It's important to think about what you will be eating, but equally as important is matching wine with the experience you are looking to have.
Perfect for a Picnic
by Matthew Lorman
We're going on a picnic! Grab your basket and pack it with something delicious. Sparkling, white, Rosé, or red, there's a wine for you. Check out these wine and food pairings for the perfect outing. Which will you bring?
Bring on the Bubbles
Starting with a bottle of bubbly is always a good decision. A picnic is no exception. Think crisp and fresh. Some of my favorites are Prosecco, Cava, and Cremant. Make sure they are well-chilled before packing. To keep them extra cold, bring along a little bucket of ice so you can keep the wine at the proper temperature. For snacks, pack anything salty and crunchy. Great options are fried chicken and salty potato chips.
Crisp Whites
It's important to think about what you will be eating, but equally as important is matching wine with the experience you are looking to have. My favorite wines to pair with sunshine, fun, and warm weather are Vinho Verde, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albarino. These wines are crisp, delicious, and will cool you off on a hot day. They are also some of the most food-friendly wines that will go well with anything. Make this recipe for caprese sandwiches and enjoy your afternoon!
Rosé
I can’t imagine a more perfect wine than Rosé. Whether you prefer it light and delicate or bold and fruity, there is a Rosé style for every picnic. Pack a quick and easy Mediterranean salad and pair it with a lighter Provencal Rosé. For bolder styles like a Spanish Rosado, consider some favorite barbecue recipes. Barbecued chicken or jackfruit sliders will work perfectly. Pro tip: look for Rosés with screwcaps so you don’t have to pack a corkscrew. One less thing to pack!
Light-Bodied Reds
If red wine is more your speed, look for lighter-bodied styles such as Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and Gamay. These wines are light and fresh enough to sip outside under the shade of your favorite tree. For quick and portable food options, try making a BLT, chicken club sandwich, or roasted portobello burgers. Chill your wines for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before leaving. By the time you get to your picnic spot they will be the perfect serving temperature.
Do you have more questions about pairing wines with your picnic? Perhaps you have a specific dish you would like custom paired with a bottle of wine. Sign up for Concierge by DCanter for access to your own personal wine expert that can help you with even the most complex wine pairings. Pairing wine with food has never been easier. Cheers!