There’s just something magical about June—blue skies, a gentle breeze, and the scent of summer in the air. It’s the perfect time to grab your blanket, pack up a wicker basket, and head for the nearest park, hilltop or garden for a sun-soaked picnic. And what better way to celebrate the season than with two of life’s greatest pleasures: cheese and wine?
Here’s your June Cheese & Wine Bucket List: Picnic Edition — a guide to crafting a dreamy outdoor feast, pairing it all sustainably, and adding a sprinkle of charm with a few DIY touches.
Build Your Own Cheese & Wine Picnic
A great picnic starts with thoughtful choices. Begin with your cheese selection. Aim for a mix of textures and flavours:
Creamy Brie: Soft, buttery and mellow, Brie pairs beautifully with a young Chardonnay from Burgundy or a dry English sparkling wine made using the traditional method. The acidity and fine bubbles cut through the richness perfectly. Mature Cheddar: Robust and full-flavoured, Cheddar loves bold companions. Opt for an aged Rioja Reserva or a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, Australia. The oak and tannins match the cheese’s intensity.
Stilton (Blue Cheese): Salted, tangy and bold—pair with a sweet Sauternes from Bordeaux or a Late Bottled Vintage Port from the Douro Valley. The sugar balances the salt, creating magic.
Goat’s Cheese: Light, bright and slightly tart, it shines with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre or a Picpoul de Pinet from Languedoc. Crisp, citrusy, and super refreshing.
Washed-rind Cheeses: Funky and creamy varieties like Stinking Bishop work wonders with an Alsace Gewürztraminer or a Chenin Blanc from South Africa.
Round it out with grapes, figs, olives, seeded crackers, and a good chutney. Keep it rustic, keep it fun.
Sustainable Wine and Snack Pairings
Sip and snack mindfully. Choose wines from producers who practise organic, biodynamic, or low-intervention methods. Packaging matters too: cans and Tetra Paks are planet-friendly picks.
Visit local farmers’ markets for cheeses, chutneys, and breads. Supporting local not only reduces food miles—it adds character to your picnic.
Use beeswax wraps, bamboo plates, and cloth napkins to minimise waste. It’s sustainable and stylish.
DIY Wine Charms & Picnic Décor Ideas
Let your picnic look as good as it tastes. DIY wine glass charms can be made from herbs, string, or tiny paper tags—easy and charming.
Layer your picnic blanket: a neutral base, a patterned throw, a few pillows. Add fairy lights for an evening glow, and you’re picnic-perfect.
Bonus tip: bring a playlist of mellow French tunes or soft acoustic tracks. Wine tastes better with music, we promise.
Raise a Glass to Summer
This June, don’t just picnic—curate it. With thoughtful wine pairings, eco-conscious touches, and a splash of creativity, you’ll create memories as delicious as the cheese. Here’s to slow days, warm breezes, and glasses raised under the British sun. Cheers!