Wine + The Proper Setting = A Good Time.

Some of my favorite places in the world are located… outdoors. Looking for some fun, unique or amusing places to enjoy your wine outside?

Well, lucky for you, the great outdoors is quite large and
full of options.

Enjoy a glass of cabernet on the chilly mountaintops, or perhaps a glass of bubbly on the beach or a glass of chardonnay with cheese in the park. Day or night drinking, the outdoors never closes. It is always available somewhere even if only in your own backyard with a nice glass of old vine zin after dinner.

Keeping in mind to follow all the local alcohol laws… one can still find many a spot to relax outside for a glass (or two).

First up, select the backdrop. Even urban areas have great outdoor locations to enjoy.
– Pack up some food that is easily portable, a corkscrew, glasses, a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine and… the mission is already half accomplished.
– Find someone to enjoy it with and plan transportation to and from. Always be responsible and safe when drinking.

1. Grab the Picnic Basket

   A simple way to create ambiance when drinking wine and enjoying food is to let the outdoors do it for you.
   With a multitude of locations to choose from, the great outdoors has something for everyone. Whether you decide to picnic on a bench at the park, in a forest setting, or on the lake… this is a very budget friendly and simple option. Which moves it to the top of our list. You were going to eat lunch anyways. With only a few essential items and of course… a bottle of wine… once can enjoy a leisurely afternoon outside.
   THE BASICS: comfy blanket, plates, utensils, condiments, glasses, corkscrew, water, something to set the mood (from a vase with flowers to music playing to a favorite book to read…. bring something personal to enjoy too).

2. Catch Some Rays on the Water

   Much of our earth is made up of water. From lake, to sea, to river, to swimming pool… so many options to choose from. Most with the added benefits of the sounds that water makes creating ambiance all on it’s own. You can eat before you go, mostly due to needing to digest before some water activities. Grab a wine you love and simply enjoy the setting.

3. Hike or Bike Then Wine

   DID YOU KNOW?!? Wine is FAT FREE. Unfortunately, wine is not also… sugar or calorie free. Darnit.
   However, here is a… PRO TIP: Hiking and Biking both… burn calories!! Making it a good pairing for my wine consumption. You don’t have to sip the wine while you walk, it is best to savor and enjoy your wine afterwards.
   Once you have accomplished your goals along the hiking trails, you can reward yourself with a glass at home. Perhaps you can bike to the perfect end destination: A WINE TASTING ROOM!! You can even sip on spot if you plan ahead and the conditions favor such endeavors. Living in wine country… I like to hike in vineyards and enjoy a glass on the spot and then…. hike some more. Darn calories.

   

4. Attend a Wine Filled Shindig

   There are many budget friendly options (sometimes even free concerts in the park) when it comes to outdoor events where one would also… enjoy a glass of WINE. Many wine country regions have outdoor specific events where attendees can try many different wines at one place, each with their own table. SIGN ME UP.
   With wineries wanting to get their product in front of more consumers, often times ‘tasting’ style events are friendly on the pocketbook. With the added benefit for attendees of being able to try wine from many sources without any unnecessary driving. Some music events or art shows can also have a wine friendly theme as well as an outdoor one, look around for upcoming events in your local area and plan ahead.

5. Cheese + Wine + Relaxing at Home

   FUN FACT: Open your front door, take a few steps… chances are good that
   YOU ARE OUTDOORS.
   Whether it is the front door of your apartment building or your cabin on the lake, I bet there is somewhere you can enjoy your wine and mother nature’s gifts at the same time without going far at all. Do YOU know what I would also bet… especially if you are a fan of THIS site and reading this article… I bet YOU ALREADY have wine and cheese in your home.
   Without much of an effort, I bet that cork would be pulled and that cheese plated…. Carry both out the door and presto!! Talk about budget friendly.

CHEERS!!