Fruit, Cheese And Wine Picnic
by Hope
(Alexandria, VA)
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good picnic. I confess that those same people also know I love a good glass of wine. So pairing a wine with a picnic for two? Perfection.
I’d start with a cheese course – some Swiss Emmenthal, perhaps, along with some gruyere and a goat cheese, perhaps from my beloved Sweet Grass Dairy down in tiny Thomasville, Georgia, a dairy I don’t have occasion to visit as often as I’d like from up here in the mid-Atlantic region. Paired with our cheeses would be some crisp water crackers, more of a serving device for said cheese.
I’d serve some grapes on the side for some sweetness; there’s nothing better than fresh grapes with wine! A baguette makes a lovely addition to a picnic basket, but I prefer something a touch heartier – a vegetable wrap, perhaps. Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and olives tucked into a flour tortilla makes for a lovely lunch entrée!
Finally, the star of the show – the wine. A sweet yet crisp Riesling or pinot grigio fit a spring or summertime day beautifully. A hearty merlot, Cabernet, or pinot noir bring out the autumnal undertones of a leaf-watching party with panache. Finally, a sparkling wine or ice wine set the tone for a sweet dessert! I can’t wait to dig in!