What to Pack for the Perfect Summer Picnic

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy sunny days than with a mountain, park, or backyard picnic! Whether you’re finding a cozy nook with breathtaking views or hiking to a serene spot, a well-planned picnic can turn a day outdoors into the most memorable adventure. At Buckel Family Wine, we savor long days, fresh air, and picnics with friends and family. Here’s our guide to the ultimate picnic packing, complete with wine, food pairings, and an essential checklist to make your picnic a beloved summer memory. 

Time to start planning and packing! 

Our Favorite Summer Picnic Wines

1. White Blend: A crisp and refreshing white built for sunny afternoons. 

2. Glug Glug: Sparkling white wine in a 375ml bottle, packable, enlivening, and just dang good on a hot summer day.

3. Pinot Noir: A light and fruity red that complements summertime vibes.

Picnic Foods for Perfect Wine Pairings

Cheese and Charcuterie 

• White Blend: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or gouda, and prosciutto

• Glug Glug: Grab creamy cheeses like camembert or goat cheese, and smoked salmon

• Pinot Noir: Bring sharp cheddar, gruyere, and salami or chorizo

Fresh Bread and Crackers

• French baguette, whole grain crackers, and crostinis

Fresh Fruit

• White Blend: Apples, pears, and green grapes

• Glug Glug: Palisade peaches, apricots, and figs

• Pinot Noir: Strawberries, raspberries, and cherries

Salads

• White Blend: Light pasta salad with grilled vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette

• Glug Glug: Quinoa salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus dressing

• Pinot Noir: Arugula salad with beets, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze

Fancy  Foods

• White Blend: Cucumber sandwiches, veggie sticks with hummus

• Glug Glug: Deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail

• Pinot Noir: Mini beef sliders, mushroom bruschetta

Sweet Treats

• White Blend: Lemon bars, macaroons

• Glug Glug: Almond biscotti, peach tart

• Pinot Noir: Dark chocolate, cherry clafoutis

Don’t Forget Your Picnic Essentials

1. Picnic Basket or Backpack

• Go insulated to keep wine and food items cool and organized or go rogue and throw everything in your favorite hiking pack

2. Wine Accessories

• Wine Glasses: Reusable or shatterproof (get yours online here)

• Corkscrew with bottle opener (get yours online here)

3. Picnic Blanket

• A pink Mexican blanket will do, or minimalists can use their rain jackets

4. Utensils and Plates

• Pack reusable or compostable options if you have space, or keep it simple and put everything out on the packaging, a pair of skis in winter or a paddle board in summertime and opt for finger foods

5. Cooler or Ice Packs

• White wines are best chiller, that said if you are hiking, find a high alpine stream or snow patch to chill the wine

6. Hydration

• Don’t forget to drink water! 

7. Extras

• Sunscreen

• Bug Spray

• Pack it in pack it out - leave no trace

• Portable Speaker - be mindful and respect your neighbors 

• Games: enjoy a round of cards, a stuffed lama to lounge against, or your favorite dog!

Picnics are supposed to be fun and low stress. We love planning a picnic with friends to divide and conquer what everyone has to pack and bring. If you are picnicking close to home or your car, you can bring extras and a big cozy blanket. If you are headed on a hike, it’s easy to make adjustments to lighten your load (use your rain jacket as the “blanket”). It’s time to grab your basket (or backpack), pack your favorite Buckel Family Wines, and delicious treats, and head out for an unforgettable afternoon/evening outside.