Perfect Picnics

Now that the warm summer afternoons beckon us outdoors, this is the perfect time for a picnic. I am often asked by visitors where a good place to picnic may be, so I have come up with several easy-to-find picnic spots for all those who wish to linger outdoors in wine country.

First, here are a few great spots to grab cheese, olives, salads and wine:

In Napa County-

• Soda Canyon Store-4006 Silverado Trail, Napa
• Oakville Grocery- 7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville
• Dean and DeLuca- 607 South St. Helena Highway, St. Helena
• V. Sattui Winery-111 White Lane, St. Helena
• Sunshine Foods-1115 Main St., St. Helena

In Sonoma County-

• Sonoma Market-500 West Napa St., Sonoma
• Fig Pantry-1190 East Napa St., Sonoma
• Glen Ellen Village Market-13751 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen
• Carneros Deli- 23001 Arnold Dr., Sonoma

What wine to serve? Look for a refreshing white wine. Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice, as well as Riesling or Chardonnay. Another good option is a Rose, but make sure it is dry and the bottle stays chilled.

Here are a few of our favorite picnic spots:

• V. Sattui Winery (St. Helena)- By far the most popular picnic spot around Napa, thanks to the indulgent cheese and picnic deli, great wine tasting, and a shaded picnic grounds. But be warned-you may have to fight the crowds. Right off Hwy 29 on White Lane in St. Helena. Wine tasting is $5 per person. No reservations required. Open daily from 9am to 6pm (in the summer).
• Cuvaison (Calistoga)- Warm hospitality and picnic tables under oak trees. Near the road, but has a nice, casual atmosphere. Tastings start at $10 per person. 4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. 707.942.2468. Open daily 10am-5pm.
• Clos Du Val (Napa)- Picnic in the Olive Grove and enjoy their French bocce ball courts. Wine tasting is $10 per person, and there is a $5 per person fee to reserve a picnic table. Located off Silverado Trail in the Stags Leap district of Napa. Call 800.993.9463 for reservations. Open 10am-5pm.
• St. Clement (St. Helena)- Picnic tables set out to enjoy the vineyard views are available and may be reserved, or choose a boxed lunch option for $25. Tasting start at $10. On Hwy 29 on the left just past the Culinary Institute in St. Helena. 2867 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy 29). Reservations suggested- 800.331.8266. Open daily 10am-5pm.
• Rutherford Hill (Rutherford)- Very scenic picnic grounds amid Live Oaks or 100 year-old olive grove. Rutherford Hill provides gourmet picnic lunch options. To schedule a group picnic call 707.963.1871. Located right off the Silverado Trail in Rutherford at 200 Rutherford Hill Road. Tours & Tasting is $20 per person. Call for tour/tasting times.
• Lambert Bridge (Healdsburg)- Dry Creek Valley- Enjoy a picnic on teak dining tables in a Mediterranean-style garden with a view of rolling hills. 4085 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg. 800.975.0555. Open daily 10am-4:30pm
• Buena Vista (Sonoma)- This historic landmark has shaded picnic areas, and a gift shop with gourmet foods. Reservations suggested. 707.926.1266. Tasting fees start at $5 per person. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma. Open daily from 10am-5pm.
• Chateau St. Jean (Kenwood)- This winery has a beautiful courtyard and lush gardens and fountains. You can also purchase gourmet sandwiches, salads and artisan cheeses in the shop. Tours and tastings start at $10 per person. Located right off the Sonoma Highway in Kenwood. No reservations required. Open 10am-5pm daily.