Last year, over 29,000 bottles of champagne were enjoyed and quaffed down at Wimbledon during the 2017 Championships. That’s a lot of hangovers to contend with the next day. This year, summer is in full swing again with a mini heat-wave, just in time for the annual tennis festival that is Wimbledon. If you’re lucky enough to be going, then being at Wimbledon during the Championships is as pleasurable as watching a game. Attendees can mill around and watch whatever the biggest game is on Murray Mound, or just enjoy a cold glass of something on a picnic blanket and people-watch.
Golden rules for drinking outdoors
One of the perks of the event is that you’re allowed to take your own food and drinks (although alcohol is restricted to one bottle per guest). But knowing what to bring, can make or break your picnic, and knowing what special bottle to choose can take some research. But first, let’s start with some of the golden rules for drinking outside. Most importantly, keep it simple and casual. If you’ve got a complex red sitting at home, that’s probably the best place to enjoy it in some peace and quiet, not cheering wildly as two men ping a small ball across the grass. Second, make sure you have suitable chilling equipment for your wine – no one will thank you ruining a glass of fine white wine by serving it lukewarm. It’s also worth considering taking wine in a box – practical, easy to carry, and it means you don’t have to worry about corkscrews or breaking your precious bottle.
Game, set, and a great glass of wine
So, what wines suit outdoor drinking? First, consider what your drinking preference is and take that into consideration in your research. Spend some time researching different wines, and learn how to pick a wine to suit your occasion. If you’re lucky with the weather, then nothing beats a cold glass of bone-dry white wine. A good glass of white wine should taste cool, fresh from the fridge, and quintessentially summery. Try Palataia Pinot Grigio 2015 Germany, 13.5%, which is refreshing, crisp and smells beautifully of orange blossom and pear. Or for something more reminiscent of what you drank on holiday, try Torres Viña Esmeralda 2015 Spain, 11%, which has a delicate hint of honeysuckle. Rosé wine, is also perfectly suited to Wimbledon picnic lunches on hot summer days. For something pale, crisp and fresh, try the Rimauresq Cru Classé Rosé, Côtes de Provence, which is like drinking summer in a glass. If you do fancy a glass of red instead, then go for something light and fruity such as Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago New Zealand, 13.5%: a wine intended for picnics, it’s meant for immediate drinking, in the sun, with friends.
Anyone for a glass of fizz?
Anything with bubbles is a perfect candidate for sitting outside at Wimbledon – there’s nothing like popping a cork in the great outdoors to celebrate being outside. However, you may find that champagne is fairly heavy for a picnic lunch – Prosecco can be a lighter option, such as Crémant de Limoux or a Loire sparkling wine.
Once you’ve selected your special bottle to enjoy while watching the tennis, don’t forget to invest in some decent picnic glasses and chilling equipment (if needed), to ensure that your wine is a perfect accompaniment to allow you to savour your magical day.
Written by: Guest Blogger Jennifer Blake
