The weather is finally nice enough to enjoy a picnic outdoors. Whether you’re packing a basket for a romantic date night or gathering snacks for a family reunion, wine is the perfect drink to take along.
Barbecue vs. Picnic Wine
One of the best things about summer is the opportunity to enjoy outdoor picnics with friends and family. But when it comes to choosing the right wine for your picnic, you may be wondering whether to go for a barbecue wine or a picnic wine.
Barbecue wine is typically a red wine that pairs well with grilled meats. If you’re planning on grilling burgers, steak, or chicken at your picnic, a barbecue wine would be a good choice. Some popular barbecue wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Picnic wines are typically white or blush wines that are light and refreshing. If you’re planning on serving lighter fare at your picnics, such as fruits and cheeses, a picnic wine would be a good choice.
Some popular picnic wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Moscato. It all depends on what you’re planning on serving. If you’re grilling meat, go for a barbecue wine. If you’re serving lighter fare, go for a picnic wine.
Picnic-Perfect Whites
When it comes to packing a picnic, wine is essential. From fruity to crisp and refreshing, these wines will pair perfectly with your picnic fare and make your day in the sun even better. A fruity white like Riesling or Moscato is perfect for picnics.
The sweetness will complement any fruit you have in your picnic basket and the light body of these wines make them easy to drink in the heat. If you’re looking for a refreshing wine to beat the heat, try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chenin Blanc.
These crisp whites have high acidity levels that will refresh your palate and leave you feeling refreshed and hydrated. For something a little different, try a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava.
The bubbles will add an extra level of refreshment to your picnic and the sweetness will pair well with any cheese or fruit you have. If you want a white that will pair well with your picnic food, try a Chardonnay. The rich, buttery flavors of this wine will stand up to any hearty dishes you might be packing.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a special wine to share with your picnic companions, try a dessert wine like Sauternes or Madeira. These sweet wines are perfect for sipping in the sun and will pair perfectly with any sweetness you have in your picnic basket.
Rosé Wines Are Easy Drinkers for Picnics
Rosé wines are dry, light-bodied, and have a lovely pink color that makes them perfect for picnics. They’re also low in alcohol, so you can enjoy them all day long. There are many different types of rosé wines, but the most popular are French rosés.
These wines are typically made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. They have a fruity flavor with hints of strawberry and peach. Spanish rosés are also very popular. These wines are usually made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes.
They tend to be a bit lighter in color than French rosés, and they have flavors of raspberry and watermelon. Italian rosés are made from a variety of different grapes, but the most common are Sangiovese and Barbera. These wines have a fruity flavor with hints of cherry and plum.
5 Picnic Wine Recommendations
1. Rosé
Rosé wine is the perfect beverage to enjoy during outdoor picnics. Its light, refreshing flavor pairs well with a variety of food items, making it a versatile choice for any type of gathering.
Plus, its eye-catching color is sure to add some fun and flair to your picnic spread. When choosing a rosé wine for your picnic, it is important to consider the food you will be serving. If you are planning on serving lighter fare, such as fruits and vegetables, choose a crisper, more acidic rosé.
For heartier dishes, opt for a richer, more full-bodied wine. And if you are unsure what type of rosé to choose, ask your local wine retailer for their recommendations. Once you have selected the perfect rosé wine for your picnic, it is time to start planning the rest of your menu.
As with any type of wine, it is important to serve food that will complement the flavors of your chosen rosé. For a light and refreshing picnic meal, try pairing your wine with a simple green salad, some crusty bread, and a variety of fruits and cheeses. For a heartier option, try serving your rosé with grilled chicken or fish, roasted potatoes, and a hearty vegetable dish.
2. White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel wine is the perfect choice for outdoor picnics. Its light, fruity flavor pairs well with a variety of picnic foods, and it’s easy to find at most stores. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet lunch in the park or a fun-filled day at the beach, White Zinfandel is sure to please.
If you’re looking for a White Zinfandel that will really stand out, try one from California’s Napa Valley. These wines are known for their high quality, and they’re sure to impress your picnic companions.
For a truly unique experience, look for a wine made from organic grapes. These wines are usually lighter in color and flavor, and they offer a healthier alternative to conventional wines. No matter what kind of White Zinfandel you choose, make sure to chill it before serving.
This will help bring out the wine’s flavors and aromas. If you’re not planning on drinking it right away, you can even keep it in the fridge for a few days.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay wine is the perfect choice for outdoor picnics. Its light, refreshing flavor goes well with a variety of food items, making it a versatile option for any menu. Additionally, chardonnay pairs well with both red and white wines, allowing you to create a custom picnic experience.
When selecting a chardonnay wine for your outdoor picnic, it is important to consider the food items you will be serving. Chardonnay wines are available in a variety of styles, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
For example, some chardonnays are fruitier and sweeter while others are more dry and acidic. Selecting a chardonnay that will complement the flavors of your picnic food will help create a more enjoyable experience for your guests.
Once you have selected the perfect chardonnay wine for your outdoor picnic, be sure to chill it properly before serving. Chardonnay wines are best served at cool temperatures, between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allowing the wine to reach room temperature will cause it to lose some of its flavor and aroma. When serving chardonnay at your outdoor picnic, be sure to pour it into glasses that are specifically designed for white wines. These glasses will help preserve the wine’s flavor and prevent it from becoming diluted.
Additionally, be sure to serve the wine in small glasses so that your guests can enjoy its flavor without being overwhelmed. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a delicious outdoor picnic that everyone will enjoy. Be sure to select the right chardonnay wine and serve it at the proper temperature to ensure a pleasurable experience for all.
4. Pinot Grigio
Assuming you’re planning an outdoor picnic, we would recommend a Pinot Grigio wine. This type of white wine is light and refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to your picnic feast.
Plus, its delicate flavor won’t overpower the flavors of your food. When it comes to choosing a Pinot Grigio, there are many delicious options available. However, we recommend opting for a bottle from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy.
This region is known for producing high-quality Pinot Grigios that are absolutely perfect for picnics. A Pinot Grigio wine is the perfect choice for your outdoor picnic. Be sure to pick up a bottle from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy for the best results.
5. Riesling
If you’re looking for a versatile wine to enjoy at your next outdoor picnic, Riesling is a great option. This refreshing white wine pairs well with a variety of food items, making it a perfect choice for any picnic lunch or dinner.
Plus, Riesling wines are available in both dry and sweet varieties, so you can find one that’s perfect for your own personal taste. When it comes to choosing a Riesling wine for your picnic, you really can’t go wrong.
However, we recommend opting for a dry Riesling if you’re planning on serving savory dishes like grilled chicken or vegetables. If your picnic menu is mostly sweet, then a sweeter Riesling wine will be a better choice. And, of course, you can always bring both types of Riesling and let your guests choose their favorite.
Conclusion
When it comes to wine pairings for outdoor picnics, there are a few things to consider. The most important thing is to choose wines that will be enjoyed by all of your guests. You also want to make sure that you have options that will pair well with the foods you’ll be serving.
And finally, don’t forget about the climate – you want wines that will remain refreshing in warmer weather. With these tips in mind, we hope you have a delicious and enjoyable picnic.