Own That Picnic with Irresistible Wines and Foods

Whether the sun is shining or setting, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a glorious picnic with friends, a cool beverage or two, snacks and a delicious meal. When thinking about what to pack in the picnic basket, though, there are a few things to remember. For starters? Create an easy yet elegant picnic with memorable foods and wines.

This summer, I’ve been doing my best to assume the position of Chief Picnic Operator with a few pro-tips (that I’ve learned by trial and error). The first three? Keep the process simple, the food healthy and the wines abundant!

Specifically, consider making all dishes ahead of time so no assembly of sandwiches or salads is necessary. Pre-wrap individual sandwiches, put salads in a tight container, and pack non-breakable (and preferably re-usable) plates, utensils, wine glasses and serving dishes. Don’t forget plenty of napkins and refuse bags on hand for a quick clean-up, a cooler with ice to keep perishables and beverages cold, comfy seating such as blankets or lawn chairs for yourself and guests, and bug spray (of course).

For bonus points, be creative with do-head dishes with crowd-pleasing appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts. There are many extraordinary recipes from which to choose and each dish begs for a special wine, right? Don’t forget the corkscrew!

Pop the cork from a bottle of bubbles and get this picnic started! Vibrant and refreshing Zardetto Prosecco Brut (sent as a sample) is only $18. It’s a perfect choice to whet the appetite or to mix into a cocktail such as a classic mimosa or Bellini. The Zardetto Prosecco tickles the nose with aromas of white flowers, apricots and herbs and offers delightful flavors of citrus, orange blossoms and stone fruit that linger on the finish.

The picnic conversation will start with plenty of smiles when you ask a guest to peel back the label that reveals an inside layer of colorful artwork unique to each wine. Surprise phrases on the inside of the peel-away label share contemporary expressions translated into English. As you’re practicing your Italian accent, serve a tasty appetizer such as Caprese Skewers. Click here for the recipe.

I’ve become a big fan of wines in a can (especially whites and rosés) for a number of reasons. They’re a cinch to pack in a cooler or backpack thanks to their size and are portable, unbreakable and recyclable. I found Amble + Chase Rosé 2019 (sent as a sample) an affordable choice at $20 for 4 cans at 250 ml each.

From sustainable growers in southern France, this flavorful blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault burst with notes of strawberries, raspberries, hint of pomegranate and sea breeze on the nose and palate. Intrigued with the name, I discovered that “amble” refers to the winemaking process when the winemaker will amble through the vineyard to ensure that the vines are producing premium fruit… followed by the chase when the grapes are ready to be harvested. Think about popping the top from a can of Amble + Chase Rosé 2019 and sipping with one of my favorite do-ahead salads from France (but with an American twist), Lobster Salad Niçoise with Tarragon. Find recipe here.

We’re taking the picnic basket to New Zealand for the next two wine choices. Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker’s Selection 2019 (sent as a sample) is from Marlborough. It’s not only a terrific price of $16, but it has a screw cap for quick (emergency!) opening. Whitecliff refers to the 100- foot white river cliffs bordering the original vineyard site on the family’s estate. Each wine from Whitecliff is produced with “enjoyment” in mind and after tasting, I’m a fan. Bright and lively from beginning to end, I found intense tropical fruit notes of mango, passionfruit, tangerine, orange blossom lemon zest and elderflower on the nose and palate.

For pairing, prepare flavorful Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Goat Cheese (recipe here) or spicy Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups (recipe here). You may have to purchase two bottles of Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc!

Yes, of course you can chill your red wine! Fruit flavors take the spotlight, tannins seem softer and let’s face it, this picnic suddenly becomes one of the best. A favorite red wine at a picnic is Pinot Noir since it pairs with anything from roasted vegetables to risotto to cold chicken dishes. One such example is Decibel 2016 Pinot Noir (sent as a sample), a wine that provides a wow-factor for $35. From Martinborough, New Zealand, this single vineyard Pinot Noir burst with enticing aromas of dark cherries, toasted hazelnuts, wet moss, forest floor and vanilla. Produced by musician-turned-winemaker Daniel Brennan, this wine sang with lush, elegant flavors of spice, strawberries, cherries, hint of cola and vanilla.

Open and pour Decibel 2016 Pinot Noir and expect raves from your guests when they sip and taste an elegant Cold Mushroom Risotto, a savory side dish or a main for vegetarians. Find recipe here.

Stay tuned for my next article: Think Outside the Picnic Basket with Unexpected Beverages and Traditional Desserts

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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