During a past trip to the local grocery store it was pointed out to me that there is a section of wines with a sign above them referring to them as “Picnic Wines.” So, I was asked ‘What makes these picnic wines?’
Well, technically speaking “Picnic” is not a wine classification or category. But, lots of wines come to mind when I think of a picnic. And, since picnics are usually in warm weather, chilled refreshing wines are the most obvious to choose.
So, here are few suggestions of wines to take on a picnic:
Rosé — What could be more refreshing and light than a well-chilled rosé. And if you still think rosé means ‘sweet’ then you’re wrong. In the past that might have been true but today there are lots of great dry rosé wines.
Sauvignon Blanc — Here’s another great wine that can be the perfect refresher on a warm day. Lots of great flavors of grapefruit, peach and honeydew melon.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio — This is another great wine to chill for a picnic. This one has good acidity with flavors of lemon, peach and cantaloupe
Sparkling Wines — Always a crowd pleaser, goes with most all foods and perfect for a picnic (no cork screw required!)
Vinho Verde — This Portuguese wine is fresh, has great minerality and lively acidity that make it a great picnic wine
Riesling — This is a bright and refreshing wine with flavors of green apple and lime
Grüner Veltliner — This white wine is best known in Austria. It’s dry and full bodied, with high acidity and flavors of apple and pear
Now you may be asking ‘What about red wines?” Well, of course, they too can be very enjoyable on a picnic. Just ensure that they are kept at ‘cellar’ temperature (60-65 degrees F) and they’re also wonderful to enjoy.
Oh. And don’t forget the corkscrew and glasses. Cheers!