Nothing says adventure like setting up a wine picnic right in the snow! A little crazy, maybe, but that’s what makes it fun. With the right preparations, a snowy backdrop, and a spread of cozy, wine-friendly treats, your winter wine picnic will feel like a magical experience. Here’s how to make your snowy wine adventure unforgettable, from choosing the perfect wines to packing up the ultimate winter-friendly foods.
(Or, if the idea of venturing out into the cold isn’t quite your style, consider staying in with these top activities for a cozy wine evening at home!)
1. Embrace the Snowy Setting with Cozy Essentials
Before we get to the wine, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this experience comfortable and warm enough to really enjoy.
Pack Plenty of Warm Blankets and Cushions
For your wine picnic, bring thick, insulated blankets to spread out over the snow, ideally waterproof on the underside. Pile on a few cozy throws to wrap yourself in and add extra layers, along with some cushy seating like outdoor-friendly pillows or a small foldable chair. Your main goal: Create a little insulated haven where you can relax without feeling the chill seeping up from below.
Light up with Lanterns or Twinkle Lights
For a magical, romantic vibe, pack a couple of LED lanterns or battery-powered string lights. As the sun begins to dip, they’ll cast a warm glow over your snowy setup and make everything feel a bit cozier. Bonus: They make for fantastic photos!
Keep Warm with a Compact, Portable Fire Pit or Hand Warmers
If you’re in an area where it’s safe to do so, consider bringing a small, portable fire pit. It will give your picnic a warm centerpiece, plus it’s great for melting snow off wine glasses or heating up snacks. If a fire pit isn’t an option, bring a stash of reusable hand warmers, which can slip easily into your gloves or sit under a blanket to keep you warm.
2. Choose the Right Wines for Cold Weather
When it comes to wine, not all types stand up to the cold the same way. You want wines that can shine even as they cool down a bit in the winter air.
Opt for Bold Reds and Spicy Varietals
Bold reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Zinfandel, are perfect choices for a winter picnic. These wines have enough depth and complexity to hold up in chilly weather. The warm notes of dark berries, spices, and earthy undertones will keep you feeling cozy with every sip.
If you’re a fan of spicier wines, think about bringing a Malbec or Grenache. They carry natural spice notes that make them feel especially fitting for a winter outing.
Try Fortified Wines or Dessert Wines
If you want to add a touch of sweetness, reach for a dessert wine, Port, or Sherry. These wines not only have a higher alcohol content, which brings a bit more warmth, but their concentrated, fruity flavors offer a rich, luxurious contrast to the cold surroundings. For more ideas, check out our guide to Portuguese fortified wines like Port, Jeropiga, and others that offer a unique taste of warmth in every sip.
Consider a Flask of Mulled Wine for Extra Warmth
For the ultimate winter treat, bring along a thermos or flask of mulled wine. You can make this ahead of time by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a touch of honey or orange zest. Mulled wine offers a gentle, comforting warmth and fills the air with a wonderful, festive aroma.
3. Pack Foods that Stay Warm or Pair Well Chilled
Now, let’s talk food. Winter wine picnics call for foods that either hold their warmth or taste great even in the chill.
Go for Hearty Soups in a Thermos
A hot thermos of soup is a lifesaver for a snowy picnic. Think creamy tomato bisque, a classic French onion soup, or a butternut squash and sage blend. The steam from a hot soup feels like pure comfort when the air is crisp, and these rich flavors pair beautifully with bold reds.
Cheese Selections that Hold Their Texture in the Cold
Certain cheeses can go a bit hard in cold weather, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the table. Aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda will hold up well even when chilled. Soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, can also work if you wrap them up next to your thermos to keep them a bit warmer. To make it extra indulgent, try baking a Brie beforehand, wrapping it in foil, and letting it retain warmth in a thermos or insulated bag.
Savory Hand Pies or Empanadas
Hand pies, empanadas, or mini quiches are ideal for winter picnics. They’re easy to eat, filling, and can stay relatively warm when wrapped in foil. Consider fillings like mushroom and Gruyère, spiced beef, or even a simple ham and cheese combo—each pairs well with full-bodied reds or fortified wines.
Include a Few Sweet Treats
For dessert, pack gingerbread cookies, dark chocolate squares, or even spiced nuts. These snacks add a nice touch of sweetness, and they’re perfect for nibbling in between sips of wine. Chocolate, especially dark, works beautifully with red wines and can even enhance the wine’s richness.
4. Elevate the Experience with Fun Extras
Part of the charm of a snow day picnic lies in the little extra touches. Here are a few ways to make it even more memorable:
Try a Rustic Wooden Tray for Serving
Bring along a rustic wooden tray to use as a portable picnic table. It adds a bit of elegance and keeps things organized, with space for wine glasses, cheese boards, and snacks.
Pack Insulated Wine Glasses and Warmers
Insulated wine glasses are fantastic for keeping your drink at the right temperature, even if the outside air is cold. Many come with lids, so you can take a sip without snow blowing in. Or, if you prefer the traditional glass, bring small glass warmers or wraps to keep your wine a bit cozier.
5. Think About Entertainment: Snowy Fun to Pair with Your Wine
Why not make your snowy wine picnic even more adventurous? Here are some ideas for adding a bit of winter fun:
Sledding, Snowshoeing, or Snowball Fights
After enjoying your wine and snacks, get up and move around to stay warm. Try sledding down a gentle hill nearby or bring along snowshoes for a quick trek through the snow. And, of course, what’s a snow day without a snowball fight? Get everyone involved in a friendly (and hilarious) snowball fight to make the outing even more memorable. It’s an easy way to stay active, get a few laughs, and warm up with a little movement.
Build a Snowman Together
For a more laid-back winter activity, roll up those snowballs and build a snowman right by your picnic spot! It’s a simple, playful way to add a bit of charm to the scene and let out your inner child. Plus, you’ll end up with a fun winter “guest” who’ll happily sit and “join” you for your wine picnic photos.
Capture the Moment with a Photo Session
The snowy setting and cozy wine setup make for beautiful photos. Capture some memories to remember this unique experience, with the snow glistening around you, wine glasses in hand, and maybe even a friendly snowman nearby!
Play Some Winter Games
Pack a deck of cards, or bring along some fun winter-themed trivia questions to add a little friendly competition. These simple activities make the day feel more relaxed and enjoyable, perfect for spending time with friends or family.
6. Stay Safe and Cozy: Extra Tips for a Smooth Picnic
Finally, let’s cover a few quick safety and comfort tips to make sure your snow day wine picnic is smooth and stress-free.
Dress in Layers and Bring Extra Warm Clothes
Layer up! Start with a thermal base, add insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and warm socks. You’ll be surprised how much warmth proper layering provides, even on a chilly day.
Mind the Snow and Choose a Flat Spot
Choose a location that has packed or solid snow, ideally on a flat surface. This helps you avoid any uneven spots that could tip over your wine glasses or make it uncomfortable to sit. Also, check for safety—make sure the area isn’t prone to snow slides or heavy snow drift.
Pack It Out – Leave No Trace
Lastly, as with any picnic, remember to leave the area as beautiful as you found it. Pack up any waste, food scraps, or other items to help keep the environment pristine for others to enjoy.
Wrap-Up: A Snow Day to Remember
A wine picnic in the snow may sound unconventional, but that’s the beauty of it. The contrast of cozy blankets, warm food, and flavorful wines against the crisp, snowy landscape creates an experience that’s truly one of a kind. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or just a unique way to enjoy the season, this snowy wine picnic is bound to leave you with lasting memories.
So grab your blankets, pack up a bottle or two, and let the snow inspire a magical winter wine experience!
English