Come with us on a vineyard picnic
Bucket List Item Ticked!
Imagine sitting in the middle of rolling hills somewhere – yes, anywhere. Now add a perfect blue sky, a slight rustle of leaves from tall trees close by, the warmth of the sun. Think of sitting at a long low table on the soft ground with the textures of rugs underneath. Perfectly straight rows of vines stretch away from us up the hill in uniform green-ness and all around is countryside. Catch glimpses of a patchwork of more vines on both sides and down the hill behind.
Clinking of glasses, laughter, chatting; we’re sitting at a picnic table stretching out in front of us. Down the left and right are a fabulous bunch of wine club members enjoying the fruits of the vineyard’s labour on the outskirts of Harvey, Western Australia.
Not too long earlier, the elegant and lively picnic-goers all hopped on a bus for a drive away from the winery, off the bustle of the highway, along meandering country roads, past cattle and sheep munching away without a care in the world for an afternoon of ultimate tastings and grazings in the vineyard. A turn off the road, a farm gate opened, a rumble over the cattle grid and a twisting rise up to a glorious view.
Sparkling Pignoletto anyone? Standing amongst the actual vines that are delicately created and teased in to what you’re savouring, you stand and marvel at the view, taste the gloriousness, nibble on matching food. Turn and you’ll see the old gum tree depicted on the label too. It all clicks into place.
Time to wander now. Join the winemaker for some history and fun facts and make your way down through the vines to the bottom of this hill. Some of us take photos to remember this moment. One lady exclaims, ‘Look at that, I should be a photographer!’ And yes, we observe the beauty of her image. In fact, we are surrounded by beautiful hillsides perfectly framed by stretching vines.
We come to a table casually set to match the day decorated with an array of fresh and dried flora, candles, fruit and feathers. Long enough for everyone to enjoy and low enough to chat across the table. The cushions and seating was set for all to move around and be comfortable. The blankets weren’t needed in the end as the weather stayed lovingly warm.
Grab a wine from the cooled tubs, settle in to your chosen spot at the table or sit and relax on the day-bed decorated with blossom and parasol or play a game of Jenga nearby. The atmosphere is perfectly picnic chill. Time to relax, soaking in the beauty of the natural surroundings and indulging in the many wines on offer. From the crisp and fruity Arneis and the newly announced Jasper Rosé, to the dry and delicious Dolcetto which has been borne from the vines you can see. It’s your choice from this ensemble of Italian-style wines to enjoy with sumptuous, individually-boxed foods. Truly, a picnic where one can imagine to be holidaying in an historic Italian vineyard in the Piedmont.
Good times were had by all, and the afternoon flew past. As the bus left, returning everyone home, we heard the picnic-goers singing joyfully. As they drove back down the hill, we waved them goodbye and started to pack down.
We may have taken home at least a bale’s worth of dry grass stuck amongst the picnic rugs and blankets but what a day to remember – we couldn’t have handpicked a lovelier group to experience this picnic!
Until our next adventure together, make wonderful memories every day and stay happy xoxo
Picnic Cheer was a guest and worked with Vineyard 28 to create this event for their wine club members at their Wildwater Vineyard. Images with thanks to Uncommon Creative.
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