The Best Wines for Summer Picnics

Summer’s here, and that means one thing - it’s officially ‘picky bits and wine’ season. Long, lazy afternoons, a picnic blanket in the sun, and your favourite people gathered around sharing snacks, stories, and a bottle of wine - even the pub gets traded in favour of a visit to the park on a balmy evening after work.

Everyone's picnics look a little bit different. Some people have sandwiches and crisps, others cheese and charcuterie, salads, sausage rolls, and other fruit and sweet treats. This means that it can be hard to pair your wine with your food and you may want something with a little more body, so that it stands up against the different flavours.

Whether you're popping a chilled white to go with soft cheeses or pouring a light red alongside charcuterie and olives, we’ve got the perfect summer wines to match your next picnic spread.

Maison Mariselle, Côtes de Provence

Created by Majestic’s Head of Buying, Matthew Fowkes, in collaboration with the dedicated team at Château Gassier, this rosé captures the very essence of Provence. The maritime influence lends a distinct sea-salt minerality, balanced beautifully by subtle hints of zesty citrus and fragrant white flowers. Perfectly versatile, Mariselle pairs effortlessly with tapas, smoky grilled aubergines, or barbecued red meats.

Chapel Down 'A Touch of Sparkle', Kent

This blend of Bacchus and Chardonnay is made from grapes sourced from picturesque vineyards in Kent, where soils are ideal for creating sparkling wine. Expect fresh floral aromas and notes of pineapple, grapefruit and tropical fruit. Try it with soft cheese.

Mythral Sparkling Rosé, France

This wine comes from the sun-kissed landscapes of the South of France, renowned for producing exquisite sparkling rosé wine. Intensely aromatic, this wine explodes with flavour thanks to its fruity and acidic aromas. Enjoy its tart fruit flavours of blackcurrant, berries and lemon, with mineral notes that bring a lot of freshness. Enjoy it as an aperitif, or with shellfish, fresh salads and even chocolate.

Bread & Butter 'Winemaker's Selection' Pinot Noir, California

This deliciously silky wine is all about red fruit. Cherries. Raspberries. Cranberries. It’s seriously juicy and seriously delicious, with a nice fullness which is classic California. Oak ageing gives it a touch of cedary spice, and woody herb notes. Perfect with veggie sausage rolls, olives, grilled artichokes and cheese and charcuterie.

Definition by Majestic Bacchus, England

When it comes to white grapes in England, Bacchus sets the standard with its fresh and crisp profile. This defining example is made by Henners Vineyard, established in 2007 in the East Sussex village of Herstmonceux by ex-F1 race engineer Lawrence Warr. Partly fermented in oak and blended with a small dash of Chardonnay, this Bacchus has typical aromas of elderflower, gooseberry, white currant and lime. A great pairing for pork, veg and dips, and soft cheese.

Lyrarakis Assyrtiko-Vidiano Orange Wine, Crete

Orange wine is a unique style where white grapes are fermented with their skins, giving it an amber hue and richer flavour. If you’re yet to try one, this Greek bottling offers the perfect introduction. Discover lively notes of stone fruits and zingy citrus peel, with a silky structure and fresh acidity. A touch of tannin on the finish makes it a wonderful option for semi hard cheeses.

Bouvet Ladubay 'Blanc de Blancs' Crémant de Loire

Throughout its 169 years of history, Bouvet has been endorsed by Napoleon III and chosen as the official supplier to the House of Lords. This is predominantly Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay, vintage fizz, which rivals some of the finest French fizz. You'll find delightful hints of pear, apple and white flowers in a refined mousse. Possibly the best value sparkling wine you'll find. Great with soft cheese, crisps, and seafood.

Moillard-Thomas Beaujolais-Villages

Moillard-Thomas are renowned for their fine winemaking. They're one of the oldest wine merchants in Burgundy's Nuits-Saint-Georges, and standards have been high since the beginning. For this wine, they've taken their considerable expertise to Beaujolais. It's light, fruity and packed with red-fruit flavours. Think fresh strawberry and raspberry that'll pair perfectly with classic French charcuterie.