The weather is fine, and we’re all itching to get outside! Nothing goes with a perfect summer day, like a relaxing picnic complete with the perfect picnic wine. If you’re in the mood to catch some rays in the park or at the beach, make it special by packing a picnic spread fit for a king (or queen!).
Fill Your Basket
You will want a variety of foods in your basket to keep everyone happy. The perfect wine tasting picnic should include a variety of cheeses. Include aged, soft, and firm for a nice mix. Using crackers, or various types of bread means you can still enjoy a cold sandwich.
Also, try throwing in some savory, sweet, and crunchy sides. Roasted chicken, fresh fruit, olives or pickles are all great portable options. For a salad, you can’t go wrong with coleslaw. I know coleslaw is something you either love or hate. If you’re a coleslaw hater just pack a crisp tossed salad. Pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing is another yummy summer winner. Be sure to save the dressing till you arrive at your destination though!
Choosing The Right Wine
The right wine can really make your picnic something special. As you’re well aware, picnic food is all about portability. Dry white wines that are crisp and acidic won’t overpower the picnic food which is why our 2017 Laguna Sunrise is the bee’s knees. With a fruity flavor, it means you can easily enjoy salads with fresh greens, delicious cured meats and soft cheeses, and some fresh fruits for dessert. Summer Breeze (how fitting!) is another great picnic wine that you’ll enjoy accompanied by watermelon salad with goat cheese, grilled shrimp, and a balsamic reduction.
Rosé
In comparison to white wines, Rosé offers the crispness of a bottle of white, while also giving a more floral flavor. It pairs well with charcuterie and soft cheeses. Chicken salad is another great choice to go with your rosé wine picks. For a fresh flavor, if you’re using mint in your salad, Rosé is a particularly good pairing
Light Reds
Richer reds don’t typically pair well with picnic food. They can be overpowering to lighter summer flavors. Instead of a Zinfandel, or something with heavier alcohol content, try a bottle of our light-bodied red, Rudderless. To get the right flavor, keep it in the cooler till serving. It doesn’t need to be chilled, but it won’t keep well warmed up, either. Roast chicken and pasta salad make a great food pairing with a light red. They’re also great with some dark chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate cake for dessert! Yum!
Whether you’re in for a romantic picnic for two or a family picnic at a park or a beach, crafting a great picnic takes the right recipes, the right kitchen gadgets, and most important of all, the right bottle of wine.
