Download the Free E-Book from California Wines for Easy Recipes with Wine Pairings
May 2nd – 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.
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state. To learn more about California wines, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.
