One of the best qualities of summer is the chance to dine alfresco, especially if it’s a picnic. Whether you’re relaxing in an open field surrounded by wildflowers or in Central Park listening to a concert as the sun sets, there’s no greater pleasure than nibbling on some cheese, biting into juicy strawberries and sipping wine in the open air. How do you transport those wines safely and easily? We have great wine carriers to choose from for your picnic excursions.
Wine just for two
For a romantic picnic à deux, the charming Wine Picnic Backpack features 2 insulated front pockets for wine bottles, a food storage compartment, a back pocket with everything included for two (plates, silverware, stemware, cloth napkins, corkscrew, cutting board, serrated cheese knife and salt and pepper shakers- oh my!). Its ingenious ingenious adjustable straps and padded carrying handle add a layer of protection for transporting your wine to any destination that you desire. They are available in tweed, also.
“This is a perfect gift for the romantic one at heart!“
–Shirley R., IWA Reviews
Picnicking with friends
Are you meeting a group of friends? With the Built NY Cooler, you can bring enough wine for everyone. It fits 6 standard wine bottles and 10lb of ice, with an insulated construction that keeps drinks chilled.
It is easy to carry, with a durable strap and reinforced handles. Don’t worry about leaks, it is made from the same fabric as whitewater rafts!
On-the-go with wine for large parties
Stylishly tote bottles of wine to the picnic with our handsome travel duffel. This duffel bag is made of genuine leather and is designed to carry up to 6 bottles of wine, which is perfect for a family gathering or summer cookout!
If you’d like a smaller size, we also offer Leather Wine Backpacks. These feature a drawstring closure underneath the double-snap protective flap, a polyester-lined interior for durability and metal feet that keep the bag stable when placed on the ground. Both sizes come in soft brown (pictured above) or black leather and provide lots of extra space for ideal wine accessories, food or even clothes.
There’s one important accessory not included with any of these wine carriers: the wine! You can pick which bottles to bring along to personalize your picnic and make it truly your own.
What’s the perfect summer picnic wine?
Rosé is always a great bet and with a wide range of styles; there’s a rosé for every palate. They range from light and crisp, with gentle strawberry notes, to rosé wines with a rich and fuller-bodied flavor where the ripe berries take center stage.
Vinho Verde is another great summer sipper. Citrus fruits and a decent amount of minerality are met with a slight effervescence in this zesty and crisp white.
More in the mood for a red? A bottle of Pinot Noir works well in the muggy months with a light body. Or, look for traditional Rhône blends from the Languedoc-Roussillion region. Thanks to the warm climate in this southern France region, these wines are better suited for the weather.
About the Author: Shana Sokol is a wine blogger, freelance writer and event planner living in New York City. Learn more at shanaspeakswine.com and follow her musings on Twitter and Instagram: @ShanaSpeaksWine.