Spring has officially sprung and it’s time to spend some time in the sunshine with our favorite wines, snacks and playlists.

Andréa and I love picnic season spent in our favorite parks around the Bay area with our cups filled with chilled rosé, our favorite cheeses and some even better company. This year, we could all use some quality time with our friends and family. What better way than with a sunny picnic! For this picnic season we’re sharing our food & drink must-haves and a sneak peek of what’s in our picnic baskets.

Get our no-cork screw required Wine Must Haves with our new McBride Sisters Collection & Black Girl Magic Wines Picnic Essentials for the perfect set of wines to have for all your picnic needs! Get outside, stay safe, pack a picnic & forget the corkscrew. 

Best Picnic Food + Wine Pairings

You’ve got your picnic basket ready to go, now to figure out what to put in it! Picnics are meant to be fun and easy, and that means delicious finger foods that can be handled easily and shared around. The best picnic foods can be made ahead of time, are easy to transport, and will still taste incredible the next day without much preparation.Let’s dive in!

The Sandwich: Caprese

A great sandwich can be the highlight of an entire meal, and we are advocates for the perfect picnic sandwich. They are simple to make, are compact and can be eaten with your hands. When it comes to packing, simply wrap in foil or wrap so they stay together until it’s time to eat.

Image via jessicainthekitchen.com
Get the recipe here

Great picnic food often contains minimal ingredients that are well put together, and this Caprese sandwich screams ultimate taste with minimal effort. With juicy tomatoes, smooth mozzarella and fresh basil, you be coming back for seconds.

Wine Pairing: Pair this fresh sandwich with our McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc available in the Picnic Essentials six pack here.

The Salads

Get your picnic going with these delightfully fresh salads. You’ll be celebrating being outside basking in Mother Nature’s energy once again.

Watermelon & Feta Salad

Image via jamieoliver.com
Get the recipe here

What can be more refreshing that a watermelon salad? Mixed with red onion, sprigs of mint and mouth-melting feta cheese, this is a blend not to be missed.

Wine Pairing: Pair this sweet & salty salad with our McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic Rosé available in the Picnic Essentials six pack here. 

Creamy Potato Salad with Prawns & Salmon

Image via bbc.co.uk
Get the recipe here

A great potato salad is show-stopping. Just when the original has been perfected so many times, here comes this recipe with shrimp and salmon. Treat yourself.

Wine Pairing: Celebrate this light, summery seafood salad recipe with a glass of McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic Riesling iavailable in the Picnic Essentials six pack here, The off-dry and high acidity of this wine will compliment that flavors of this salad perfectly! 

The Dip 

Is it even a picnic if you don’t have dips and chips to snack on? We think not. Dips are great because they can be added to almost everything from sandwiches to salads, and can be eaten on their own with cut vegetables or chips.

Beetroot, Yoghurt & Lime Dip

Image via olivemagazine.com
Get the recipe here 

Beetroot lovers rejoice! This deliciously tangy dip is perfect for warm spring days and will create a burst of flavor in your mouth. Try this with your favorite pita chips or even fry some halloumi ahead of time to dip.

Wine Pairing: This tangy and delicious dip will pair perfectly with a glass of McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic Rosé available in the Picnic Essentials six pack here. The off-dry and high acidity of this wine will compliment that flavors of this salad perfectly! 

The Dessert

After all the tasty savory foods, it’s time to cater to your sweet tooth. Top it off with a celebratory glass of McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic NV California Sparkling Bru available in the Picnic Essentials six pack here for the perfect end-of-meal treat.

Salted Peanut and Honeycomb Rocky Road

Image via olivemagazine.com
Get the recipe here  

Who can say no to a rocky road? Featuring salted peanut and honeycomb, this is a great twist on the classic and will cater to all tastes.

Other Picnic Essentials

Whenever you have a picnic there are a few items that you should bring to ensure everything goes smoothly for you and the space you inhabit. Remembering to bring the following will make a difference in the long-run and help you picnic happily and sustainably:

• Always remember to bring a trash bag to clean up after yourself. You want to leave the beautiful spot in nature just the same way as you found it, so many more can enjoy it after you. 
• For hot days, throw some ice packs into your picnic basket to ensure everything stays cool and fresh.
• Bring additional water for drinking and cleaning sticky hands. 
• A first-aid kit can always come in handy when you’re outdoors. You never know what you may stumble across!
• Remember to bring a picnic blanket.

Lastly, enjoy yourself and never forget the wine! Xoxo,