Vail Valley Picnic Pairings: Wine, Cheese, and Mountain Views

There’s nothing quite like a picnic in the Vail Valley. Whether you’re laying out a blanket by the river in Avon, hiking up to a quiet overlook in Edwards, or just kicking back in Ford Park with friends, everything tastes better at altitude. And when you’ve got the right wine and snack pairings? You’ve basically unlocked summer magic.

At Boone’s Wine & Spirits, we believe a great picnic should be simple, affordable, and full of flavor. Here’s how to build the perfect picnic spread—from easy wines that travel well to cheese and charcuterie pairings that hold up on a sunny mountain day.

🍷 CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINES FOR A PICNIC
Before we even get into the snacks, let’s talk wine. You want something refreshing, easy-drinking, and low-maintenance. In other words, leave the delicate vintage reds at home and opt for bottles that can handle a little bumping around in a backpack or cooler.

🥂 1. Canned Wines & Mini Bottles
Yes, canned wine is good now. Like really good. Especially up here where packing light matters. We love popping a chilled can of rosé or sparkling wine on a trail break or sunny riverside picnic. Brands like Underwood, Nomadica, and Sofia Minis are made for this exact moment.

🌸 2. Dry Rosé
Rosé is practically made for mountain picnics. It’s crisp, refreshing, and pairs with everything from fresh fruit to spicy salami. Look for bottles from Provence or Oregon for a dry style that won’t overpower your snacks.

🌿 3. Sauvignon Blanc
This zippy white brings out the best in goat cheese, olives, and green veggies. Bonus: it’s usually screw-top, which makes it picnic-friendly with zero need for a corkscrew.

🍷 4. Light Reds
If you prefer red wine but don’t want something heavy in the heat, go for a chilled Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, or Lambrusco. Yes, you can (and should) chill some reds—especially when the Colorado sun is beating down.

🧀 PICNIC SNACKS THAT TRAVEL WELL
Now that you’ve got the wine, here’s what to throw in your cooler or basket to keep things tasty without turning your blanket into a full kitchen setup.

🧀 1. Cheese Picks
Brie or Camembert: Pairs beautifully with rosé or light reds. Let it get a little melty for maximum spreadability.

Goat Cheese (Chevre): Tart, creamy, and a Sauvignon Blanc’s best friend.

Aged Manchego: Holds up great in heat and adds a salty bite, especially with sparkling wine or light reds.

🥓 2. Charcuterie Staples
Prosciutto or Coppa: Light, salty, and excellent with crisp whites.

Spicy Soppressata: Try it with a chilled Lambrusco or Côtes du Rhône.

Salami Coins: Pre-sliced = less effort on the mountain.

🥖 3. Crunch & Carbs
Fresh baguette or crackers (we love rosemary or olive oil varieties)

Almonds, pistachios, or marcona almonds

Popcorn with sea salt or truffle oil

🍓 4. Fruits That Don’t Get Mushy
Grapes (classic and mess-free)

Cherries or strawberries

Apple or pear slices (sprinkle with lemon juice to keep fresh)

🧊 BONUS TIPS FOR A NEXT-LEVEL PICNIC
Freeze your wine the night before in a stainless steel water bottle so it stays cold during the hike.

Pack a mini cutting board and a small cheese knife (you’ll feel very fancy).

Toss in a local chocolate bar or a piece of dark chocolate to pair with that final glass of red as the sun starts to dip behind the peaks.

🧺 WHERE TO PICNIC IN THE VAIL VALLEY
Some of our favorite local spots to pop a cork:

Nottingham Lake in Avon – paddleboard, then sip on the lawn

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail – peaceful, floral, and shaded

Homestead Trail overlook in Edwards – hike up, cheers at the top

Harry A. Nottingham Park – family-friendly and right by the water

Your own backyard – seriously, turn your deck into an après-picnic escape

FINAL POUR
A great picnic isn’t about perfection—it’s about pausing, savoring, and soaking in your surroundings. With a little planning (and a stop at Boone’s for supplies), your next wine-and-cheese moment in the Vail Valley might just become your favorite memory of the summer.

Need help picking the perfect picnic pairings? Swing by Boone’s Wine & Spirits—we’re always down to help build a basket!