Summer Picnic Pairings: Wines that Chill Well & Travel Easy

As Napa Valley basks in the warm California sun, there’s no feeling like the anticipation of boarding the historic Napa Valley Wine Train for an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether you’re planning to explore the Valley’s legendary outdoor dining or settling into the mahogany-paneled elegance of a restored Pullman car, choosing the right wines that travel well and chill beautifully is an essential part of your perfect summer escape.

Choosing Wines that Love to Travel

When selecting the best picnic wines, you’re looking for several key characteristics: they’re refreshing when chilled, travel well without losing their character, and pair perfectly with outdoor dining. On your Wine Train journey, you’ll discover wines that embody these qualities as you roll past esteemed wineries between Downtown Napa and St. Helena.

• Crisp whites and rosés take center stage in summer’s heat. Napa Valley’s sauvignon blanc travels well in your picnic basket, maintaining its bright acidity and citrus notes. For the perfect balance of richness and refreshment when properly cooled, the Valley’s chardonnay, particularly those from cooler appellations like Carneros, never disappoints.
• Don’t forget about light, food-friendly reds when entertaining in the summer. Napa’s pinot noir, especially from hillside vineyards, offers elegant fruit flavors that shine when slightly chilled—perfect for pairing with charcuterie and cheese selections.

Outdoor Markets & Wine Country Charm

While exploring Napa Valley’s outdoor dining scene, V. Sattui Winery emerges as an essential destination. This historic estate has mastered the art of Wine Country hospitality, offering an authentic experience that feels like stepping into a European countryside market.

Sattui’s sprawling picnic grounds span more than two acres under shady oak trees. Visitors can enjoy wines paired with selections from their world-class and newly renovated Marketplace & Deli that sets them apart from other destinations. Over 200 varieties of cheese, house-made charcuterie, freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, pasta, and house-made desserts—their selection of artisanal fare is truly unmatched. Plus, weekend wood-fired pizzas from their outdoor grill add yet another delicious layer to their menu.

The wines here are crafted specifically for al fresco dining. Their sauvignon blanc delivers bright grapefruit and herbaceous notes that complement their signature cheese selections, while their selection of chardonnays provides the perfect richness to balance savory picnic fare. For those who prefer reds, their zinfandel offers jammy fruit flavors that pair beautifully with their house-made salumi when served slightly chilled.

Domaine Chandon: Group Tasting with Garden Party Flair

What’s better than bubbles in summertime? Domaine Chandon in Yountville elevates your outdoor experience with sprawling garden spaces and intimate cabanas made for group experiences. Chandon’s family-style lunch experiences create the perfect picnic atmosphere, making every gathering feel special. Here, you can pair three wines with dishes that incorporate local ingredients and global flavors. Chandon’s sparkling selections make for ideal picnic wines—the bubbles remain lively even after transport, and the bright acidity cleanses the palate between bites of rich fare.

When it comes to summer entertaining, Chandon’s Garden Spritz deserves special mention. This bright sparkling wine incorporates Earl Grey tea elements for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for afternoon parties. Our Afternoon Tea experience invites you to indulge in our unique collaboration with Chandon. Aboard our vibrant floral train, you’ll journey through Wine Country with a Chandon Garden Spritz in hand, creating the perfect daytime escape.

The Wine Train’s Curated Selection

We carefully curate our wine collection, sourcing a large percentage directly from wineries along the Wine Train route. Why? We want to ensure that nearly every bottle tells the story of the landscape rolling past your window. Our selection emphasizes family-owned wineries that understand the Valley’s terroir. As you journey through five distinct sub-appellations—Yountville, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, and Oak Knoll—you’re tasting wines that truly represent each unique microclimate.

Plus, our Wine & Gift Shop lets you take home something delicious and refreshing for your next summer picnic. From silky rosé to refreshing sauvignon blanc, find your go-to or a new favorite before or after your ride on the rails—we’ll even arrange shipment to your home.

Start Planning Your Napa Getaway

For the ultimate Napa experience, don’t wait to book your Wine Train adventure, especially for popular weekend departures. Whether you choose a lunch journey complemented by golden Valley sunlight, or an evening dinner experience under the stars, you’ll discover wines that embody the spirit of outdoor entertaining.

The key to choosing a perfect picnic wine is selecting one that enhances rather than competes with the experience. In Napa Valley, where every winery celebrates the joy of community, you’ll find that our wines become part of the adventure—traveling companions that make every moment more memorable. Ready to find your next bottle? Start planning your Napa Valley experience and prepare for an unforgettable journey through America’s most celebrated wine region.