Wines Made for a Spring Picnic
This week’s wine: easy, breezy, and best enjoyed outside
Hey you,
I had my first picnic of the season this week—an Earth Day thing for work (sadly, no wine involved)—but it got me thinking: I need to do this more often. There’s something so simple and refreshing about being outside with a breeze on your face and snacks in your lap. No reservations, no stress, just a blanket, good food, and a view.
If you're in LA, Palisades Park is one of my favorite spots for this. It’s quiet, pretty, and the ocean’s right there. And while picnics can feel wonderfully unfussy, finding food (and wine!) that actually travels well is a bit of a feat (links below to help with that!). It made me want to pull together a few favorite picnic-friendly wines for you—so you’re ready with something beautiful to pour on the next sunny day.
What I’m Opening
Dry Riesling | Pewsey Vale Dry Riesling
🇦🇺 Eden Valley, Australia
This is exactly the kind of wine you want at a picnic—bright, crisp, refreshing, and almost buzzing with energy. This wine comes from Eden Valley, a cool-climate region in South Australia known for its high elevations, crisp mountain air, and rocky soils that produce beautifully structured, mineral-driven wines. It’s made from the region’s flagship white grape, Riesling.
In the glass, it’s pale straw color with a hint of green. On the nose, it’s all lime, orange blossoms, green apple, and that signature whiff of cool-climate minerality. On the palate it’s dry, zippy, and mouthwatering, with flavors of citrus zest, juicy white peach, and a slightly savory finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.
Pewsey Vale is a historic, high-altitude vineyard founded in the 1840s and it’s now overseen by winemaker Louisa Rose—one of Australia's most respected figures in wine. She's known for crafting Rieslings that are pure, expressive, and low-intervention—and for setting a new benchmark for this style across the country.
It’s the ultimate food wine—bright, aromatic, easy to love—and there’s no need to worry about packing a corkscrew since it’s got a screwcap. Just toss it in your bag and go.
Pair it with: ceviche, shrimp skewers, bright veggie salads, feta or goat cheese, and your favorite potato chips.
Let’s Talk Wine: What Does “Dry” Mean?
Let’s clear something up—one of the biggest reasons people shy away from Riesling is because they think it’s going to be sweet. But not all Riesling is sweet (far from it), and this week’s bottle is a perfect example. When a wine is called “dry,” it simply means it’s not sweet (e.g. there’s little to no residual sugar).
Red wines are almost always dry unless the label says otherwise, but with white wines, it’s worth a second look. If you see words like “crisp” or “zesty” or if the alcohol is above 11–12%, chances are you’re in dry territory. And trust me—dry Rieslings are some of the most refreshing, food-friendly wines you can pour.
Make It a Tasting
Want to turn your picnic into a casual little wine flight? Here are a few more bottles perfect for an afternoon under the sun:
France | Crémant d’Alsace | Christophe Mittnacht Extra Dry
A dry, delicate sparkling wine that feels celebratory but easy. Crisp bubbles, orchard fruit, and nothing too heavy for lounging in the grass—and a fave producer!
Spain | Txakoli | Ameztoi “Getariako Txakolina”
Ever so slightly sparkling and very bright, this pick is basically bottled sea breeze—perfect for warm days, seafood snacks, and long afternoons outside.
France | Morgon | Jean-Paul Brun “Domaine des Terres Dorees”
A silky, floral Gamay from Beaujolais that's made for chilling down and pairing with food. Great with charcuterie, fresh baguettes, and anything herb-tossed.
A Few Extras
Simple Sandwich Picnic – No need to overthink it: make a few easy sandwiches (tuna, egg, or ham and cheese are favorites), and pack them up with some chips, fruit, and a crisp salad.
Packable Snack Board (Costco find!) – Just picked this up and already wondering how I ever packed a picnic without it.
Greek Salad with Feta – Bright, fresh, and easy to toss together. Pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine and a lazy day outside.
Picnics don’t have to be complicated. A cold bottle, a few good bites, and a patch of grass are really all you need.
See you next week,
Ronda
This post may include affiliate links. I only recommend wines I’ve personally tried or thoughtfully selected because I believe you’ll truly enjoy them. Your support means a lot—thank you for reading.