Whether you're hiking to a scenic peak or setting a tablecloth in the middle of Central Park, planning a wine picnic is easy - just start with the right wine.
Roll with a Rosé
Though it's not the most popular of wines, a dry rosé is perfect for a picnic. It's versatile with typical picnic food: rich cold cuts, deviled eggs or paté. It's not sweet but has lots of fruit and is a little more substantial than white wine - but not as heavy as red. You don't want a heavy red for a picnic.
Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare-- Beautiful, dry, crisp and clean with hints of fruit - watermelon, strawberry. About $10
Sola Rosa -- You'll taste the cherry and raspberry flavors. About $19.
Ditch the Dessert Wine
Dessert wines are heavier and some have elevated percentages of alcohol so you should really avoid them on a hot day or drink a single glass at the most.
Bring the Bubbly
Because it's light and crisp, Champagne is great for picnics and is a good complement to rich picnic food. What type you favor depends on your taste. Andrea Immer, host of Simply Wine with Andrea Immer, recommends the following Champagnes.
Chill the Bottle
Get the wine as cold as you can to start with because it will warm quickly.
Picnic Perfect Recipes
Warm Potato-Tomato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Roast Lemon and Tarragon-Infused Chicken Drumsticks
Basil-Walnut Pesto and Tomato on a Baguette
Cannellini Bean Salad
Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing
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