Picnic perfection

The morning sun was barely peeking from above the horizon and I knew it would be one of those absolutely perfect, quintessential Wine Country days.  Bursts of color as hot air balloons dotted the sky above Napa in the distance, while crows cawed anxiously and soared between the walnut trees.  Something in the breeze spoke of change.  I knew it would be a picnic sort of day.  October in Sonoma simply screams, “Picnic!”  My hubby and I are ardent picnickers, almost always opting for a meal under the trees, believing that food is sometimes more enjoyable on a blanket, ducks as fellow dining companions.  These autumn days boast golden, sunny afternoons, not too hot and not too cool, while the crowds have diminished leaving some of my favorite picnic spots gloriously quiet.  The farmer’s markets continue to overflow with dazzling late summer produce begging to be picnic bound and proper beverages are abundant.  So, Sonoma, take advantage of every opportunity to picnic while we’re experiencing picnic weather perfection.  To help motivate you, here are some of my personal favorite spots for picnic fare, locations and libations.

Superb Spots. Outstanding places to picnic can be found all over Sonoma, just think of any winery’s deck, patio or lawns.  But, my go-to spot is simply the Plaza.  I love how the late afternoon sun reflects on the trunks of the trees and the light filters through the leaves, children’s laughter carrying on the breeze from the playground and the people watching!  It’s utterly entertaining to watch the well-dressed couples making their way to dinner and local teens smooching in the rose garden.  On warmer afternoons, the Floridian in me craves a bit of waterfront dining so we’ll head to Gundlach Bundschu.  Picnic tables have been thoughtfully placed overlooking the little lake, glittering exquisitely in the sunshine, rows upon rows of vineyards in the distance.  Occasionally, we feel the desire to grill, especially as the weather cools, and then we head to Depot Park.  Always a wonderfully serene experience, it’s almost shameful that this park is unfailingly so quiet.  Tables and grills are never difficult to secure and the constant parade of characters on the bike path will amuse you if the bocce, petanque or volleyball courts don’t.

Festive Fare. Do not limit your picnic fare to the standard and sometimes boring cold salads and bagged chips.  A simple chunk of locally made cheese, a loaf of Mike the Baker’s bread and a perfect sliced tomato is all you need for a simple, yet heavenly meal.  Even better, throw in some cold, poached salmon or sliced chicken from last night’s dinner and a juicy sliced peach for dessert.  A weekday picnic can be a surprising treat and a great excuse to pick up something to go.  A crispy, warm from the oven, Red Grape pizza, an order of the Fremont Diner’s awesome fried chicken or excellent El Molino tamales all make for an ideal picnic.  We’ve even been known to think, “Picnic!” at the last minute, so once hauled a whole pot of pasta puttanesca out to the Plaza, and on another occasion, a hot cast iron pan full of marrow bones

Leading Libations. When deciding on your choice of picnic beverage, think seasonally.  Sparkling wine, although always appreciated any time of year, is especially lovely in the spring paired with a fresh, gooey cheese or smoked salmon and crostini of fava beans.  Summer picnics demand a super crisp Sauvignon Blanc, icy Pacifico beer or pitcher of HelloCello Lemonade, all perfect alongside a batch of just-made guacamole or lemony grilled shrimp.  A heaping platter of grilled bratwurst or a spread of Spanish tapas are awesome autumn selections and would pair nicely with a hard Ace Apple Cider or just about any Russian River Pinot Noir.  Lastly, the winter picnic…a thing of great beauty and deliciousness!  Bundle up with your honey and spread out a blanket if there is sunshine or head out to the coast, as long as you swing by Sonoma Market for Dungeness Crabs – the absolute gold standard of picnic fare! – on the way.  Why not throw in some oysters for the grill and possibly some homemade garlic bread for good measure?  Again, sparkling wine here is a no-brainer, but in the chilly air a red of any sort is cozy.

On the Menu. You know I love my bubbly and believe it pairs well with, well…just about everything.  If you’d like to learn this from a professional, first hand, check out Gloria Ferrer’s Flavor Palate & Sparkling Wines: An Appetizing Seminar held on Friday, October 15 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Hosted by Cindy Friedman, you’ll learn how to pair sparkling wine with a diverse range of flavors, while seeking it’s most delicious complement.  To reserve your space, call 933.1939 or visit gloriaferrer.com.  •  On Saturday, October 16 from noon to 4 p.m., be sure to visit Landmark Winery for their Annual Day on the Farm Harvest Party.  Oh sure, tons of fun stuff to do, from live music, vineyard tours and bocce, but I’d be first in line for Rosso Pizzeria’s to-die-for brick oven pizzas and super fresh, beautiful salads!  Contact Landmark for more information at 833.0226 or landmarkwine.com.  •  The Erik Lindquist Trio entertains folks at Lokal Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. with their fabulous jazz stylings.  Enjoy no cover or corkage along with Oktoberfest specials on food and drinks.  Also, coming soon to Lokal: a big video screen to watch the game, movies and more.  Call for details at 938.7373.  •  Another idea for Saturday night is the annual evening of revelry that is the Battle of the Bartenders, held at the Veteran’s Building.  Your $30 includes cocktails and nibbles from the twelve competing bars and restaurants and benefits the Native Sons of the Golden West and the American Legion.  Purchase tickets in advance at sonomabarbattle.com.  •  Schug Winery is hosting an Oktoberfest Harvest Celebration this Sunday, October 17 to celebrate their 30th Anniversary.  The party, which begins at 11 a.m., will be inspired by Walter Schug’s home region of Rheingau, Germany.  Enjoy German wine and fare while listening to polka music.  Tickets are $25.  Schug Winery, 939.9363 or schugwinery.com.

My Favorite Picnic Recipe:
Southern Pickled Shrimp
Recipe by Frank Stitt
Serves 15 to 20 as an hors d’oeuvre.

Ingredients
3 pounds boiled shrimp
2 medium onions, quartered and very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
14 bay leaves
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
4 dried hot chile peppers
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss thoroughly. Pack everything into a large glass jar, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to come together. Serve with toothpicks.