonal favorites that pair well with charcuterie and other finger foods. White wines like Bordeaux Blanc, a good bottle of Pinot Noir, rosé, and sparkling wines are a few of our picnic go-tos.
How can I keep my wine cool at a wine picnic?
It’s always wise to bring an insulated cooler or wine tote when hosting a wine picnic, especially during the summer months.
Can I throw a wine picnic with non-alcoholic alternatives?
Absolutely. It’s always a good idea to have non-alcoholic beverages on hand for guests who may want to enjoy the picnic experience without drinking alcohol. Sweet tea, lemonade, and sparkling water are great alternatives.
Enjoy Your Wine Picnic
Throwing a wine picnic doesn’t have to be complicated. At the end of the day, it’s simply about taking an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with the people around you. With laughter, sunshine, and good wine, you’re bound to have a great picnic experience that you’ll cherish whether you build the perfect charcuterie board or just enjoy bread, cheese, and wine together.
Let the planning begin! Get outside with the ones you love, and be sure to check out our selection of wines to bring on your next picnic.
