Now’s the Time to Plan a Perfect California Wine Country Picnic

Download the Free E-Book from California Wines

for Easy Recipes with Wine Pairings

SAN FRANCISCO — With stunning vineyard views, incredible wines and mild, sunny weather for much of the year, California wine country is arguably one of the best places to enjoy a picnic. Dozens of wineries across the state offer picnic amenities for tasting room guests, including tables, lawn games and a vast variety of food-friendly California wines.

The perfect California wine country picnic features dishes that are simple, seasonal and easily transportable. For a true California twist, combine classics such as cheese boards and charcuterie with make-ahead dishes that showcase the state’s array of fresh produce. Pairing picnic fare with California wine takes the experience to another level — whether the venue is a Golden State winery or a local park.

To help wine lovers plan an unforgettable picnic, California Wines is offering a free, downloadable recipe e-book, “Life’s a Picnic in California Wine Country.” The book features easy-to-prepare recipes for California-inspired picnic dishes, including:

Watermelon Wedge: Topped with feta, basil and pistachios, this sweet and savory watermelon snack gets a spicy kick from homemade hot honey. Pair this fruity appetizer with California rosé.

Avocado Salad with Hidden Valley Ranch: Drizzle homemade ranch over avocado halves, tender butter lettuce and punchy microgreens for an updated California classic. Pair with a crisp California Grenache Blanc or California white blend.

Wine Country Chicken Salad: Red California grapes star in this chicken salad studded with toasted walnuts and chopped celery, served in lettuce cups or as a sandwich filling. It makes a delicious pairing for California Viognier.

Spicy BLT Lettuce Cups: This fresh take on the traditional bacon-based sandwich swaps bread for lettuce cups and adds spicy jalapeño jack cheese. Pair the BLTs with a robust California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fresh Berry Crostini with Sweet Lemon Ricotta: Baguette slices are slathered with creamy ricotta and topped with fresh basil and sweet California berries. This sweet treat makes an excellent match for chilled California rosé.

The e-book also features recipes for refreshing wine-based drinks like the lemon-kissed California 75 and the SoCal Sangria, a fruity blend of California Zinfandel and bright citrus juices.

For these recipes and more, consumers can sign up for the “Life’s a Picnic in Wine Country” e-book here. To locate picnic-friendly wineries throughout California, use the Winery Finder search tool at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

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