The ultimate picnic

When I was growing up, we went on family picnics year round. We’d set off early, sometimes walking through Sherbrooke Forest in search of lyrebirds, before returning to the picnic ground for a barbecue breakfast. Autumn weekends were often spent with our neighbours picking blackberries—before the eradication programme, of course. One memorable year, we harvested 200 kilos between us! The parents would prepare a feast of sausages, chops, bacon, eggs, fruit platters, toast and hot drinks, while we kids ended up with scratched arms and purple-stained fingers. The reward? Blackberry jam, pies, puddings, and a freezer stocked for months.

As winter recedes and the days stretch longer, it’s time to embrace the outdoors again. Spring picnics are perfect for sunny, mild days, before the bugs start celebrating too. Whether at the beach, in a park, or out in the bush, picnics are more than just meals—they’re gatherings, celebrations, and memory-makers.

Choosing Your Picnic Theme

Themes aren’t essential, but they can inspire the menu and activities. A picnic might celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a community occasion like the Riverland Rose Festival or Anzac Day. Imagine a dawn service followed by a simple sausage sizzle with Anzac biscuits and tea—or a multicultural spread featuring favourite dishes and music from the old country.

Picking the Setting

Parks and beaches are handy, with barbecues, tables, and toilets close at hand. They’re ideal for families and big groups. Bush settings, on the other hand, promise stunning views and quiet moments, but require some prep—think rugs, portable seating, and no open fires.

Planning the Activities

A good picnic isn’t just about food. The journey might be the highlight—a hike up a mountain or a walk to a waterfall. For family outings, playgrounds keep kids entertained while adults relax. Summer picnics might include a swim, a game of beach cricket, or music and dancing if that’s part of your tradition.

Food and Wine for Every Occasion

Even a humble sausage sizzle or sandwich tastes better outdoors. But if you want to level up:

• Chicken & Sparkling Breakfast: A roast chicken, coleslaw, white bread, and sparkling wine were staples during my student days on the Yarra. Now, Christmas mornings by the Murray feature prawns, stone fruit, sourdough, salads, and even wok-fried omelettes, paired with Nippy’s juice, 919 Sparkling Durif, Ella Semmler’s Orchard Chardonnay, and hot Arrosto coffee.
• Celebratory Lunch: Family reunions call for versatile wines that suit all tastes. Think Special Release Chardonnay (full-bodied with balanced oak), Ella Semmler’s Tempranillo (a chillable light red), or 919 Reserve Durif (a bold red that steals the show). Pair with shared tables of salads, quiches, cold cuts, scones, and indulgent desserts.
• Romantic Supper: At Lake Bonney, a sunset picnic of pork and green mango salad, followed by apple and rhubarb pie and cream, is magic with 919 Touriga Nacional as the stars emerge.

The key to a memorable picnic is simple: good company, a beautiful setting, and something delicious to share. Choose wines that are refreshing, easy to open, and crowd-pleasing, and don’t forget some proper glasses to make every pour feel special.

Here’s to more spring days spent under open skies, wine in hand, and laughter echoing across the park or riverbank.